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"Temporary expat" liable for South African tax?

Posted 25 March 2014

I left South Africa in Feb 2013. I started a limited company in the UK in April 2013. Myself and my wife are shareholders of the limited company, we're paid a salary and declare dividends.We're now moving to Germany, I have 2 homes in South Africa... one of which is currently under offer. The other is occupied by a caretaker.I understand that I need to submit a "nil tax return" this year and for any other years that I'm out of the country, but am I liable for any taxation when I return to South Africa?

TaxTim TaxTim says:
26 March 2014 at 11:12

You would only be liable for the tax you earn from South African sources, that is to say rental income or dividends or interest received from persons, companies or institutions in SA. Otherwise you would submit nil returns.

Your income in other countries is not subject to tax in SA due to some exemptions applying as you will be out of SA for linger than 183 days of the year.

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