M. Comm. / It is becoming extremely difficult to ignore the Internet. Globally people are using the Internet to initiate a variety of transactions. These transactions range from the buying and selling of physical goods to the buying and selling of services. Internet traffic is increasing daily and this suggests that electronic commerce revenues will grow at an alarming rate. Electronic commerce has exploded world-wide, and South Africa is no exception. Internet based business-to-business transactions are growing and are expected to become a major market factor. The continuous development and growth of the Internet is attracting business to bring their goods and services to a global marketplace. Public and private international communication systems open up opportunities for new forms of commercial activities. Electronic commerce has developed rapidly because companies have seen the way in which computerisation, and in particular the Internet, can accelerate business procedures. The Internet is allowing traditional businesses to expand the geographic boundaries in which their products are marketed and is also generating new businesses and ways of doing business. This results in new electronic products and delivery mediums. In a rapidly growing marketplace, national borders are becoming meaningless to the distribution or sale of a company's product or service. These changes in business provide a challenge to tax legislators and advisors. It is no longer easy in many instances to determine whether a company is providing products, the use of intangibles, or services. The development of these new products and services poses a host of issues when applying current taxation laws designed to deal with traditional businesses manufacturing physical goods.

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The current international tax regime was conceived at the beginning of the 20th Century and the rules have remained relatively unchanged since then. The operational rules of the international tax regime were designed for an economic era in which major international commercial enterprises were confined within a physical paradigm, and they had succeeded in achieving an acceptable and practical allocation of tax revenue that was being generated from international commerce. As commerce sunders itself from its physical boundaries, the traditional international tax rules that are confined within a physical paradigm fail to provide an adequate solution to the tax issues raised by EC business activities. / The challenges raised by EC business activities have been recognized by many governments and the OECD, and the OECD has tried to resolve these issues by modifying the traditional rules. The aim of this thesis is to analyse whether the professed modifications of the traditional rules could provide an adequate solution to the challenges raise by EC business activities, as well as to determine whether it is possible to develop and implement a new set of operation rules, premised on the implicit justifications of the existing operational rules, for the taxation of multinational corporations conducting EC business activities. The thesis does not intend to provide an ultimate solution, but it tries to consider an alternative approach that could be applicable for the taxation of EC business activities, and to contribute to the debate, assuming that national governments intend to tax corporations.

Rapid advancements in communications technology and the development of the Internet into a global 'network of networks' are said to be drivers of the 'new economy'. The access to these networks have stimulated the emergence of 'cyber business' and 'electronic commerce'. In the world of cyberspace, this 'new economy' represents a channel, rich in information, choices, opportunities, entertainment, knowledge, and commerce. It has changed the manner in which society works and interacts, whilst embracing the commercial sphere. The 'net' may be seen as an instantaneously accessible global shopping mall. Thus, there is a need to understand the problems associated with this new technology. As e-commerce continues to boom, globalisation presents new challenges to governments around the world, tax policymakers and administrators with regard to the application of existing tax norms. Whether or not the Internet continues to be a driving force behind the economy depends upon the policies, regulations, and taxes imposed on this new medium. The fact that the existing tax laws were developed to deal with the trading of physical goods or the provision of services to clearly identifiable persons, and not with the border less, faceless nature of electronic commerce, tax authorities must reach an international consensus and clarity on which taxing jurisdiction may collect taxes, when businesses and individuals are transacting online. Characterisation of income is important because national and international income tax rules assign different categories of income to different jurisdictions. The concept of 'permanent establishment' is based on a physical presence, which may be more difficult to apply with the modern communication systems. Due to the increasing rate at which multinationals share central services and business development activities, the transfer pricing issue is one of determining an appropriate price or value of transactions undertaken between related parties. These issues need to be examined by, among others, the OECD. It has yet to reach definite conclusions, but drafts of its working papers, made pUblic, suggest a chief focus of the GEeD work will be to clarify transactions in cyberspace. This thesis critically examines the ability of the existing tax legislation, within the context of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, to the challenges posed by trading on the Internet. An examination of the impact of tax principles on e-commerce is prefaced by an analysis of international response to this subject. The basic structure of the Internet, e-commerce and its functioning is examined. These daunting challenges and the controversial sets of issues are powerfully documented in this thesis, up to and including the enactment of the Taxation Laws Amendment Act 30 of 2002, which took effect on 13 December 2002. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The aim of this dissertation is to provide a detailed analysis of the impact electronic-commerce (e-commerce) is having upon the tax base and revenue collection of Value-Added Tax (VAT) in South Africa. This dissertation commences with a chapter that sets out the model for the treatment of VAT in an e-commerce environment. Three chapters follow this, recording how South Africa legislates for VAT, how traditional (offline) and e-commerce (online) transactions are conducted. This is followed by a chapter that makes a comparison between online and offline commerce, identifying the differences and difficulties between the two forms. Leading from this comparison is a chapter that makes suggested recommendations to overcome the identified VAT administrative difficulties. The final chapter records how the three parties, namely, governments, commerce and consumers can work together, if the freedom afforded by e-commerce is allowed to continue. The analysis shows that if certain recommendations are implemented, then the negative impact of e-commerce on the tax base and revenue collection of VAT in South Africa can be reduced. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This thesis discusses jurisdiction to tax cross-border digital commerce. The primary objective is to consider the reasons for the erosion of jurisdictional links, or nexus, between countries and taxpayers' digital activities and evaluate possible solutions for addressing such nexus erosion. Whilst it is argued that digital commerce is impossible to ring-fence due to digital technologies transcending all industries, the main focus of this research is on automated business models as case studies for the broader tax issues applicable across the entire digital economy. Using cloud computing, online advertising and e-tailing models as examples of digital commerce in the narrow sense, this thesis demonstrates that the proxies for establishing jurisdictional nexus have become increasingly fluid, thereby challenging the traditional international tax regimes for profits and consumption taxation. Numerous policy solutions have been proposed in order to rectify nexus erosion, including global and territorial tax models. Unlike the previous research in this area, this thesis focuses on the nexus elements of such proposals and assesses their viability in the light of the wider Internet governance jurisprudence. Global tax solutions, such as global e-commerce taxes and formulary apportionment, are analysed in the context of the international governance regime for the technical Internet infrastructure. Territorial virtual tax solutions, such as virtual permanent establishments, withholding taxes and destination cash flow taxes, are considered in the light of the Internet jurisprudence on the 'effects' and 'targeting' nexus standards. It is argued that, given the lack of technical and political infrastructure, none of the proposed routes would be viable from a practical perspective in the near future. It is concluded, therefore, that a practical solution would involve retaining the traditional profits and consumption tax models, whilst testing a narrow version of the digital targeting nexus standard as a backstop anti-abuse measure. It is envisaged that the limited anti-avoidance provision would subsequently pave the way for a comprehensive long-term solution, as digitisation continues to transform global commerce.

The continued growth of world commerce has led to the advance of the permanent establishment principles. These principles are, however, constantly challenged by the developments of e-commerce. This thesis considers the taxing of a permanent establishment and the influence of e-commerce on the concept of a permanent establishment. In 2000, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) developed and introduced guidelines on how to deal with e-commerce in the context of a permanent establishment. Since the OECD guidelines on e-commerce were issued, the permanent establishment principles have come under further scrutiny. The latest development came about in 2013 with the release of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) Action Plan. This Action Plan addresses the intention of the OECD to deal with the taxing of the digital economy. With the development of e-commerce and the result of e-commerce creating intangible boundaries between countries, the concept of a virtual permanent establishment has emerged. This has resulted in the need to tax a presence of an enterprise in a jurisdiction where no actual physical connection can be established. Various authors have made suggestions on how to ensure that an economy in which business is being carried on is correctly compensated for in the form of taxes. The source of income is the driving force for the imposition of taxation today. The main goal of this thesis was to explore the alignment of the concepts of a permanent establishment and e-commerce in the digital economy. This study therefore examined the concepts of both permanent establishments and e-commerce, and explored authors’ views and suggestions on how to deal with the inter-related effects of these two concepts. The relevant Action Points in the OECD Action Plan were also considered. / Maiden name: Venter, Michelle

This study analyses the nature and implementation of electronic commerce in order to identify possible problems for taxation and pinpoint those problems which may be relevant to South Africa. Solutions suggested by certain countries and institutions are evaluated for possible implementation in South Africa. The study suggests that although current taxation legislation in South Africa is apP'icable to electronic commerce transactions it is not sufficient to cater effectively for this type of business. The conclusion reached Is that international co-operation is essential in finding solutions. A number of recommendations are made regarding aspects of South African taxation legislation which need to be clarified through policy decisions. Title of / Taxation / M.Comm.

This study analyses the nature and implementation of electronic commerce in order to identify possible problems for taxation and pinpoint those problems which may be relevant to South Africa. Solutions suggested by certain countries and institutions are evaluated for possible implementation in South Africa. The study suggests that although current taxation legislation in South Africa is apP'icable to electronic commerce transactions it is not sufficient to cater effectively for this type of business. The conclusion reached Is that international co-operation is essential in finding solutions. A number of recommendations are made regarding aspects of South African taxation legislation which need to be clarified through policy decisions. Title of / Taxation / M.Comm.

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 1999. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: lt is internationally accepted that Internet is the trade route of the future. Although Internet trading is still in its infancy the effect of Internet on taxation needs to be adressed. Internet defies geographic borders and leads to the questioning of the principles underlying income tax. Income tax principles are traditionally based on the existence of some form of physical presence (either residency, source of income or that of a permanent establishment) in a jurisdiction before tax can be levied. The fact that Internet can provide substantial economic activity in a jurisdiction without any physical presence, requires interpretation of and/or amendments to the traditional income tax principles. The South African income tax principles are based on the source of income. In this study the impact of Internet on the applicability of the traditional source rules, in terms of the South African Income Tax Act, no. 58 of 1962, was investigated. The study first outlines the principles and methodology laid down by South African courts in determining the source of income. These principles and methodology are then tested in an Internet environment. lt is concluded that Internet requires a reinterpretation of certain of the traditional principles, i.e.: • The fact that a dominant source rule is applied. • The classification of products and services with a digitalised content within the existing principles. • The finding of a physical location when transactions are concluded in cyberspace. • The applicability of certain deemed source rules, i.e. section 9(1 )(a), 9(1)(d), 9(1)(dbis) and certain aspects of section 9(1)(b), in an Internet environment. In obtaining a sollution for South Africa the international initiatives regarding Internet and taxation, under the guidance of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs of the Organisation for Enonomic Co-operation and Development (OECD), were taken into account. The first alternative to the traditional South African source rules that was investigated was the permanent establishment principle, as recommended by the Katz Commission in their Fifth Interim Report. Other alternatives to the permanent establishment principle were also investigated, i.e. the residence principle, formal requirements and an Internet tax. The interim solution for South Africa seems to be the acceptance of the permanent establishment principle. This principle needs interpretation and/or amendment due to the effect of Internet. In this study amendments to the permanent establishment principle are suggested in order to provide the necessary clarity in the Internet environment. A closing remark is made that Internet might well change income tax as we know it today. Internet has the ability to simplify tax systems. None of the income tax alternatives provide simple tax solutions. The tax of the future seems to be some form of indirect tax. Internet is an international medium and addresses international tax issues. South Africa will, by accepting the permanent establishment principle, be in a position to join the co-ordinated efforts towards solving the Internet related tax problems while aiming to protect our tax base. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Internet word internasionaal as die handelsroete van die toekoms beskou. Alhoewel lnternethandel nog in sy kinderskoene is, moet die invloed van Internet op belasting aangespreek word. lnternethandel misken geografiese grense en lei tot die bevraagtekening van die beginsels waarop inkomstebelasting gebaseer is. lnkomstebelastingbeginsels berus tradisioneel op die bestaan van 'n vorm van fisiese teenwoordigheid in 'n jurisdiksie (hetsy verblyf, bron van inkomste of die bestaan van 'n permanentesaak) alvorens belasting gehef kan word. Die feit dat Internet wesenlike ekonomiese aktiwiteite in 'n jurisdiksie kan bewerkstellig sonder dat daar enige fisiese teenwoordigheid is, noodsaak die herinterpretasie van en/of aanpassings aan die tradisionele inkomstebelastingbeginsels. Die Suid-Afrikaanse inkomstebelastingbeginsels berus op die bron van inkomste. In hierdie studie is die invloed van Internet op die toepaslikheid van die tradisionele bronreels, in terme van die lnkomstebelastingwet, no. 58 van 1962, ondersoek. In die studie is die beginsels en reels wat deur die Suid-Afrikaanse howe neergele word by die vasstelling van die bron van inkomste eerstens ontleed. Daarna is die beginsels en reels in die lnternetomgewing getoets. Die afleiding word gemaak dat Internet die herinterpretasie van sekere van die tradisionele beginsels en reels verg, naamlik: • Die feit dat 'n dominante bronreel toegepas word. • Die klassifisering van produkte en dienste met 'n digitale inhoud binne die tradisionele beginsels. • Die vasstelling van 'n fisiese plek indien transaksies in die kuberruimte plaasvind. • Die toepaslikheid van sekere geagtebronreels, naamlik artikel 9(1 )(a), 9(1)(d), 9(1)(dbis) en sekere aspekte van artikel 9(1)(b), in die I nternetomgewing. In die soeke na 'n oplossing vir Suid-Afrika is die internasionale inisiatiewe rondom Internet en belasting, onder leiding van die Fiskale Komitee van die Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in ag geneem. Die eerste alternatief op die tradisionele Suid-Afrikaanse bronreels wat ondersoek is, is die permanantesaak-beginsel, soos voorgestel deur die Katzkommissie in die Vyfde Verslag. Ander alternatiewe wat ook ondersoek is, is die verblyfbeginsel, formele handelinge en 'n lnternetbelasting. Die oplossing vir die hede vir Suid-Afrika blyk die aanvaarding van die permanantesaak-beginsel te wees. Hierdie beginsel verg herinterpretasie en/of aanpassings weens die invloed van Internet. In hierdie studie word aanpassings aan die permanentesaak-beginsel voorgestel ten einde die nodige duidelikheid binne die lnternetomgewing te verskaf. Ter afsluiting word vermeld dat Internet weliswaar die einde mag aandui vir inkomstebelastingstelsels wereldwyd. Internet besit die vermoe om belasting te vereenvoudig. Die inkomstebelasting alternatiewe wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is het nie eenvoudige oplossings gebied nie. Die belasting van die toekoms blyk 'n vorm van indirekte belasting te wees. Internet is 'n internasionale medium en spreek internasionale belastingkwessies aan. Die aanvaarding van die permanentesaak-beginsel sal SuidAfrika in 'n goeie posisie plaas om aan die internasionale inisiatiewe rondom Internet en belasting deel te neem en om terselfdertyd ons belastingbasis te beskerm.