Pas de résumé / Doctorat en droit / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

In his 2012 Budget Review, the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan acknowledged that the introduction of the "new" Companies Act had given rise to certain anomalies in relation to tax and subsequently announced that the South African government would undertake to review the nature of company mergers, acquisitions and other restructurings with the view of possibly amending the Income Tax Act and/or the "new" Companies Act, to bring the two legislations in line with one another. These anomalies give rise to the present research. The literature reviewed in the present research revealed and identified the inconsistencies that exist between the "new" Companies Act, 71 of 2008 and the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, specifically the inconsistencies that exist in respect of the newly introduced amalgamation or merger provisions as set out in the "new" Companies Act. Moreover, this research was undertaken to identify the potential tax implications insofar as they relate to amalgamation transactions and, in particular, the potential tax implications where such transactions, because of the anomalies, fall outside the ambit section 44 of the Income Tax Act, which would in normal circumstances provide for tax "rollover relief". In this regard, the present research identified the possible income tax, capital gains tax, value-added tax, transfer duty tax and securities transfer tax affected by an amalgamation transaction, on the assumption that the "rollover relief" in section 44 of the Income Tax Act does not apply.

L.LM. (Corporate Law) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Bibliography: pages 133-135. / There is an administrative law relationship between the taxpayer and the Commissioner for Inland Revenue, (hereinafter referred to as 'the Commissioner') The basis of this relationship is that the Commissioner is required to collect tax and the taxpayer is required to pay the tax. In exercising his powers under the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), the Commissioner has been conferred with discretionary powers. In this thesis, this administrative law relationship is examined with specific reference to the means of regulating the exercise by the Commissioner of his discretionary powers. There are a number of ways in which the discretionary powers of the Commissioner may be regulated. Generally discretion may be regulated by 'rule based administrative action' (1). This means that discretionary power is exercised subject to internal rules which state how discretionary power must be exercised. Another method of regulating the exercise of discretionary power is subsumed under the category of 'adjudicative techniques of decision' (2). The essence of the latter category is that the affected person participates in the decision which affects him. The exercise of discretionary power may be regulated furthermore if the Minister who has responsibility for the Department is required to be responsible for and account publicly for the actions of his subordinate. In this thesis, examples of rule based administrative action and adjudicative techniques of decision are examined.

Taxpayers have traditionally assessed personal vulnerability to particular taxes through a study of past litigated cases. One of the premises of the study was that useful information concerning the enforcement of the accumulated earnings tax could be obtained through a statistical analysis of such cases.

This study investigates, identifies and provides flowchart summaries of the various forms of taxation in South Africa and to a lesser extent Greece affecting South African residents who own or have financed fixed property in Greece. These residents have to comply with the Income Tax and Estate Duty Acts in South Africa and the relevant taxation laws in Greece. An amnesty gave South Africans an opportunity to voluntarily declare their fixed properties and to regularise their foreign assets and tax affairs without the fear prosecution. The practical application of the various taxation provisions in both countries is extremely complex and often residents are not even aware that certain provisions apply to them. In addition there is the risk of paying nearly double the marginal rate of Income Tax and Estate Duty in South Africa and double taxation on donations. This study also provides suggestions and possible solutions to problems identified. / Taxation / M. Tech. (Taxation)

This study investigates, identifies and provides flowchart summaries of the various forms of taxation in South Africa and to a lesser extent Greece affecting South African residents who own or have financed fixed property in Greece. These residents have to comply with the Income Tax and Estate Duty Acts in South Africa and the relevant taxation laws in Greece. An amnesty gave South Africans an opportunity to voluntarily declare their fixed properties and to regularise their foreign assets and tax affairs without the fear prosecution. The practical application of the various taxation provisions in both countries is extremely complex and often residents are not even aware that certain provisions apply to them. In addition there is the risk of paying nearly double the marginal rate of Income Tax and Estate Duty in South Africa and double taxation on donations. This study also provides suggestions and possible solutions to problems identified. / Taxation / M. Tech. (Taxation)

Taxation statutes often provide opportunities for tax avoidance by taxpayers who exploit the provisions of the taxing statute to reduce the tax that they are legally required to pay. It is, however, important to distinguish between the concepts of tax avoidance and tax evasion. The central issue, especially where the contract has no business purpose, is whether it is possible for the substance and legal form of the transaction to differ to such an extent that a court of law will favour the substance rather than the legal format. The debate is whether the courts should be encouraged to continue with their "judge-made" law or whether the tax jurisdictions should be supporting a legislative route as opposed to a judicial one, in their efforts not only to combat tax avoidance but also to preserve taxpayer certainty. The question is whether the Doctrine of "Substance over Form" as applied by the judiciary is effective in combating tax avoidance, or whether a legislated general anti-avoidance provision is required. An intensive literature survey examines the changes which have occurred in the application of judicial tests from the 1930's to date and investigates the different approaches tax jurisdictions follow in order to combat tax avoidance. The effect of the introduction of anti-avoidance provisions in combating tax avoidance is evaluated by making a comparison between the United Kingdom and South Africa. [n the United Kingdom, the courts are relied on to create anti-tax avoidance rules, one of which is the Doctrine of "Substance over Form". The doctrine is very broad and identifies various applications of the doctrine, which have been developed by the courts. In South Africa, the Doctrine of "Substance over Form" has been applied in certain tax cases; however the South African Income Tax Act does include anti-tax avoidance sections aimed at specific tax avoidance schemes, as well as a general anti-tax avoidance measure enacted as section 103. The judicial tests have progressed and changed over time and the introduction of anti-avoidance legislation in the Income Tax Act has had an effect on tax planning opportunities. A distinction needs to be made between fraudulent and bona fide transactions while recognising the taxpayer's right to arrange his or her affairs in a manner which is beneficial to him or her from a tax perspective. Judicial activism and judicial legislation in the United Kingdom has created much uncertainty amongst taxpayers and as a result strongly supports the retention of a general anti-avoidance section within an Income Tax Act. A general anti-avoidance provision, following a legislative route, appears to be more consistent and effective in combating tax avoidance.

Mr Justice Corbett made a substantial contribution to the South African tax law as he delivered several judgements during his long career on the bench. Starting from the lower ranks as a judge he became Chief Justice of South Africa. Precedents set by his judgements are considered important and indicative of the level of South African tax law. This dissertation observes his background, looks at the operations of the tax court in South Africa and examines whether his judgements were cited and applied in subsequent cases as accepted precedent. International case law is referred to, to compare his judgements with comparable international tax law. / Auditing / M. Comm. (Accounting)

The genesis of the informal sector in Mozambique is similar to the way it emerged in many other countries in the world, starting mainly with small businesses performed by unemployed people, peasent families, street vendors among others as their self employment. The informal sector offers a striking illustration of the strengths and weakness of enterprises in Mozambique. A simple and transparent legal framework, properly enforced is indispensable for the long term success of the informal sector to turn to formal sector. Taxation is controversary in the informal sector. The existing tax system in Mozambique is distorced and naturally contribute to a host of economic and social problems. The needed for the reform of taxation system has been acknowledged for instance the recent implementation of VAT system in Mozambique still on process of implementation. Taxes generated by the informal sector could contribute to the budget of the State. / Mercantile Law / LL.M.