BDO South Africa

The Baseline Civil Contractors case shows that if you get your tax position wrong at the start, you may not be able to fix it later.​
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Once you’ve challenged a tax assessment, you can’t later change your argument to focus on a completely different issue. As Seelan Muthayan, Head of Indirect Tax at BDO, explains, missing key points during the objection stage can limit what can be addressed later.​
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Getting your position right early matters. If not, you could lose the chance to correct it, even if you realise the mistake.​
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At BDO, we help businesses elevate their approach to tax from the start, increasing their chances of a successful outcome.​
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Read more about the court case and what it means: https://bit.ly/4wgmpMP​
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The diesel refund is now at 100% for certain activities in farming, forestry and mining from April 2026.​
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This gives businesses the chance to recover more, but it comes with strict requirements. It’s important to make sure your documentation is complete and up to date.​
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Claims must be supported by accurate records, says Kagiso Nonyane, Senior Manager: Indirect Tax at BDO.​
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At BDO, we help businesses elevate how they manage their claims, with the right processes and checks in place.​
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Find out what this means for your business and what to consider: https://bit.ly/4uezLqZ​
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The difference in profitability between mid-tier banks is becoming more noticeable.​
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Changes in interest rates, funding costs and how banks earn income are shaping performance across the sector. Some are adapting quickly, while others are feeling the pressure.​
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This is starting to influence how banks compete, where they focus and how they grow.​
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Our latest mid-tier banking report unpacks what’s working, what’s not and what’s changing. Read the full report: https://indd.adobe.com/view/130dd077-2320-42b9-ac67-4430f8e8effd​
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A culture of curiosity drives growth. In a world shaped by rapid technological change and increasing complexity, it is no longer a nice to have. It is a strategic imperative. ​

Curiosity fuels innovation, sharpens thinking and strengthens decision-making. But it cannot thrive in isolation. It requires psychological safety, an environment where questions are encouraged, ideas are respected and learning from mistakes is part of how we grow. ​

When we create that space, we elevate potential across our teams. ​

Our 2026 International Women’s Day report explores why curiosity matters and how it contributes to stronger, more inclusive leadership. ​

Read more here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/321510920/ ​

The recent Budget Speech brought few changes to corporate tax. ​
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For many businesses, that stability is welcome. It creates more certainty when planning, investing and managing cash flow. ​
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But tax still affects everyday decisions. It should not only be something organisations think about at the end of the year. ​
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At BDO, we help organisations elevate how they approach tax so it supports better planning and everyday decision-making. ​
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Our Tax Guide breaks down the key announcements from the Budget Speech and what they may mean for your organisation. ​
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Explore the guide here: https://bdotaxapp.bdo.co.za/docs/2025/mobile/index.html ​
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The real tax risk this season is getting too comfortable. Filing season may still be a few months away, but now is the right time to check that tax processes and data are still in order. ​
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SARS now uses more automated and data-driven checks. Information is reviewed earlier and more closely, leaving less room for mistakes. Past compliance does not always guarantee the same outcome this year. ​
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At BDO, we help organisations elevate how they approach tax so they are ready before filing deadlines arrive. ​
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Explore BDO’s tax services: https://www.bdo.co.za/en-za/services/tax ​
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Many compliant businesses are being caught by provisional tax penalties. ​
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In many cases, the problem is not tax behaviour. It is how income is estimated during the year, starting with the mid-year provisional tax estimate. ​
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If estimates are too low, the gap between provisional tax payments and the final results can trigger penalties. ​
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This means provisional tax is no longer just a compliance task. It requires better planning and regular review during the year. ​
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At BDO, we help organisations elevate how provisional tax is planned so estimates are stronger and surprises are reduced later on. ​
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Learn more about BDO’s tax services: https://www.bdo.co.za/en-za/services/tax ​
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Service delivery is under the spotlight. ​
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Public institutions are under pressure to show real results. People want services that work and public money that is used well. ​
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At BDO, we help public institutions elevate delivery by improving accountability and helping ensure public funds are used well. ​

Learn more about how BDO supports the public sector in South Africa: https://www.bdo.co.za/en-za/industries/public-sector ​
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At BDO, we deliberately invest in building a culture of learning, one that encourages innovation, continuous development and, above all, a genuine growth mindset. ​
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As Justine Bennett, Senior Manager: Learning & Development at BDO’s Global Office, puts it: “The future belongs to the learners. Modern learning should be engaging, inspiring and accessible. People should feel curious and empowered to seek out what they need when they need it.” ​
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When we invest in learning, we do more than transfer knowledge. We elevate capability. We strengthen leadership. We multiply impact across our firm. ​
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Discover why investing in learning and development is intentional multiplication: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/321510920/ ​
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VAT delays are no longer just an inconvenience. They can affect cash flow. ​
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As SARS strengthens its checks, even small data errors can delay VAT refunds and leave cash tied up for longer than expected. ​
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For many businesses, this affects cash flow and makes planning harder. ​
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At BDO, we help businesses elevate how they manage VAT so cash flow stays steady and the business can keep moving forward. ​
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If VAT refunds or cash timing are becoming harder to manage, speak to our tax specialists: https://www.bdo.co.za/en-za/services/tax ​
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