Interest on delayed VAT refunds: The “materiality” question

Section 45 of the Value-Added Tax Act makes provision for the payment of interest on delayed VAT refunds. In terms of section 45(1) of the Act, the South African Revenue Service (“SARS”) must, within 21 business days after the date on which the vendor’s return in respect of a tax period is received, refund the vendor. This is provided that the VAT return is complete and not defective in any material respect.  

The Tax Court recently considered the concept of “materiality” in such cases in the case of ABC Trading CC v the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (VAT case no 1712). SARS was liable to refund the vendor an amount of R71 229 183. ABC instituted legal proceedings against SARS in the Johannesburg High Court, applying for an order compelling SARS to pay the refund relating to the second period as well as interest on the outstanding capital refund amount. The interest component came to R3 570115. Judgement was granted in favour of ABC. 

However, SARS continued with an audit relating to the relevant VAT period and issued a finding that ABC failed to declare deemed output tax on the use of a motor vehicle by its member. The VAT amounted to R200.36 per month, for three months. Based on this deficiency, SARS tried to recall the interest refunded to the taxpayer. ABC objected and appealed SARS’s decision to recall the interest on the basis that the quantum of the output tax relating to fringe benefits (R601,09 in total) was “trifling and clearly immaterial”, and did not constitute “material incompleteness or defectiveness. 

The question before the court was whether ABC’s failure to declare the output tax on the fringe benefit rendered the returns that ABC had provided “incomplete or defective in any material respect” as provided for in section 45(1)(i) of the Act, and whether SARS’s decision to “write back” the interest by affecting an “adjustment” was justified. To put it differently: Were the jurisdictional factors, i.e. that ABC’s returns were “incomplete or defective in any material aspect”, present for SARS to invoke the provisions of section 45(1)(i)?  

The court found that section 45 is a pragmatic provision not concerned with principle but with materiality. It recognises the fact that vendors may render returns that are incomplete or defective. If it were a matter of principle, then any defective or incomplete return would carry the consequence of SARS not having to pay interest. However, the Legislature, in its wisdom, determined that expedience trumps principle insofar as the payment of interest by SARS is concerned. The court further noted that in relation to one another, the “defect” and the amount owed by SARS is immaterial and the attempt by SARS to rely on the fringe benefit errors is a transparent attempt for SARS to ex post facto wriggle out of its obligations vis-à-vis ABC.  

The important takeaway from the judgement is that SARS is liable for interest on delayed VAT refunds where there are no material deficiencies, and taxpayers should exercise their rights in this regard. 

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)

What should you consider when investing in a business

You have worked hard for many years, and have finally saved enough funds and mustered the courage to take the big leap that you have been dreaming about for such a long time… you are going to invest in your own business.

 

You have found the perfect business and is excited about your new journey, when you suddenly realise, however, that you have never been in this situation, and suddenly have no idea what to do next.

 

The first step

 

It is important to understand what you wish to gain out of your investment. Some people may solely invest in a business for financial gain, while for others it may be fulfilling a life-long dream, or to chase a very specific passion, such as having the opportunity to jump out of an airplane every single day through your newly acquired skydiving school, for instance.

 

Although motivation will differ for each person and will likely include a number of factors, it is important to understand what drives your decisions, in order to invest smartly.

 

Start with the end in mind

 

Once you understand the why behind your investment decision, it is a good principle to start with the end in mind. Ask yourself where do I want to be in the next three to five years (skydiving every day, the richest person in my street, having loads of free time, etc.) and how you will be able to leverage your business to get you there.

 

Good questions to ask might include –

  1. Is the business scalable (the ability to multiply a business model);
  2. Is the business labour/time intensive;
  3. Do you have adequate and necessary skills to manage the business;
  4. Are you aware of all the risks that you are assuming through investment;
  5. Is the price that you are willing to pay for the business substantiated and reasonable;
  6. Etc.

 

Practical considerations

 

In practical terms, there are a number of ways in which to invest in a business, primarily including acquisition of a going concern, as opposed to equity/members interest in an existing entity. It is also important to understand the advantages/disadvantages of the structure in which you choose to invest. You might decide to invest as a sole proprietor, through a company, a corporate structure or a trust (etc.) for instance.

 

The above considerations can have a major influence on a variety of factors, including statutory risk, tax consequences, contracting procedures, etc. and if the process is not approached correctly, it can cause many unnecessary headaches in the long-run.

 

Summary

 

Investing in a business, is no doubt always a very exciting prospect which, if approached correctly, can have a profoundly positive impact on a person’s life. It can be a precarious process, however, if not negotiated carefully.

 

It is therefore recommended to find a credible and experienced partner, to help guide you through the process, and even to further strategically aid and assist you post the investment.

 

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)