The Value Added Tax (VAT) Act prescribes a special scheme for charging VAT on supplies of second-hand goods. These include a variety of tangible items, such as cars, machinery, office equipment, furniture and other goods that are fit for future use in the same form with no modification or after repairs and that are not works of art, collectors’ items or antiques. A taxable person selling second-hand goods will normally charge VAT on the full price. However, certain supplies of second-hand goods can be exempt from VAT or taxable under a special scheme on the difference between the acquisition cost and the selling price (a margin scheme for second-hand goods as per section 138 of the VAT Act). This article explores what conditions have to be met before section 138 can be applied and when an exemption is available.

From 1 July 2023 entities and individuals wishing to provide accounting services are required to hold an external accountant licence from the State Revenue Service (SRS).

Companies are sometimes unsure whether a transaction affecting them qualifies as the transfer of a business as a going concern (TOGC). This is a crucial question in identifying a number of potential risks, including VAT liabilities. If a TOGC has occurred, the transaction is not subject to VAT if the acquirer is registered for VAT and continues a business that does not involve asset stripping or liquidating the company.