Budget 2023
Share

Budget could tackle foreign tax avoiders

Johannesburg - Amid recent debates around multinational enterprises such as Google avoiding paying tax in South Africa, it is widely expected that some changes to combat so-called base erosion and profit shifting (Beps) will be made to the South African tax system in Budget 2014, said Barry Ger of KPMG.

Beps refers to tax planning strategies, primarily by multinational enterprises (MNEs).

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a highly influential global body, which directs economic policy among the world’s wealthiest nations, announced an initiative to combat Beps.  

South African tax policy is influenced by this initiative.

Late last year, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan placed on record his view that South Africa and Africa as a whole are negatively affected by base erosion behaviour by MNEs, said Ger.

The Davis Tax Committee, which is currently examining whether South Africa’s tax system supports its economic objectives and policies, has, as one of its terms of reference, highlighted the need to address concerns relating to Beps.

MNEs supposedly exploit loopholes in tax rules in order to shift profits to jurisdictions where there is allegedly little real activity, but taxes are low.

This results in low overall corporate taxes being paid.

"Although such strategies are not generally illegal, the OECD claims that Beps distorts competition. It gives MNEs an advantage over local operations," said Ger.

The OECD also claims that this behaviour results in economic inefficiency as investment decisions are made for tax (as opposed to commercial) reasons.

It claims it undermines voluntary compliance, as “ordinary” taxpayers will see this advantage given to MNEs as being unfair, said Ger.

Beps action plan

In July 2013, the OECD issued its Beps action plan, setting out 15 actions to be taken by member states to combat Beps.

The OECD plans to issue reports in the latter half of 2014 and in 2015, outlining detailed recommendations for the implementation of these actions.

While South Africa is not a member state of the OECD, it informally follows its guidelines and actively participates in its initiatives.

One certain change relates to the digital economy.

Goods and services are now traded freely over the internet, a business mechanism that was not foreseen when existing international tax rules were originally instituted.

Ger said the OECD Beps Action Plan urges member states to address the tax avoidance opportunities that e-commerce affords MNEs and it is highly likely that South Africa will follow their lead.

"Already, in recent South African tax legislation, there have been moves to compel foreign enterprises supplying digital goods and services to South African residents to register as vendors for Valued Added Tax (VAT) purposes."

In the 2014 budget more such measures can be expected, as well as new laws to define the circumstances under which such international businesses create presence in South Africa for income tax purposes, .

This may take the form of new place of supply rules and a review of South African source rules for income tax purposes.  

Other changes related to Beps are far less certain.

The Beps Action Plan recommends that OECD member states should limit tax erosion through interest deductions and other financial payments.

However, South Africa has already introduced a host of legislation that provides for such limitations, so it is unclear whether more will be introduced in the 2014 budget, Ger said.

He said it may be prudent for South African tax authorities to wait for direction from the OECD before making unilateral changes to SA law, which may dissuade investment from MNEs.

"Even if there are no immediate changes as a result of Beps in the 2014 budget, it can be expected that it will play some part in shaping South African tax policies in years to come. "


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders