Top-rate taxpayers need to watch out for Section 20A
Section 20 of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 deals with the set-off of losses from a trade against other income. In general, such set-off is allowed (see sub-paragraph (1)(b)), provided that the loss is incurred in the taxpayer’s own name (i.e. not in a company, CC, or trust). The loss must also have been incurred with-in the Republic of South Africa to qualify for set-off.
The claiming of losses is subject to the provisions of Section 20A, the ring-fencing provisions. This Section however only applies to taxpayers whose taxable income (before the setting-off of the loss) falls within the top bracket at which the marginal rate reaches its maximum (currently 45% at a taxable income of R1 731 601 per annum).
If a loss was incurred in a previous year, an individual taxpayer may be able to carry forward such loss even if no income was earned during the year of assessment.
This is in contrast with the rules applicable to corporate taxpayers, whereby there is a requirement for the taxpayer to carry on a trade (even if such trade resulted in a further loss) for the assessed loss to be carried forward. If a corporate taxpayer does not continue to carry on any trade, the assessed loss brought forward from previous years is forfeited.
Definitions:
Assessed loss
An assessed loss arises when the deductions provided for under Sections 11 to 19 of the Income Tax Act exceed the income against which such deductions are entitled to be claimed.
Ring-fencing
This is the practice whereby an assessed loss from one trade may not be set off against the taxable income from another trade. Under Section 20A, such losses may be carried forward, and provided that taxable income is derived from the same trade in a future year, the loss can be set off against such income (but not against any other income).
The Section applies only to individual taxpayers on the maximum marginal rate of tax, and also applies only to losses incurred from specific trades, which are:
Trade
The term ‘trade’ refers to any active income-generating venture, interpreted in a fairly wide sense.
In terms of Section 1, a trade includes “every profession, trade, business, employment, calling, occupation, or venture, including the letting of any property and the use of or the grant of permission to use any patent as defined in the Patents Act 57 of 1978, or any design as defined in the Designs Act 195 of 1993, or any trade mark as defined in the Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993, or any copyright as defined in the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, or any other property which is of a similar nature”.
Although the earning of interest income is not specifically included in the definition of ‘trade’, the courts have held that earning interest does in fact constitute a trade, and any expenses incurred directly in the production of the taxable portion of such interest income would qualify for deduction against such income.
For example, if you manage to borrow money at 4% and invest it at 8% (ignoring the interest exemption for individuals), the interest paid can be claimed as a deduction against the interest earned.
WRITTEN BY STEVEN JONES
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as 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)
Professional experience:
IC Marais is a certified CA (SA) with public sector and private sector technical knowledge based on 5 years’ Public Sector accounting, auditing and financial management experience and 5 years audit, tax and accounting experience. Detailed knowledge of private and public sector accounting and auditing standards (GRAP, IPSAS, IFRS, IAS, ISA) and public sector financial legislation (MFMA, etc.)
He enjoys the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Professional experience:
Professional experience:
Professional experience:
Lucha started her career as a tax inspector at the Inland Revenue Department of New Zealand. After this she worked in commerce in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
On her return to South Africa, she completed her CA training contract with us and has been with Newtons ever since. She became a Partner in 2012.
Apart from her CA(SA) qualification she also holds a postgraduate certificate in Advanced Taxation (2005) and has the overall responsibility for training as our Training Officer.