Overview

This webinar provided a strategic deep dive into the financial mechanics of Value Added Tax (VAT) beyond its basic theoretical application. While often dismissed as a "flow-through" tax for registered vendors, the actual timing of VAT payments and claims had a significant impact on an organization’s liquidity.

The session focused on transforming VAT from a passive compliance requirement into an active cash-flow management tool. Participants learned how to navigate the complexities of output and input tax timing to optimize their cash positions and ensure the South African Revenue Service (SARS) fulfilled its obligations regarding interest on delayed refunds.

Webinar Content

The course was structured to follow the lifecycle of a VAT transaction, moving from daily management to dispute resolution regarding refunds.

• Introduction: Set the stage for VAT as a strategic cash-flow component.
• Managing Cash Flows – Output Tax: Explored strategies for managing the timing of VAT collections and payments to the authorities.
• Managing Cash Flows – Input Tax: Identified the earliest possible windows to claim input tax to keep cash within the business.
• VAT Refunds: Provided a guide to navigating the administrative process of claiming excess input tax.
• Interest on Delayed Refunds: Covered legal frameworks and practical steps to ensure interest was paid when the revenue service exceeded prescribed timeframes.

Competencies Developed

The webinar was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical tax knowledge and practical financial leadership.

Technical Competencies

• Cash Flow Impact Analysis: Participants grasped how VAT cycles directly affected organizational working capital.
• Regulatory Timing: Attendees mastered the specific "tax period" rules for accounting for output tax and claiming input tax.
• Refund Frameworks: Developed a deep understanding of the statutory requirements and timelines governing VAT refunds.
• Interest Entitlement: Gained knowledge of the legislative triggers that mandated interest payments on delayed government refunds.

Operational Competencies

• Refund Application: Developed the practical ability to execute and manage the VAT refund process.
• Claiming Interest: Gained proficiency in the administrative processes required to apply for and secure interest on delayed refunds, ensuring no value was lost to the organization.

Presenter

Christo Theron

(CA(SA) H Dip Tax (Wits) M Com Tax (UP)

Christo is a recognised specialist in the field of indirect taxes. As a technical expert, he is responsible for overseeing the quality of all VAT as well as Customs and Excise opinions issued by TradeTaxPlus.

He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation from the University of Pretoria.

Christo serves as the chairperson of the SAICA VAT Committee and presents most of SAICA’s VAT seminars. He previously presented all VAT seminars for LexisNexis.

He has been involved in UNISA’s Advanced Course in VAT for many years, contributing significantly to developing the programme into one of South Africa’s leading educational tools. He continues to present the course.

CPD

Attending this webinar and the successful completion of the online assessment will secure a certificate of completion for 1 hours of Tax CPD.

Event Investment

Free for Tax Technican, Tax Practitioner, Tax Accountant CPD subscribers and Practice Packages. Not a CPD subscriber yet? Click here to register now.

• Regular price: R230.00
• Group booking discounts available when you register for a group.

Payments & Cancellations

• All payments must be made by EFT or by credit card, at least 3 working days before commencement of an event.
• Kindly note that should payment not be received 2 days after the event, legal action will be taken
• Proof of payment will be requested at registration, if payment does not reflect on Tax Faculty's bank account.
• Cancellations:
  • Only written notice of cancellation will be recognized.
  • If the cancellation occurs more than 4 working days prior to the event no cancellation fee will be charged.
  • If the cancellation occurs less than 4 working days prior to the event a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
• Delegates who book and fail to attend will be liable for the full event fee.
• Tax Faculty`s liability in the case of an event being cancelled will be limited to a refund or credit of the event fee.
• Please click here for the full terms and conditions.