Course overview
Tax legislation and application is complex and can cause confusion, resulting in costly errors and penalties for taxpayers. Tax practitioners have an obligation to society and to their clients to ensure sound tax compliance.
This short learning programme (SLP) is built upon practical simulations, ensuring the learning environment simulates reality in tax practice. This is the first semester of the Professional Certificate in Taxation and can be taken as a standalone semester.
The skills gained in this module will ensure that theoretical knowledge can be practically applied in the completion and submission of tax returns without errors namely ITR12, IRP6, EMP501 and EMP201 returns.
Mode of delivery
Online learning with flexible weekly study plans.
Effort and duration
Duration: Six months.
Weekly effort: Five to seven hours a week.
What you will learn in this course
The following modules include both the knowledge and practical skills in order to master the subject:
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General tax fundamentals:
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Income.
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Deductions.
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Ethics (tax avoidance vs tax evasion).
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e-Filing.
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Personal taxation:
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Capital gains tax.
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Prepaid tax.
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Donations tax.
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Employment payroll taxation:
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Salaried employees – fringe benefits.
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Salaried employees – allowances.
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Practical payroll.
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This course is for you if:
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You want to gain the required practical and technical skills to complete individual tax returns and payroll returns.
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You would like to progress to obtain the full Professional Certificate in Taxation.
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You want a SLP certificate in taxation that will earn you the recognition that you deserve.
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You want a tax refresher course.
Admission requirements
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A national senior certificate or equivalent NQF 4 qualification, with a minimum of 40% in English, Maths or Maths Literacy and one other academic subject.
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A sufficient level of mathematical and computer literacy skills to be able to participate in the learning programme.
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English communication skills.
Outcomes
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Gather and use information from a range of sources and communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently, using conventions and computerised tools appropriate to the business context of the professional tax practitioner.
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of the legal framework and context applicable in South Africa and its impact on taxpayers and tax practitioners, as well the legal and ethical requirements relevant to the tax profession.
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Apply an informed understanding of the core areas of personal income tax and employee tax including the key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules, and theories of the tax profession.
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Compute, complete and review routine tax returns related to personal income tax and payroll within the prescribed regulations, based on relevant evidence and accounting procedures.
Learning Methodology
The Tax Faculty’s inductive learning approach transforms tax education — shifting from passive content absorption to active discovery. Students take the lead by researching, analysing, and applying tax concepts before receiving formal content. This method builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and long-term understanding — empowering students to excel professionally.
What to Expect:
- Weekly Pre-Quizzes: Test your initial knowledge and prep for deeper learning.
- Weekly Discussion Forums: Engage in case-based scenarios, applying tax principles to real-world challenges.
- Live Weekly Sessions: Learn from expert tax professionals who unpack complex legislation and practical insights.
- Post-Quizzes: Reinforce understanding and track your progress.
- Ongoing Support: Lecturers provide continuous guidance and feedback throughout your journey.
- Structured and Engaging Weekly Commitment: This isn’t a self-paced course. It’s a structured, interactive experience designed to keep you engaged, thinking critically, and applying tax knowledge every week.
Join us and experience a modern learning approach that bridges tax theory with practical expertise — preparing you to thrive in the evolving world of taxation.
Accreditation
This course is presented as a short learning programme (SLP) by The Tax Faculty (TTF). TTF is recognised as a continuous professional development (CPD) provider by controlling bodies accredited in terms of the Tax Administration Act, 2011 (Act No 28 of 2011), and holds accreditation with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations as a skills development partner (SDP) under the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No 97 of 1998).
Assessment and award of certificate
Learners are assessed via a number of formative and summative assessments. Successful learners will receive a SLP certificate issued by The Tax Faculty. This SLP certificate is non-credit bearing, however, successful learners articulating into the Occupational Certificate: Tax Technician (NQF 6) programme through The Tax Faculty, will obtain a statement of results towards the NQF 6 qualification. In addition, this just-in-time learning programme also qualifies for verifiable CPD.
Student support and online campus
The academic and practical skills component of the qualification is delivered on The Tax Faculty's online Tax Campus.
This will be your virtual campus for the duration of the programme. The course is presented as micro-learning videos, study guides, practice quizzes, discussion forums, practical case studies, assignment briefs and guided presentations on how to master case studies and assignments. Academic lecturers are available on the Q&A portal as they would be in a classroom.
At the beginning of each semester, you'll be presented with the course content plan, a study plan and important assignment dates which are set out at manageable deadlines. This will help you study at your own pace.
In addition, you will be allocated a course consultant who will help you navigate the online campus, support you with your weekly participation and deadlines, and will be able to answer any administrative queries you may have.
Course Fees
Payment option 1: Once-off payment
R13 950.00.
Payment option 2: Debit order
Application fee (non-refundable): R450.00.
Six instalments: R2 450.00 per month.
Total: R15 150.00.
* First debit order will be collected on course start date. Remaining debit orders will be collected on the first working day of each month.
The following costs are excluded:
- Repeat fees.
- Supplementary exams.
- Textbooks.
Payments and Cancellations
- All required minimum payments must be made by direct EFT or by credit card before the commencement of a course. The once-off payment is required to be paid before the course start date, as well as the application fee of learners on a debit order plan (the first debit order is also required on the start date of the course).
- Kindly note that should debit order payment terms not be adhered to; legal action will be taken and access to the online learning platform suspended.
- Proof of payment may also be requested before access to the online platform will be communicated, should your payment not reflect on The Tax Faculty’s bank account.
- Only written notice of cancellation will be accepted.
- To view our full terms & conditions click here.
Conditions
For all short learning programmes (SLPs) with a seven-month or less rollout period, the following will apply:
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If the cancellation is requested more than 10 working days prior to the course start date, no cancellation fee will be applicable.
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If the cancellation occurs less than 10 working days prior to the course start date, a 100% cancellation fee will be applicable.
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Students who register for a course and fail to attend will be held liable for the full course fee.
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The course application fee is non-refundable.
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The Tax Faculty’s liability in the case of a course being cancelled will be limited to a refund of the course fee.
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Students who have failed to successfully complete the course, and wishing to repeat will be charged the full course fee to repeat.
Why wait?
Get your application in to avoid disappointment. Click below to start your application.
