Tax Advisory Services for High Net-Worth Individuals
About Our Tax Advisors
VEVA’s tax advisors are chartered accountants and registered tax practitioners, whilst our international tax specialist holds an LLM in International Taxation (UCT) and is completing the ADIT qualification (UK). Our international tax specialist has extensive experience in international tax and has worked at top firms and now serves clients directly, bringing broad experience in corporate tax, VAT, tax technology and international structuring. He is passionate about tax training and innovation – he designs e-learning courses and has earned a UK Diploma in Tax Technology (with distinction) – which means he uses cutting-edge tools and methods for client service. He also focuses on high-net-worth clients, having prepared trust and estate duty filings and advised entrepreneurs on exit planning and cross-border investments. He is known for his personalised, collaborative approach: he listens closely and communicates in plain language, ensuring wealthy families and busy executives feel comfortable (and confident) with their tax strategy. Above all, clients value his discretion and integrity; he treats sensitive information with utmost confidentiality while working tirelessly to protect their legacy and wealth.
Our Tax Services
At Veva Consulting, we offer a comprehensive suite of tax advisory and compliance services tailored to your unique situation. We prioritise your unique needs and we build our work around you – your goals, your family, your legacy. Our team combines local South African insight with a global perspective, using years of experience with high-net-worth families and multinationals to solve complex problems. Whether you need long-term planning or urgent compliance assistance, we work proactively to minimise your tax burden and safeguard your wealth, always acting with trust and discretion. Below is an overview of our principal services:
High Net-Worth Tax Planning
We craft bespoke tax strategies to optimise income, investments and trusts for wealthy individuals. This includes structuring complex portfolios, planning charitable and succession giving, and coordinating tax across borders. We align with your life goals and legacy plans – for example, reducing liability on an imminent sale, or locking in tax savings before a change in law. We take a proactive approach to tax planning and compliance. In practice, this means:
- Tailored wealth structuring (trusts, family companies, foundations) and succession planning.
- Tax-efficient investment strategies (using retirement exemptions, exempt-interest bonds, endowments, etc.).
- Advanced planning (e.g. exploiting rollover reliefs, instalment agreements).
- Charitable giving and philanthropic tax optimisation (Section 18A donations, foundations).
- Regular review of your situation to adjust plans over time.
Expatriate and Inbound Tax Services
Assistance for South Africans working abroad and expatriates living in SA, ensuring cross-border income is correctly taxed under local law and DTAs.
- Tax planning for inbound expatriates
- Exemption calculations (Section 10(1)(o)(ii)) for offshore employment
- Split-year residency planning
- Tax equalisation policies for global employers.
Estate Planning
We help you preserve and transfer wealth to the next generation as efficiently as possible. This involves wills, trusts, estate duty calculations and family-business succession. We work with your legal advisors to structure estates so that assets pass according to your wishes with minimal tax drag. For example, we recommend and implement trusts to ensure confidentiality and continuity, advise on spouse and orphan exemptions, and optimise the timing of asset transfers. In short, we:
- Draft or review wills and inter vivo trusts to achieve your goals.
- Calculate and file estate duty and executor’s tax returns on death.
- Implement wealth-preservation techniques (e.g. trusts, life insurance).
- Coordinate with financial and legal advisors on the succession of family businesses.
- Advise beneficiaries and trustees on their tax obligations.
Family Office & Wealth Governance Advisory
Tailored advice to establish and run family offices, including tax-efficient governance of multi-generational wealth.
- Family office structuring and governance
- Private investment company setups
- Inter-generational wealth transfer and philanthropic planning
- Tax-efficient remuneration structures for family members.
Donations Tax & Philanthropic Structuring
Advice to maximise the tax efficiency of large charitable donations and philanthropic activities.
- Structuring private foundations or PBOs (Public Benefit Organisations)
- Section 18A planning
- Navigating donation tax (Section 56) and attribution rules
Trust and Foundation Structuring & Management
Establishing and managing local and offshore trusts or foundations for asset protection, estate planning, and philanthropic purposes. We assist with:
- Setting up local and foreign trusts or foundations
- Ongoing trustee advisory and tax compliance
- Filing annual trust tax returns and beneficiary distributions
- Advising on donation tax, attribution rules (Section 7C, 7A), and deemed income
SARS Dispute Resolution
If SARS issues an assessment that you believe is incorrect, we represent you every step of the way. Our experts prepare and file objections and appeals on income tax, VAT or other issues, handling all technical arguments and paperwork. We also guide clients through SARS’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process when appropriate, aiming for a negotiated settlement rather than costly litigation. In all cases, we work to minimise penalties and interest, liaise directly with SARS on your behalf, and keep you informed of progress. Key activities include:
- Reviewing disputed assessments and advising on risks/benefits of objection or appeal.
- Preparing fully documented objection letters or appeal papers to SARS or the Tax Board.
- Managing ADR meetings or negotiations to resolve disputes amicably.
- Calculating and negotiating any interest/penalty relief under SARS rulings.
- If needed, filing appeals in Tax Court and representing you in hearings.
Voluntary Disclosure Programmes
If there are undeclared taxes or inadvertent defaults in your past filings, we help you regularise your affairs through SARS’s Voluntary Disclosure Programme. The VDP can grant immunity from prosecution and substantial relief from penalties. Our team will assess eligibility, compile all relevant documents and calculations, and submit your comprehensive disclosure. We know the SARS VDP process inside out, so we can often negotiate the most favourable terms. The service includes:
- Evaluating past filings to identify undeclared income, foreign assets or omissions.
- Advising on likely penalties and relief under the VDP rules.
- Preparing a full disclosure application (financial statements, tax reconciliations, declarations).
- Liaising with SARS to obtain a VDP acceptance letter and negotiating the penalty amount.
- Finalising compliance (payment of back tax and certified immunity).
Voluntary Disclosure Programmes
If there are undeclared taxes or inadvertent defaults in your past filings, we help you regularise your affairs through SARS’s Voluntary Disclosure Programme. The VDP can grant immunity from prosecution and substantial relief from penalties. Our team will assess eligibility, compile all relevant documents and calculations, and submit your comprehensive disclosure. We know the SARS VDP process inside out, so we can often negotiate the most favourable terms. The service includes:
- Evaluating past filings to identify undeclared income, foreign assets or omissions.
- Advising on likely penalties and relief under the VDP rules.
- Preparing a full disclosure application (financial statements, tax reconciliations, declarations).
- Liaising with SARS to obtain a VDP acceptance letter and negotiating the penalty amount.
- Finalising compliance (payment of back tax and certified immunity).
Withholding Tax Applications
South Africa levies withholding tax on certain payments to non-residents (for example, dividends or capital gains on foreign assets). We assist clients in obtaining reduced or zero rates under Double Taxation Agreements. This includes preparing applications and certificates for:
- Foreign dividend withholding tax(Section 64F(1)): reducing the 20% rate when a treaty applies.
- Foreign capital gains withholding tax(Section 69(2A)): managing approvals for sales of immovable or substantial assets to non-residents.
- Claiming foreign tax credits for cross-border investment income.
- Planning to minimize double taxation on international interest, royalties, etc., via DTA relief.
This service ensures you don’t overpay tax on foreign transactions and that your global income is properly reported and credited.
International Tax Planning
For families with cross-border activities or assets, we structure your affairs to take full advantage of South Africa’s network of Double Tax Agreements and local tax rules. Our work includes advising on residency versus domicile, advising on tax-efficient emigration, and using treaties to avoid double taxation. We coordinate with foreign advisors when needed to ensure seamless compliance. In this vein, we:
- Analyse relevant DTA provisions to determine where you pay tax on foreign income.
- Advise on SA tax residency status (so you pay exit tax only when most advantageous).
- Plan cross-border retirement and succession (e.g. retirement annuity transfers on emigration).
- Assist with foreign tax credits and reporting offshore income under sections 6quat and 6quatA.
- Manage any SARB (Reserve Bank) filings related to foreign sources of income or allowances.
Crypto Tax Compliance & Calculations
Cryptocurrencies and digital assets introduce new challenges in tax compliance. We guide clients through the rules on crypto gains, mining, airdrops and VAT on digital services. Our tax team has expertise in both tax law and technology. Services include:
- Collecting and classifying your crypto transactions (buys, sells, trades, mining, etc.).
- Calculating annual capital gains or trading profits for SARS returns.
- Preparing crypto appendices for SARS ITR12 returns or provisional filings.
- Advising on tax-efficient structuring of crypto investments (e.g. via private companies).
- Keeping you up to date on evolving SARS guidance and ensuring timely compliance.
Financial Emigration & Exit Tax
If you intend to cease South African tax residency, we will manage the process and tax implications. We advise on the timing of emigration to minimise the exit tax on your worldwide assets. Our service covers:
- Calculating the exit tax liability on your “capital gain” (45% of net assets) for income-tax purposes.
- Advising on the (soon-to-be-eliminated) SARB “financial emigration” process (CEN1 application).
- Assisting with SARS and bank compliance for remitting offshore funds.
- Ensuring any foreign allowances are used optimally before exit.
This ensures you meet all obligations when leaving South Africa, without overpayment or legal issues.
SARS & SARB Applications for Offshore Investments
For clients investing outside South Africa, we handle all related compliance. We help prepare:
- SARS foreign investment declarations (e.g. IT14FI returns) to report offshore assets and income.
- SARB applications/notifications (single discretionary allowances, foreign capital contributions) under exchange control regulations.
- Ongoing compliance filings (annual reports) for your foreign holdings.
We coordinate with your banker and accountants to obtain the required tax clearance certificates and SARB approvals.
Individual Tax Compliance & Advisory
We ensure that your personal tax returns are accurate and optimised. Whether you have domestic salary income, foreign pensions, investment dividends or trust distributions, we will prepare and review your annual ITR12 and provisional returns. Our advisory includes:
- Calculating your taxable income and applying all relevant deductions (medical, retirement annuities, interest, etc.).
- Optimising contributions to retirement funds and UIF to maximise rebates.
- Handling complex personal income issues (employer stock options, company car fringe, etc.).
- Guidance on Capital Gains Tax events (sale of primary residence, second homes, share disposals).
- Annual tax planning tips (e.g. timing of bonuses, use of Section 18A donations).
We act as your intermediary with SARS to resolve any follow-up. You can count on us to simplify the process and save you time and money.
Corporate Tax Compliance & Advisory
For business owners (SMEs, professionals, entrepreneurs), we manage corporate tax obligations and perform routine reviews to avoid surprises. Services include:
- Income tax compliance: Preparing company and trust returns (ITR14), provisional tax estimates and Group structuring.
- VAT and payroll: Advising on VAT registrations and filing, PAYE/UIF submissions and other indirect taxes.
- Tax health checks: Periodically reviewing your tax records and processes to spot risks or missed opportunities and ensure your operations reflect current law.
- Restructuring advice: For example, we advise on optimal juristic vehicle (company vs trust) and on reorganisations (mergers, demergers, share transfers) to achieve tax efficiency.
- Transfer pricing and cross-company loans: Where applicable, we ensure transfer pricing policies and related-party loan rates meet SARS requirements.
Our goal is to integrate seamlessly with your finance function, acting as your trusted tax advisor so you stay compliant and strategically positioned.
Fringe Benefits & Executive Compensation Structuring
Advice on tax-efficient remuneration planning for executives and key personnel.
- Structuring share incentive schemes (RSUs, CSOPs, phantom shares)
- Fringe benefit calculations (vehicle use, housing, travel allowances)
- Employer tax planning and PAYE reviews
- Retirement/termination tax planning
Business Restructuring & Section 42/47 Transactions
Tax advisory and legal support for corporate restructures, asset-for-share transactions, mergers, or demergers.
- Section 42 (asset-for-share), 44 (amalgamation), 45 (intragroup) and 47 (liquidation) restructurings
- Drafting legal opinions and liaising with SARS for binding rulings
- Planning for tax neutrality or deferral under the corporate rollover relief rules
Transfer Pricing & Thin Capitalisation
Support for SMEs and private groups with intercompany transactions and compliance, particularly relevant for groups with foreign subsidiaries or trusts.
- Transfer pricing policies for services, goods, royalties, and finance
- Thin capitalisation assessments and safe harbour reviews
- Preparation of Local and Master Files (in line with OECD BEPS standards)
- Transfer pricing benchmarking studies
Binding Private Rulings & Advance Tax Opinions
Where certainty is needed, we help clients obtain Binding Private Rulings (BPRs) or issue robust legal tax opinions for transactions.
- Drafting SARS BPR applications
- Structuring and risk analysis for uncertain or novel tax treatments
- Obtaining advance approvals (e.g. for Section 24C allowances, international restructures, etc.)
Tax Audit Assistance
Should SARS decide to audit your personal or company tax affairs, we stand with you. Our audit assistance includes:
- Reviewing audit notices and preparing full documentation in response.
- Coordinating information and answering queries from SARS auditors.
- Formulating defence strategies: we develop position papers on any contentious points to present to SARS.
- Advising on the feasibility of objections or appeals if an audit yields an adverse finding.
- Helping negotiate settlements, where appropriate, to achieve the best outcome.
Through every examination, we emphasise transparency and clear communication. You can trust our experts to manage the process efficiently and protect your interests, keeping you informed and empowered.
In all we do, our focus is on you: delivering warm, personalised service with the professionalism and expertise you deserve. With Veva Consulting, you gain a dedicated tax advisor who understands the challenges of high-income households.
Tax Risk Reviews & Governance Frameworks
Assisting businesses or family structures to set up internal tax governance controls, especially important for audits or due diligence.
- Annual tax risk review
- Tax process mapping
- Governance dashboards for family offices
Our Approach
Our commitment to your success extends beyond project delivery. We provide ongoing support, maintenance, and updates to ensure your solutions continue to perform optimally and evolve with your business needs.
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