The use of linked share issue and buyback transactions to avoid CGT has been on SARS’ radar for quite some time already, yet without any meaningful remedy to counter such (we would argue, legitimate avoidance) transactions. Where such transactions were in excess of R10 million, those transaction had to be reported to SARS though in terms of section 35(2) of the Tax Administration Act, 28 of 2011.
National Treasury has now moved to close this “loophole” through the proposed introduction of paragraph 43A in the Eighth Schedule to the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962. The proposed amendments to paragraph 43A are contained in the draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, and if accepted by Parliament in its current form, will become operational with effect from 19 July 2017 (being the date of publication of the draft Bill).
In terms of the proposed amendments, tax exempt dividends declared to shareholders (which could hold as little as 20% in the declaring company with the dividends being declared either 18 months prior to the disposal of those shares, or in anticipation of their disposal) will be treated as a capital gain in the hands of the shareholder and taxed accordingly when the shares held are disposed of. In our example above therefore, the share buyback of R500,000 will be taxed as a capital gain.
As noted above, the current draft legislation has not yet been enacted, and we will closely monitor developments to consider implications of the final version of the legislation ultimately introduced.
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)