DONATIONS TAX
Donations tax is tax payable at a flat rate of on the value of property disposed of by a donation (sections 54 to 64 of the Income Tax Act, 1962). Donations tax is levied at a flat rate of 20% on the value of the property donated
A donation includes property disposed of for an inadequate consideration (section 58).
Exemptions - Section 56(1) contains a list of exempt donations which include amongst others donations between spouses and donations to approved public benefit organisations.
Annual exemptions - A donation will be exempt if the total value of donations for a year of assessment does not exceed:
- Casual gifts by companies and trusts: R10 000.
- Donations by individuals: R100 000 (2008 to 2013 years of assessment) (section 56(2) (a) and (b)).
Who is it for?
Donations tax applies to any individual, company or trust that is a resident as defined in section 1 of the Income Tax Act, 1962.
Non-residents are not liable for donations tax.
The person making the donation (donor) is liable for the tax but if the donor fails to pay the tax within the set period the donor and donee are jointly and severally liable for the tax (section 59).
Public companies and public benefit organisations amongst others are exempt from donations tax (section 56(1) (h) and (n)).
What steps must I take?
After making a donation you should fill in
form IT144 (Declaration by donor / donee) and send it to SARS with your payment.
When should it be paid?
Donations tax must be paid by the end of the month following the month during which the donation takes effect or such longer period as SARS may allow (section 60(1)). Payment must be accompanied by
form IT144 (section 60(4)).
A donation takes effect when all legal formalities for a valid donation have been complied with (section 55(3)).