VALUE-ADDED TAX IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: A FRESH LOOK AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN DISPENSATION

Authors

  • Ruddy Kabwe
  • SP van Zyl

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/obiter.v42i3.12899

Keywords:

collection of VAT, online cross-border trade, digital goods, adequate and cost-effective

Abstract

The online purchase of digital goods has the propensity to generate tax liability involving a notable rise in administrative costs for tax authorities. Online transactions involving the supply of digital goods by foreign businesses to South African consumers are subject to Value-Added Tax (“VAT”). Since 2014, the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991 provides for registration and the reverse-charge mechanism as a means to collect VAT on online cross-border trade in digital goods. From 1 April 2019, significant changes to the VAT Act have been implemented regulating VAT on online cross-border trade in digital goods. This article examines these amendments by way of a comparative analysis of similar legislation in Australia and the European Union with the main aim of making recommendations for the adequate and cost-effective collection of VAT on online cross-border trade in digital goods.

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Published

06-12-2021

How to Cite

Ruddy Kabwe, & SP van Zyl. (2021). VALUE-ADDED TAX IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: A FRESH LOOK AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN DISPENSATION. Obiter, 42(3). https://doi.org/10.17159/obiter.v42i3.12899

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Articles