Insights
Clear guidance on accounting, tax, payroll, compliance and the systems that help South African SMEs work smarter.
45 articles
As a small business owner in South Africa, you have probably heard both “Turnover Tax” and “Small Business Corporation” thrown around as clever ways to pay SARS a little less. Both are real, both are legitimate, and both are built to…
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Let’s be honest: “VAT deregistration” is not the phrase that gets anyone leaping out of bed in the morning. But stick with us, because thanks to a change that landed on 1 April 2026, this is quietly one of the more interesting tax…
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A Practical Guide to Managing Payroll Correctly from Day One For many small business owners, payroll starts off feeling simple. You hire your first employee, calculate their salary, make the payment, and move on. However, as your…
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In our current digital era, new technologies and tools are constantly being developed to ultimately assist small business owners to make better-informed decisions. Tapping into these new technological tools and developments is what…
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So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into property investment. Congratulations! Whether you’re looking to build your dream home or start a rental portfolio, it’s an incredibly exciting milestone. But then comes the million-rand…
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For over 15 years, South African small business owners have been asking for one specific change: a VAT registration threshold that actually reflects the modern cost of doing business. In the 2026 Budget Speech , Finance Minister Enoch…
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Choosing how to pay the taxman is a bit like choosing a character in a video game – each has its own special abilities, perks, and “level-up” requirements. If you’re running a small business in South Africa, two of the most popular…
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For many South African taxpayers, the mention of “Provisional Tax” brings a sense of dread. With deadlines falling in August and February, it often feels like tax season never truly ends. However, provisional tax isn’t an additional…
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December is upon us, marking not only the close of the 2025 calendar year but also the fast-approaching 2026 tax year-end. At Leading Edge we understand that for entrepreneurs and SMEs, year-end financial preparation can feel…
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We are thrilled to announce a significant expansion of our digital offerings : we have officially added QuickBooks (Intuit) , one of the world’s leading small business accounting software platforms, to the solutions we offer. At Leading…
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Hey South African SMEs! Let’s be honest: juggling the daily demands of growing a business while trying to stay on top of tax, payroll, and reporting can feel like you’re starring in your own one-person circus. You’re spinning plates,…
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As a small business owner in South Africa, it’s important to be aware of your VAT obligations for 2025 and 2026. This includes understanding how VAT works, VAT rates, and VAT registration. In this ultimate guide, we’ll provide you with…
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As the fiscal year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for a financial “spring clean” to ensure your business is in top shape. Much like a home, a business’s finances can accumulate clutter over the year, leading to potential…
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Can you believe it? Tax season is officially upon us! While the thought of taxes might not exactly fill you with glee, here at Leading Edge , we believe getting your financial ducks in a row can be surprisingly satisfying. And with a…
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Alright, tax season is officially on the horizon, and while some might dread it, here at Leading Edge, we see it as another opportunity to help our amazing clients shine! SARS has just dropped the key dates for Tax Season 2025, and…
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In today’s dynamic business environment, having a firm grasp on your finances is no longer a luxury. It’s a fundamental necessity. The right financial expertise can be the linchpin that drives profitability and sustainable growth. But…
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Company secretarial compliance is the ongoing work required to keep a South African company or close corporation's statutory information accurate and up to date. It is different from general office administration: the focus is CIPC…
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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise tax administration. By adopting cutting-edge technology, SARS aims to enhance efficiency, improve compliance, and provide better…
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Tax planning is vital for financial health, helping individuals and businesses manage tax obligations effectively by strategising to minimise liabilities and maximise eligible deductions and credits within the law. It requires…
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At Leading Edge , we’re committed to providing smart, cloud-based accounting and tax structuring solutions that empower businesses and individuals to stay compliant while optimizing their financial strategies. As South Africa’s tax…
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Welcome to March, and with it, the dawn of a new tax year! At Leading Edge , we’re excited to guide you through the 2026 tax year, which runs from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Our mission is to empower you with the tools and…
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In today’s uncertain economic environment, it’s essential for business owners to stretch their budgets and maximize savings. By adopting a few simple financial habits, you can free up resources to focus on moving your business forward.…
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Welcome our two new team members! At Leading Edge , we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. As we continue to grow, we are delighted to introduce the newest members of our team: Christelle Blom, our new Accountant, and our…
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With tax season upon us, here at Leading Edge, we want to ensure our clients are clued up on the latest developments. This year, SARS has ramped up its use of auto-assessments, a process that can be convenient but also comes with some…
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Managing payroll is a critical aspect of running a small business. It involves the process of compensating employees for their work, ensuring that all statutory requirements for taxes and benefits are met. Efficient payroll management…
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In today’s fast-paced business landscape, embracing technology and outsourcing key functions has become essential for staying competitive. One such area that offers numerous benefits is virtual accounting services . By leveraging…
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In the dynamic and competitive landscape of today’s business world, companies are continually seeking ways to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and focus on their core competencies. One strategy that has gained significant traction in…
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*As of 1 April 2023, South African companies are required to file their beneficial ownership to the CIPC* Understanding the Legal Requirements for Beneficial Ownership In an effort to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the…
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There’s no denying that the world is changing at a rapid pace, and to most small business owners, the only option is to adapt or die. Even with the diverse changes that organically originate within developing businesses, we’re also…
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VAT is a common acronym that you will see when doing business in South Africa. It stands for Value-Added Tax, and it’s a tax that is charged on most goods and services. In this blog post, we will discuss what VAT is, what is deductible,…
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Google Workspace is a great way for businesses to connect and collaborate. With Google Workspace, you can create a virtual office where employees from all over the world can come together and work on projects. This can be extremely…
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Understanding automatic exchange of information to deal with non-compliance As of March 2022, it has been revealed that the Irish Tax Authority (ITA) has contacted Airbnb Ireland UC (Airbnb), for the disclosure of specific information…
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Every now and then something comes along that revolutionises the way we do business. This usually takes place in the form of new and exciting technology and there is a new app, that replaces all apps and gives you powerful tools that…
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All great businesses start small. They become great based on certain vital principles that can be studied and mastered by business owners and entrepreneurs. Here are the 4 principles to help achieve business greatness: Understand why…
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Small and medium enterprises have long been undervalued, but due to the recent state of affairs such as the looming pandemic, many believe that small businesses and the entrepreneurial mindset are what will move South Africa forward.…
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As the year moves along its course into the second quarter of 2021, we are reflecting and reminiscing about the past 15 months that have passed, and how severe it has affected the world. Here’s how the pandemic has affected the first…
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Running a small business in 2026 requires more than just balancing the books. With increasing compliance requirements, remote work environments, digital payments, and AI-powered automation becoming the norm, choosing the right…
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For SME’s the anticipation of the budget speech ended up on quite an anti-climax as there was a lack of focus on small businesses. However, with the small businesses at the back of the queue, the Department of Small Business Development…
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In today’s economic environment, financial planning is more important than ever. Rising operating costs, inflation, evolving tax regulations, and rapid technological change mean that both businesses and individuals need a clear…
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The Benefits & Cons of Outsourcing your Accounting Department As a SME or small start-up; are you taking up the challenge of doing the accounting part yourself? The question remains whether it is best to outsource the accounting…
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We have come up with a checklist that you can use for your small business finances: Attend to your financial data To determine how things are going in your business you need get an accurate picture of your cash flows and performance.…
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SARS: Apply Owl Eyes When Handling Your Tax Matters A new draft legislation proposes to remove the ‘intention’ concept from tax crimes which means you can break the law without you knowing it or without you intending to do so when it…
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The Benefits of Cloud-Based Accounting Over the last decade, the Internet has transformed our lives to a new era with platforms such as online banking, online shopping, and Facebook. With that in mind, how extraordinary will it be to…
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Are you puzzled by SARS’ auto assessments? Have you heard that SARS will be completing some taxpayers’ submissions automatically? SARS collect the electronic data from third parties where only little input is necessary from the…
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7 TIPS ON: HOW TO ADAPT YOUR BUSINESS TO THE THREAT POSED BY COVID-19 It is no secret that the Coronavirus pandemic has made some serious strides in rewriting the future of business. Due to the challenges posed by the threat of the…
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