While there were no major tax shocks, the real opportunity lies in how individuals use the changes to their advantage.

Tax Relief, Not Tax Cuts

Government has withdrawn the proposed R20 billion in tax increases, which means:

• No unexpected tax hikes
• Some breathing room for households

In addition, personal income tax brackets and rebates have been adjusted for inflation.

Updated Personal Income Tax Brackets (2026/2027)

Tax Rebates (2026/2027)

• Primary: R18,500
• Secondary (65+): R10,500
• Tertiary (75+): R3,500

Why This Matters: Bracket Creep Explained

Without adjustments, inflation pushes you into higher tax brackets, even if you’re not actually earning more in real terms.

These changes help protect your take-home pay.

But let’s be clear:

This is not a tax cut. It simply prevents you from paying more tax due to inflation.

Bigger Opportunity: Tax-Free & Retirement Savings

This is where the real value lies.

• Tax-Free Savings: R46,000 per year (up from R36,000)
• Retirement Contributions: R430,000 deductible (up from R350,000)

These are powerful tools to:

• Reduce your taxable income
• Build long-term wealth
• Improve your after-tax returns

The Hidden Pressure on Your Finances

Even without direct tax increases:

• Fuel levies are increasing
• Alcohol and tobacco taxes are rising
• Cost of living remains under pressure

Translation: Your money still needs to work harder.

What You Should Do Now

To stay ahead:

• Maximise your retirement contributions
• Use your full tax-free savings allowance
• Review your tax structure annually
• Plan proactively—not reactively

How Origin Helps You Win Financially

At Origin, we don’t just look at what you earn; we focus on what you keep.

We help you:

• Structure your income tax efficiently
• Maximise deductions and savings
• Build long-term, tax-efficient wealth
• Stay compliant while reducing unnecessary tax

Final Thought

This budget rewards those who plan.

If you’re not actively managing your tax and investments, you’re leaving money on the table.

Ready to take control of your financial future?

Book your consultation with Origin today and start building smarter, tax-efficient wealth.

Read the complete Budget Speech here

No major tax increases—but higher expectations for compliance, efficiency, and growth.

If you run a business, this budget is less about relief and more about responsibility.

Economic Outlook: Slow but Improving

• Growth projected at 1.6% in 2026
• Rising to 2% by 2028

This means:

• Opportunities exist—but growth is still constrained
• Businesses must operate smarter, leaner, and more strategically

VAT Threshold Increase: A Big Win for SMEs

The VAT registration threshold has increased:

R1 million → R2.3 million

This is one of the most impactful changes for small businesses.

Benefits:

• Reduced admin burden
• Improved cash flow
• More room to grow before mandatory VAT registration

Capital Gains Tax Relief

For small business owners:

• CGT exemption increased to R2.7 million
• Applies to businesses valued up to R15 million

This is particularly valuable if you’re planning to sell or exit.

No Corporate Tax Increase — But More Scrutiny

Government is not increasing corporate tax rates.

Instead, the focus is on:

• Stronger compliance
• Improved tax collection
• Closing loopholes

Expect:

• More audits
• Greater SARS scrutiny
• Increased enforcement

Rising Costs That Impact Your Bottom Line

Even without direct tax increases:

• Fuel levies are increasing
• Excise duties are rising
• Logistics challenges remain

This directly affects:

• Operating costs
• Distribution
• Profit margins

Infrastructure Investment: A Long-Term Positive

Government plans to invest over R1 trillion in infrastructure.

Focus areas:

• Energy stability
• Transport and logistics
• Water systems

If executed well, this could:

• Reduce operational disruptions
• Improve efficiency
• Unlock new business opportunities

Regulatory Changes You Need to Watch

Crypto Regulation

Crypto assets will now be regulated under exchange control.

Businesses dealing with crypto must ensure compliance.

Digital Payments (PayInc)

South Africa is modernising payments infrastructure.

Businesses should prepare for:

• Faster transactions
• More digital integration
• Increased fintech competition

What Your Business Should Be Doing Now

To stay competitive and compliant:

• Ensure your tax affairs are fully up to date
• Take advantage of the higher VAT threshold
• Maintain accurate financial records
• Plan for rising operational costs
• Review your business structure regularly

How Origin Helps Your Business Stay Ahead

At Origin, we help businesses move from reactive to strategic.

We assist with:

• Tax structuring and optimisation
• Compliance and risk management
• Financial planning and forecasting
• Business growth strategies

Final Thought

This budget rewards disciplined, compliant, and forward-thinking businesses.

The gap between compliant and non-compliant businesses will only grow.

Make sure you’re on the right side of that divide.

Ready to strengthen your business strategy?

Book a consultation with Origin today and position your business for smarter growth and compliance.

Read the full Budget Speech here.

Many South Africans pay more personal tax than they legally need to, not because they earn too much, but because they don’t structure their savings correctly.

Two of the most effective tools for tax-efficient investing are Retirement Annuities (RAs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). When used strategically, these investments help you reduce your personal income tax, grow wealth over time, and strengthen your financial future.

This guide explains what each option is, how they work, and how they affect your personal tax.

What Is a Retirement Annuity (RA)?

A Retirement Annuity is a long-term retirement investment available to anyone earning taxable income, including salaried employees, business owners, and self-employed individuals.

How a Retirement Annuity Reduces Personal Tax

Contributions to an RA are tax-deductible, making it one of the most powerful tax-saving tools available in South Africa.

You may deduct:

• Up to 27.5% of your taxable income
• Capped at R350,000 per tax year

This deduction reduces your taxable income, which can significantly lower:

• PAYE
• Provisional tax
• Year-end tax liabilities

Additional Benefits of a Retirement Annuity

• Investment growth is tax-free (no income tax, dividends tax, or capital gains tax)
• Encourages disciplined, long-term saving
• Offers protection from creditors in most circumstances
• Complements employer pension or provident funds

In simple terms:

An RA helps you pay less tax now while saving for retirement.

What Is a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)?

A Tax-Free Savings Account allows you to invest money where all growth and withdrawals are completely tax-free.

TFSA Contribution Limits

• R36,000 per year
• R500,000 lifetime limit

Exceeding these limits results in penalties, which is why proper planning is essential.

Why Tax-Free Savings Accounts Matter

• No tax on interest, dividends, or capital gains
• No tax when withdrawing funds
• Ideal for long-term wealth creation, future goals, or supplementing retirement income

Unlike an RA, TFSA contributions are not tax deductible, but the long-term benefit lies in permanent tax-free growth.

RA vs Tax-Free Savings Account: Which One Is Better?

The answer isn’t one or the other, they serve different tax purposes and work best when used together.

Retirement Annuities

• Reduce taxable income now
• Ideal for higher earners
• Locked in until retirement age

Tax-Free Savings Accounts

• No upfront tax deduction
• Tax-free growth for life
• More flexibility for future access

Used together, RAs and TFSAs form a balanced, tax-efficient investment strategy.

How RAs and TFSAs Affect Your Personal Income Tax

• RA contributions reduce your taxable income, directly lowering the tax you pay each year
• TFSA investments protect future returns from ever being taxed, regardless of how much they grow

This means; RAs save you tax today. Tax-Free Savings save you tax tomorrow, and forever.

Failing to use these structures often results in individuals paying thousands of rands more in tax over their working lifetime.

Why Tax Planning Should Be Part of Your Investment Strategy

Tax planning is not something you do at filing season. It’s something you build into your financial plan.

Without proper advice:

• Contributions may be too low to make a real tax impact.
• TFSA limits may be exceeded unintentionally.
• Investments may be structured inefficiently.

This is where professional guidance becomes critical. Our financial advisors and tax professionals can help you invest smarter and pay less tax.

How Origin Helps You Save on Tax

At Origin we help individuals structure their investments with tax efficiency in mind, not guesswork.

We assist you by:

• Calculating the optimal RA contribution to maximise tax deductions
• Structuring Tax-Free Savings Accounts correctly to avoid penalties
• Aligning tax planning with your income, goals, and life stage
• Ensuring your investments support both short-term tax relief and long-term financial security
• Our tax and fiduciary arm, lumenrock, can assist you with your tax planning, tax structuring, and compliance with SARS.

Take Control of Your Tax and Your Future

If you’re paying personal tax, you should be investing for tax purposes – legally, strategically, and with confidence.

Speak to Origin Group today to create a tax-smart investment plan that helps you keep more of what you earn and build lasting wealth.

The countdown to your holiday is officially on, but before you close the door and switch on “vacation mode,” it’s worth taking a step back. Most holiday disasters don’t happen on the road; they happen back home. A burst pipe, a break-in, a forgotten alarm setting, all things that can turn a perfect getaway into a stressful return.

A little preparation now means peace of mind later. Here’s a fresh, practical checklist to make sure your home, valuables, and car stay protected while you’re away. And with your Origin Financial Advisor only a call away, you can travel with confidence.

1. Make Your Home Look Lived-In

Burglars don’t take holidays. A house that looks obviously empty becomes an easy target. Rotate lights on timers, leave curtains in their usual positions, and ask someone to take out your bins or park in your driveway. Subtle signs of activity make a big difference.

2. Give Your Security System Some Attention

Before you leave, do a full “security rehearsal.”
Test your alarm, check sensors, replace remote batteries, and confirm your security company has your correct contact details. An alarm that fails once can be all it takes.

3. Stop Leaks Before They Start

Turn off your main water supply before going away. Burst pipes are one of the most expensive home disasters—and insurers often reject claims if a property was left unattended without precautions. A simple valve twist can save your floors, walls, and sanity.

4. Protect Your Electronics

A lightning strike, a power surge, or a faulty appliance can spark a disaster.
Unplug anything you won’t be using, consoles, kettles, chargers, heaters, the works. This small action saves electricity and reduces fire risks significantly.

5. Safeguard What Matters Most

Any item you’d be devastated to lose, lock it up or store it offsite.
Jewellery, passports, sentimental items, hard drives, and documents should go into a safe or safety-deposit facility. If you’re travelling with valuables, make sure your short-term insurance covers them beyond your front door.

6. The Neighbourhood Network

A quick conversation with a trustworthy neighbour can offer more protection than any gadget. Ask them to keep an eye out for unusual activity. A simple “We’re away, please check in occasionally” can prevent or catch a problem early.

7. Vehicle Check: Whether You’re Driving It or Not

Your car needs preparation, both for the journey and for staying behind.
If you’re travelling by road, give your vehicle a pre-trip inspection: fluids, tyres, brakes, battery. If it’s staying home, park it safely indoors or in a secure spot, remove valuables, and activate immobilisers or tracking systems.

8. Review Your Insurance (Before It’s Too Late)

Most people only discover gaps in their cover after something happens.
Before your trip, check:

• Are your home contents adequately insured?
• Are you covered for theft, fire, or accidental damage while away?
• Does your policy include all the valuables you’re taking with you?
• Is your car cover up to date?

Keep your financial advisor’s emergency number saved in your phone and also use our Origin Assist facilities in case of emergencies. Holiday chaos is no time to search for paperwork.

9. Strengthen Your Home’s Weak Spots

Look at your property the way an opportunistic criminal would.
Weak locks, overgrown hedges, broken motion lights, or unsecured outdoor furniture can all become vulnerabilities. A few small upgrades (a camera, a new lock, trimmed shrubs) can significantly uplift your security.

10. Prepare for the Unexpected

Power outages, storms, or load-shedding can wreak havoc while you’re away.
Switch off your geyser, empty perishable food, secure outdoor items, and ensure your guttering and drainage are clear. Preventable damage is, well… preventable.

Travel Light. Travel Safe. Travel with Peace of Mind.

The best holidays are the ones where your only worry is deciding between the pool or the beach. With good planning and the right insurance cover, you can step away knowing that your home, car, and belongings are protected.

How Origin Financial Supports Your Holiday Plans

Origin Financial specialises in short-term insurance that shields your property and possessions during the times you’re not there to protect them. From home contents to vehicle cover, accidental damage to theft, we make sure every base is covered.

Let us review your policies before you travel, so your holiday stays a holiday.

Holiday emergencies happen when you least expect it. Don’t be caught off guard. In case of a holiday or after-hours crisis, contact our Origin Assist Emergency Line: 086 123 7873. Don’t let a crisis ruin your holiday plans.

This relocation enhances accessibility for local clients, reflecting the company’s commitment to growth and community integration.

Born from a visionary merger in 2020 between Origin Financial – specialising in business and financial services – and Lumenrock,  Auditors &  Accountants.  Origin Group is now celebrating its fifth year as a unified Holistic Financial services business.  With more than 170 dedicated employees across multiple disciplines, including certified financial planners, accountants, portfolio managers, and fiduciary specialists, the group offers holistic solutions tailored to individuals, families and businesses.

Guided by principles of excellence, respect, innovation, trust, and “going beyond”, Origin Group bridges the gap between financial aspirations and achievements. Their comprehensive services include short-term insurance (personal and commercial), personal financial planning (estate and retirement), wealth management (investments and tax-free savings), healthcare (medical aid and gap cover), tax and accounting (compliance ), business advisory, fiduciary services, and international structuring. This integrated approach ensures clients receive seamless, client-centric advice under one roof.

Origin Group empowers clients worldwide, boasting a strong client base with offices in Cyprus, Botswana, George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Strand, and Bellville. “We provide not just advice, but real wisdom and actionable solutions,” says Group CEO Leon Swart.

Discover how Origin Group can secure your future. Visit originfin.com or contact the George branch on 086 118 7878 today.

So, here’s why you need a will

A will is essential in South Africa because it ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Without one, intestacy rules decide who inherits, which may not align with your intentions. A valid will also allows you to name guardians for minor children, appoint an executor to manage your estate, and even record funeral preferences. By drafting a will, you minimise family disputes, reduce legal costs, and provide clarity—saving time, money, and stress for your loved ones.

A will is not just a legal document; it is a caretaking process where you safeguard your legacy and protect your family’s future. 

Consider the following aspects of CARETAKING when creating your will:

C – Control. A will lets you specify who inherits your property, money, and possessions, ensuring assets go to your chosen beneficiaries instead of being distributed under the South African Intestate Succession Act.

A – Avoid. By drafting a clear, legally sound will, you avoid uncertainty among beneficiaries about your estate and intentions.

R – Reduce. A well-structured will reduces the risk of conflict and costly legal battles among surviving family members.

E – Executor. You can appoint a trusted and knowledgeable executor to manage your estate efficiently and according to your wishes.

T – Trust. Having a will gives you confidence that your affairs are in order, reducing stress for both you and your loved ones.

A – Awarding. A will allows you to include charitable donations, extending your legacy beyond your family.

K – Knowledge. Without a valid will, the probate process can be lengthy and expensive. Professional guidance ensures your will is comprehensive and legally binding.

I – Insulate. If you own a business, a will provides instructions on how it should be managed, sold, or transferred, ensuring continuity or proper dissolution.

N – Navigate. Estate planning includes clarity over physical and digital assets, as well as tax considerations, to ensure beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit.

G – Guardianship. Parents of minor children can appoint guardians in their will, giving peace of mind that children will be raised by someone you trust.

For professional assistance in drafting a legally valid will in South Africa, contact us at wills@originfin.com.

Special Offer: To celebrate Free Wills Week, we will be offering our drafting of wills free of charge between 15 – 19 September 2025.

Recent findings from criminologist Dr. Rudolph Zinn (UNISA), who interviewed 30 convicted armed robbers, reveal chilling truths about how home invasions really happen – and how you can take action.

What Robbers Revealed Behind Bars

• Inside Information:
  8 out of 10 robberies involve tips from someone you once trusted – domestic workers, gardeners, contractors, or former employees.
• You’re Being Watched:
  Homes are staked out for up to 2 weeks before a break-in. Routine and predictability make you a target.
• When They Strike:
  Most attacks happen between 7 PM and midnight – often when families are distracted, relaxing, or asleep.
• They Are Armed – and Dangerous:
  97% of intruders carry weapons, and often work in groups of four or more. Many are young (19–26), violent, and repeat offenders – some with more than 100 break-ins under their belts before ever getting caught.
• They’re Closer Than You Think:
  Most attackers live just 10–30 minutes away from the homes they target.
• Alarms Don’t Scare Them – But This Does:
• Small dogs sleeping inside – this is one of the top deterrents. Robbers hate unexpected noise and movement indoors.
• Electric fencing, CCTV, and motion-sensor beams still help delay or discourage entry.

Simple But Powerful Prevention Tips

• Landscape smart: Trim back shrubs and trees. Add thorny plants near windows. Don’t give intruders a place to hide.
• Lock up potential tools: Ladders, garden equipment, bricks, and outdoor furniture can be used to break in. Store them securely.
• Don’t be predictable: Vary your daily schedule and driving routes. Robbers rely on routines.
• Vet your workers: Always check references and run background checks on domestic staff.
• Leave a radio on when leaving home at night. If it’s off when you return, something’s not right.
• Trust your dog: If your pet is unusually nervous or barking when you return, don’t ignore it. They often sense danger first.

Stay One Step Ahead – With Origin

At Origin, your safety is part of our legacy planning. Whether it’s protecting your home, your family’s future, or ensuring your estate is handled with care – it all begins with awareness.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Secure your home. Safeguard your future. Contact Origin Group about how we can assist you in creating a comprehensive protection plan, including short-term insurance, life cover to wills, tax, estate planning, and more.

Your safety isn’t just a policy. It’s a priority. Stay alert. Stay protected.

As Chairman of various companies in the financial service industry, development and growth for companies in the banking and insurance industry, he was instrumental to ensure growth and profitability to these companies. Ross has international executive, consulting and strategy expertise combined with a wide experience across several economic sectors, especially in the financial services industry.

He has consulted in Europe and the United Kingdom for various international companies with regards to strategic turnarounds and growth initiatives.

His expertise has been retained by Barclays Bank plc in 2005 to 2008, for a three-year assignment in Africa and the Middle-East, where he introduced the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to all 342 branches of Barclays Bank plc in Africa and the Middle East.

He also consulted for Standard Bank, MTN, the International Rugby Board, the Sports Science Institute, the Relyant Retail Group, Liberty Life and was until recently the CEO of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd where he spearheaded a dramatic turnaround in the structures and sustainability of the Company over the past 3 years.

He has forged major business alliances and built the insurance arm as MD of Dental Insurance Administrators (DENIS) from foundation to a large and profitable business.  He also turned the ailing South African subsidiary of a German-owned international business, WC-Water Comfort, into a Top 300 Company in the Western Cape.  

He has lectured to postgraduate MBA students for more than 20 years and developed and mentored rising stars in the business world.

His key strength is growing top-line income through financing, shareholding, mergers, and alliances, as well as unlocking revenue potential to deliver growth, profitability and sustainability in South Africa and international companies. 

Ross holds a BA (Hons) and Higher Education Diploma from the University of Pretoria and the Free State.  He attained his MBA Degree with Distinction from the Oxford-Brookes University in London and was awarded an Honorary Masters Merit Award in 2006 by Milpark Business School for his ground-breaking research and study, “Career Development for Professional Rugby Players – an Educational and Management Perspective”, the first-ever empirical study done worldwide in this field.  

He intends to do a PhD part-time with the UFS Business School in ‘The ‘Holistic Career Development and a Strategic Business Leadership Model for Success – a Managerial and Empirical Perspective’

Ross played 62 Currie Cup matches for Free State and was part of the team that won the Currie Cup and beat the All-Blacks in 1976.  Giving back to rugby, he founded and still chairs The South African Rugby Players Foundation (SARPA) to prepare professional and amateur rugby players for a career or business.  He founded the Ross van Reenen Academy to structure this professional preparation for players.  His best-selling book “From Locker Room to Boardroom – converting rugby talent into a business success” was Number 1 on the Exclusive Books Bestseller list within 16 days of its release. 

With erstwhile teammates, he co-founded the VRYBOS initiative to help former players with prohibited medical expenses.  He is a Springbok lifesaver and deep sea angler and received provincial colors in rugby, water polo, biathlon, triathlon and deep sea angling and lifesaving.  

He has been a financial columnist for Acumen and Financial Leadership for many years as well as writing his own business column for the monthly magazine, Automobil, of the Retail Motor Industry.  Ross has been editor of various business and educational magazines and has published more than 250 academic and business articles.

He played in four finals for the Free State, was part of the winning team against the All Blacks and in the same year (1976) won the Currie Cup for the first time in 100 years.

Ross was bestowed a Professorship by the University of Free State (UFS) Business School at the beginning of April 2025, and is also the Head of the ‘Business Hub’ at the UFS Business School.

Ross lives in Bloemfontein with his wife Annelize.

Not only did SARS invalidate the taxpayer’s objection twice, but the Western Cape Tax Court also dismissed his application for a declaratory order, ruling that his objection was not valid. The taxpayer’s troubles began in 2021 when SARS audited his financial affairs, resulting in assessments for personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and donations tax over a four-year period.

SARS invalidated his objections on the grounds that the taxpayer violated Rule 7(2) of the tax court, which outlines the requirements for a valid objection. In his objection, the taxpayer submitted only the documentation he deemed necessary to support his case.

Judge Sheldon Magardie was critical in his judgment, emphasising that the taxpayer failed to meet the overarching requirement for “detail” in the grounds of his objection. The rule clearly states that the taxpayer must “specify in detail” the specific part or amount of the assessment being contested. Consequently, a “globular, vague and unspecific” objection does not satisfy the requirements of the rule.  “In my view, all of these requirements—specificity in formulating the grounds of objection and submitting necessary documents—are aimed at ensuring that SARS can properly assess the merits of the objection and decide whether to allow or disallow it in whole or in part,” stated Magardie.

Tax audits and disputes are often complicated, stressful, and expensive to navigate. This is not the time to go it alone. With Tax Risk Insurance, you’ll have access to South Africa’s leading tax professionals, ensuring expert support if SARS audits your affairs or issues an incorrect or irrational assessment. Protect yourself from unnecessary costs and stress—secure Tax Risk Insurance today, before SARS comes knocking.

Read the full Moneyweb article here.

Source: Tax Risk Insurance

Reducing tax obligations

In these tough economic times, there are still ways to use SARS to work for you.  Retirement annuities and tax-free savings investments are not only great ways to make retirement provision, but also effective ways to reduce your tax obligations, whether it be in contributions, or the earnings in your investments.

In 2016 the tax treatment for contributions to retirement fund products (RAs, pension and provident funds) was simplified to offer all individuals the same combined benefit of making contributions towards retirement funding. Investors can currently deduct contributions of up to 27.5% of the bigger of their taxable income or remuneration for income tax purposes. This amount is limited to an annual overall maximum of R350 000. Taking advantage of this benefit annually can significantly reduce an individual’s income tax liability.

RAs are not the only measures by the government aimed at encouraging savings in South Africa. In 2015 Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) were introduced, offering much the same tax benefits as RAs on all funds invested. In short, no tax is payable on the funds invested in these two products. Income from investment funds includes interest, dividends, rental income, and capital gains, both locally and internationally. Currently, investors may contribute a maximum of R36 000 per year into a TFSA, with a lifetime limit of R500 000. Please note that you should NOT contribute more than the maximum specified as this will have dire tax consequences. The R36 000 represents all your TFSA contributions in a tax year, and not contributions per product you may have with various providers.

So let’s look at some of the features and benefits of these two products:

Retirement Annuity (RA)

• Tax-deductible contributions as mentioned above
• Tax-friendly investment returns as mentioned above
• Flexible investment fund choices across all major asset classes and fund managers
• Portfolio construction to meet personal investment goals and risk appetites
• Transparent investment products offering competitive fees and flexibility
• Protection from creditors
• Excluded from estate duty
• Various options available at retirement (bearing in mind limited access to lump sum amounts and normal income tax on pension payments)

Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

• Tax-friendly investment returns as mentioned above
• Flexible investment fund choices across all major asset classes and fund managers
• Portfolio construction to meet personal investment goals and risk appetites
• Transparent investment products offering competitive fees and flexibility
• Tax-free ad-hoc and regular withdrawals
• Complete tax-free liquidity at retirement

The time to invest is now! 

Most product providers request that any additional contributions or new investments reach them by 21 February to finalise investments before 28 February. Contributions may not be backdated to fall in a previous tax year.

Speak to your Origin financial advisor, or contact Origin Financial Wealth at 086 118 7878 for assistance. Don’t delay, and make sure you “bridge the gap” in your retirement and tax planning this year.