Tax relief for disabled taxpayers
It is tax season again, and an opportunity for taxpayers with disabilities or disabled dependents, to claim back costs.
Jaco Kruger, an expert on the tax law about people with disabilities, had the following advice as we enter the tax submission period once again.
“The tax law have had some major changes since 2012 in terms of allowable deductions for medical and disability expenses.
“Despite these concessions by SARS, taxpayers have not used these benefits. To ensure these benefits are used to its full potential, taxpayers must seek disability tax advisory services.”
Some of the important things to notice from SARS in this regard are:
* Correction or amendment of prior year tax returns of up to three years.
* There are nine broad qualifying categories of allowable expenses for each type of disability within each of these categories, there are a wide range of qualifying examples.
* Registered learnership agreements between employer and the employee (disabled person), allow for a commencement allowance of R50 000 and a completion allowance of R50 000 (in total, a R100 000 tax relief per annum). This could be specifically beneficial for the small to medium businesses
*Improvements on the e-Filing system in conjunction with recognised tax practitioners, have smoothed the process of submissions and quicker results
Personal interaction with SARS on a professional basis contributes to a successful submission and effective results.
The latest census has indicated that up to 6.5 per cent of people in South Africa are disabled. Some estimate that no more than 15 per cent of qualifying taxpayers, actually submit claims.
The ultimate objective is to create awareness among parents and or taxpayers, which will improve the lifestyle of the disabled person in today’s society. – @CarmenBoksburg
