Dear reader,

In this issue:
 

• Extension for small business registrations
• Some food for thought
• The implications are interesting

Extension for small business registrations

Good news for micro-businesses and small businesses wishing to register for tax: the due date for registration has been moved from 1 March 2010, to 30 April 2010. So you have an extra 8 weeks to get your registration applications in order.

Some food for thought

Green taxes are slowly becoming a reality. We’ve already heard that new vehicles are going to be taxed on their carbon emissions. And perhaps soon, taxpayers whose homes are fitted with green solutions (e.g. solar powered geysers, etc) will get extra tax rebates or deductions. Government is making life expensive for the UN-green taxpayer.

So what’s next, I find myself thinking. Perhaps next on the list of taxes, are unhealthy foods that are linked to obesity and diseases.

I know what you’re thinking — there’s no way! But I’ve been reading more and more news reports from the US and Europe, discussing the possibility of these sorts of new taxes. Sugar is a major target, for example; I know that the New York mayorship wants to tax any foods and beverages that are high in sugar, to reduce the consumption of these foods. They believe that this will help to lower levels of obesity (and associated diseases like diabetes).

The implications are interesting

Now, I don’t think we’ll see these sorts of taxes in SA any time soon. But it is interesting to consider the implications of these proposed taxes.

Until next week,

Fulvia Becatti
Managing Editor: Practical Tax Handbook & Practical Vat handbook