VAT Accrual versus Cash Basis
Cash versus Accrual basis
Normally, vendors account for VAT on the accrual basis. That is, the VAT falls to account on the date of the relevant invoice. If the vendor has uncollected debtor balances at any time, then the debtors book contains VAT that has often already been paid over to SARS by the vendor, but not yet collected from the debtor. The converse is true in respect of the vendor’s unpaid creditors, but since debtors balances almost invariably exceed creditors balances, the VAT tied up can cause severe cash flow difficulties.
Sole traders, partnerships and other unincorporated businesses whose members are natural persons and whose annual turnover is less than R2,5m may elect to account for VAT on the cash basis. VAT Act s15(2)(b)(i). Under this arrangement VAT is only accounted for when the cash corresponding to a transaction flows into or out of the business. Thus no VAT is tied up in debtors or creditors.
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Good day.
I have a client who sole his company and there is a despute whether or not they could use Cash Basis. Please contact me if you have a consultation fee I can arrange with the client that they will pay this fee.
Hi Fanie,
I never, ever, charge for consultations. Here’s where you find my diary https://harbourassociates.youcanbook.me/
I confess that I don’t understand your question as you don’t say what tax you’re talking about (presumably VAT) or to what transaction the tax refers.