Taxes and Levies

There are a number of taxes and levies that businesses need to pay, including:

• Tax
• Skills Development Levies
• Unemployment Insurance

TAX

All businesses have to pay tax. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has detailed information for small businesses on how to pay tax as well as information on the various tax incentives which are in place to encourage small business in South Africa. Visit the SARS website for more information, particularly look for the SARS SMME Frequently Asked Questions (in the About Us section) and the Tax Guide for Small Businesses 2005/2006.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT LEVIES

Businesses are required to register with their Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the Skills Development Levy. Read more about the Skills Development Levy or get instructions on how to register and how to get training on the Department of Labour's website.

Relevant legislation:

• Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998 (as amended)
• Skills Development Levies Act, 9 of 1999

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

All employees and their employers are required to make contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Get more information on unemployment insurance or visit the Department of Labour's website.

Relevant legislation:

• Unemployment Insurance Act, 63 of 2001
• Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, 4 of 2002