
SARS disallowed over 60% of home office claims last year .
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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) remains steadfast that the rules are the rules when it comes to claiming home office expenses, particularly for people who are employed.
It disallowed more than 60% of home office claims during the 2021/22 tax year, mainly because people did not qualify in terms of the current legislation or got their calculations wrong.
The flood of claims was understandable since employees and any children attending school and university were forced to work and study from home when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.
Although the rules are what they are, SARS is not always right when disallowing home office deductions.
Taxpayers should not be afraid to approach the Tax Board or the Tax Court if SARS has applied the law incorrectly, says Carmen Westermeyer, a facilitator of The Tax Faculty’s monthly tax discussions.
It disallowed more than 60% of home office claims during the 2021/22 tax year, mainly because people did not qualify in terms of the current legislation or got their calculations wrong.
The flood of claims was understandable since employees and any children attending school and university were forced to work and study from home when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.
Although the rules are what they are, SARS is not always right when disallowing home office deductions.
Taxpayers should not be afraid to approach the Tax Board or the Tax Court if SARS has applied the law incorrectly, says Carmen Westermeyer, a facilitator of The Tax Faculty’s monthly tax discussions.

