Freelancer - local and international - Needs to start keeping records for tax purposes
By Marc Sevitz · Updated
Where do I start and how do I maintain all my information that I need to? I'm happy to set up Excel docs to keep records. I'd like to know what I should be keeping records of, where I can benefit from tax refunds, and what expenses I can set against the business. Do you have any templates I could use?
Also, when I earn $ - is there anything special I should be doing?
You would first need to register as a taxpayer - How to get a SARS tax number - then most likely you would need to register as a provisional taxpayer - What is Provisional Tax? How and when?. See here for more info: Am I a Provisional taxpayer?
Keep excel records of all incomes and expenses related to business and for the foreign income you would use the exchange Rates which SARS prescribes.
All expenses related to earning the income will be allowed as a tax deduction, but you must keep records in case SARS requests proof. If you are on your husband's medical aid then your husband will claim this tax credit.
When it is time to complete your tax return, register at TaxTim and answer our simple questions one-by-one to have your return completed for you.
Register for TaxTim
Keep excel records of all incomes and expenses related to business and for the foreign income you would use the exchange Rates which SARS prescribes.
All expenses related to earning the income will be allowed as a tax deduction, but you must keep records in case SARS requests proof. If you are on your husband's medical aid then your husband will claim this tax credit.
When it is time to complete your tax return, register at TaxTim and answer our simple questions one-by-one to have your return completed for you.
Register for TaxTim