Tax and Social Media Influencers: Turning SARS’s Crackdown into a Service Opportunity
SARS has made it clear: influencers are now on their radar. From free gifts to brand deals, every bit of value counts as income. This session cuts through the noise and shows accountants how to help clients (and themselves) stay compliant, avoid penalties, and even monetise advisory in this new space.
What will set you apart
By completing this course you will gain the following competencies
- How SARS is taxing influencers right now, including freebies, sponsored trips, and barter deals
- The key thresholds for income tax, provisional tax, and VAT—and how they apply to influencers
- How to value non-cash benefits like clothing, events, and travel
- What records SARS expects
- How accountants can turn influencer tax advisory into a profitable niche service
- Risk areas: what SARS is targeting in audits, and how to protect clients
Event breakdown
- Why SARS is suddenly focused on influencers
- The rise of the gig/digital economy and what it means for accountants
- Cash, barter, gifts, travel, sponsorships—everything SARS is watching
- Case examples: valuing a free handbag, concert tickets, or overseas trip
- Group exercise: delegates classify influencer “income” items
- Income tax rules for influencers (incl. provisional tax obligations)
- VAT registration thresholds—when an influencer becomes an “enterprise”
- Deductible expenses: what qualifies, what SARS rejects, and how to apportion mixed-use items
- Practical template: influencer income & expense tracker
- How SARS detects undeclared influencer income
- Audit red flags (gifts not declared, inconsistent disclosures, brand cross-checks)
- Voluntary disclosure programme: when and how to use it
- Recent cases and media headlines
Description
South Africa’s influencer economy is booming, and SARS is moving fast to claim its share. But most influencers—and many accountants—don’t fully understand how to handle non-traditional income streams. That gap creates risk for clients and opportunity for you.
In this CPD, we’ll unpack the latest tax rules and SARS enforcement strategies in plain language. No jargon, no theory—just the practical steps you need to keep influencers compliant and position yourself as the go-to advisor in this growing sector.
Presenters
Ettiene Retief — Ettiene
You will earn a certificate
On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 2 CPD units in Taxation.
Requirements
- Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
- Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser