Tax and Social Media Influencers: Turning SARS’s Crackdown into a Service Opportunity

Name: Tax and Social Media Influencers: Turning SARS’s Crackdown into a Service Opportunity - cpd.myciba.org
SKU: TAX040
Price: 230.00 ZAR
Availability: InStock

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.

Date:

23 October, 2025

Time:

14:00

Hours:

2 hours

CPD Units:

Category:

Taxation

Group:

Channel 2: Growth

Format:

Live Event

Tax and Social Media Influencers: Turning SARS’s Crackdown into a Service Opportunity

R230,00 VAT incl.

Product Information

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.

Presenter/s

Ettiene Retief

Ettiene Retief ia a distinguished tax specialist, Ettiene contributes to policy and governance, leading national tax initiatives and advising internationally.

What will set you apart

By the end of this session, delegates will know:

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

1. Welcome & Context

Why SARS is suddenly focused on influencers
The rise of the gig/digital economy and what it means for accountants

2. What Counts as Income?

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

3. Tax Treatment in Practice

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

4. Risk, Compliance & SARS Crackdown

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

Certificate

The following event is awarded 2 CPD units in Taxation.