The alluvial diamond industry : a critical analysis of the capital cost allowances

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to critically analyse sections 15 and 36 of the South African Income Tax Act which deals with capital allowances for mining taxpayers from an alluvial diamond miners’ perspective. The South African analysis was also compared to that of Canada and Namibia. In the analysis it was found that the ring fencing provisos in section 36 is unfair towards the alluvial diamond mine due to the potential loss of capital cost allowances and that there are grey areas in this proviso that may lead to disputes between SARS and the taxpayer. It was also found that the cross over from prospecting to mining activities in relation to alluvial diamond mining presents a grey area which might lead to disputes between the tax payer and SARS. It was also found that there is no case law, SARS interpretation notes or practise notes on the application of these sections to provide certainty as to the tax payers’ position. It was recommended that SARS and treasury evaluate and address the identified grey areas and short comings in the current legislation and practises to ensure a fair and equitable tax dispensation for the alluvial diamond miners. Copyright