SARS (South African Revenue Service) provides wear and tear rates for various assets that businesses can use to calculate the depreciation of those assets for tax purposes. Depreciation is the decrease in value of an asset over time, and it is considered a tax-deductible expense.
The wear and tear rates of assets are determined based on their expected useful life and are used to calculate the annual depreciation of the asset. The depreciation expense can then be deducted from the taxable income of the business, reducing the amount of tax owed to SARS.
SARS Wear and Tear Rates of Assets
SARS wear and tear rates for assets are grouped into categories, including:
- Buildings: The wear and tear rate for buildings is 2.5% per annum for commercial and industrial buildings and 5% per annum for residential buildings.
- Plant and machinery: The wear and tear rate for plant and machinery depends on the asset and its expected useful life. For example, the wear and tear rate for motor vehicles is 20% per annum, while the rate for computers and related equipment is 50% per annum.
- Furniture and fittings: The wear and tear rate for furniture and fittings is 10% per annum.
- Office equipment: The wear and tear rate for office equipment, such as photocopiers and fax machines, is 20% per annum.
- Agricultural assets: The wear and tear rate for agricultural assets, such as tractors and irrigation systems, is also based on the asset and its expected useful life.
It is important to note that the wear and tear rate of an asset can only be used for tax purposes if the asset is used for business purposes and not for personal use. The asset must also be owned by the business and not leased or rented.
SARS wear and tear rates of assets are used to calculate the depreciation of assets for tax purposes. The wear and tear rate is determined based on the expected useful life of the asset and can vary depending on the category of the asset. Depreciation is a tax-deductible expense that can be used to reduce the taxable income of a business, reducing the amount of tax owed to SARS.