30/09/2026
Do you ever hear your expat friends talking about submitting their South African income tax returns and think, “Why? I left South Africa years ago. Surely, I don’t need to submit a tax return, especially since I pay tax where I currently live?”
The truth is, living abroad does not automatically mean you are no longer a South African tax resident.
If you remain a South African tax resident, you may still be taxed on your worldwide income, including certain foreign income.
Before deciding whether you need to declare foreign income, consider more than just where you currently live. Ask yourself:
Where is your permanent home?
Where are your strongest personal and economic ties?
Have you formally ceased your South African tax residency?
Your tax residency status is based on your specific circumstances. Simply living and paying tax in another country does not automatically end your South African tax residency.
Not sure where you stand?
Book a consultation with us via our website. Link in bio.