An Analysis Of The Term Actually Incurred

An Analysis Of The Term Actually Incurred In Section 11(a) Of Income Tax ActionAct No 58 Of 1962 Essay, Research Paper An Analysis of The Term Actually Incurred In Section 11(a) of Income Tax Action Act No 58 of 1962 A TECHNICAL REPORT TO BE PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BATCHELOR OF COMMERCE (HONOURS) DEGREE IN TAXATION BY PETER CRAWFORD STUDENT NO. CRWPET005 APRIL 1996 I certify that the report is my own work and all references used, are accurately recorded. 1.SYNOPSIS Generally Accepted Accounting Practice includes statement AC000: Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements. This sets out broad and definitive rules governing the recognition of liabilities and

income and expenditure in financial statements. Specifically the following paragraphs need to be considered: Recognition of liabilities: 91. A liability is recognised in the balance sheet when it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will result from the settlement of a present obligation and the amount at which the settlement will take place can be measured reliably… Recognition of expenses: 94. Expenses are recognised in the income statement when a decrease in future economic benefits related to a decrease in an asset or an increase of a liability has arisen that can be measured reliably. This means in effect that recognition of expenses occurs simultaneously with the recognition of an increase or a decrease in assets 95. Expenses are recognised

in the income statement on the basis of a direct association between the costs incurred and the and the earning of specific items of income. This process, commonly referred to as the matching of costs with revenues, involves the simultaneous or combined recognition of revenues and expenses that result directly and jointly from the same transaction or other events; The fisc takes little notice of these rules when it comes to the recognition of expenditure for the purposes of taxation. It is the part of these rules that govern the general deduction provision that this report will examine. Section 11(a) of the South African Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 (as amended) reads as follows: 11. General deductions allowed in the determination of taxable income.- For the purpose of

determining the taxable income derived by any person from the carrying on of any trade within the Republic, there shall be allowed as deductions from the income of such person so derived- (a) expenditure and losses actually incurred in the Republic in the production of the income, provided such expenditure and losses are not of a capital nature. The section defines the conditions that must be met for expenditure and losses to be allowed as deductions from income. The expenditure or losses must have been: Actu ssme nt In the Republic of South Africa. In the production of the income. Such expenditure or losses must not be of a capital nature. The section has to be read together with s23(g) 23. Deductions not allowed in the determination of taxable income.- No deductions shall be

made in respect of any moneys, claimed as a deduction from trade, to the extent to which such monies were not laid out or expended for the purposes of trade.’ This report will focus on the meaning of the term “actually incurred” (as a critical part of the recognition process) and not on the other requirements. It will explore the difference between the accounting requirements for expenditure and liabilities to be recognised, and the requirements for recognition for Income Tax purposes. It will try to better understand the meaning and implications of this phrase, with a view to be able to better manage and control its impact on the recognition of expenditure and losses. It will also explore some of the grey areas that can and have caused the taxpayer and the fisc