Have you done your tax return?
We are the leading tax practitioners and consultants in South Africa that specialise in Individual tax only.
Why choose us?
- Specialists in individual tax – we keep up to date with changes in the tax industry so you don’t have to
- Full package service – no hidden costs
- High dispute success rate due to careful dispute management
- An efficient, honest and professional service
What makes us unique?
- Specialise in complex cases for individuals taxpayers only
- Manage your entire profile year after year
- We provide a very personalised service for our clients and billing is tailored.
- We are a sustainable company offering services to clients around the world for over a decade.
Click on the video to learn how we assist with Tax consulting and Advice
Contact us for your assessment today. Its easy!*
- Request an initial assessment (T’s and C’s apply)
- Tell us what you need help with on our contact form
- Give us your contact details so we are able to give you feedback and a plan of action
Our story
FMJ Financial was established in 2010. Like most tax practitioner firms, we aimed to support clients from all backgrounds. This encompassed both individuals and companies, though the emphasis was placed on individuals. During the following years, we came to understand that splitting our focus between companies and individuals made it impossible to deliver quality service to both, as one group always ended up neglected. A decision was made to work exclusively with individuals and inactive companies, and since then, we have chosen to focus solely on individuals. As our client base expanded, we pushed technical limits to such an extent that we became experts in the field, and we’ve never regretted dedicating our efforts solely to individuals. Our clients continue to be satisfied because we have established a sustainable company with a strong success rate, marked by only a few of our assessments being amended by SARS. Additionally, when disputes do arise, we promptly and efficiently engage with SARS to resolve the issues.
What does FMJ Financial – Tax Practitioners do?
FMJ Financial focuses on preparing and filing tax returns for individuals with more complicated tax returns, including those with foreign earnings, rental properties, travel allowances, sole proprietorships, freelance income, and similar situations.
We strive to engage with taxpayers proactively. During our slower months, we focus on preparing cases, ensuring we are fully prepared to file when tax season begins. This greatly enhances turnaround times and minimizes the number of questions SARS poses, as their inquiries typically increase later in the tax season. We make every effort to prompt clients to provide their documents and information to ensure returns are filed within the SARS deadlines.
We provide guidance to our clients whenever we identify any unfavorable circumstances and suggest adjustments to strengthen their case moving forward. We strive to guide our clients on best practices, even if they earn regular employment income alongside running a business. We may offer recommendations that the client may not have considered or that could provide potential benefits to the taxpayer when implemented. We do this because we aim to see our clients succeed.
Who We Help
Our clients span a broad spectrum, all seeking a long-term partnership with their tax professional. Our goal is to steer clear of one-time or brief engagements, as they reduce the value we can deliver. Ultimately, a taxpayer seeking assistance does so for a specific reason, and that reason is likely to persist.
We serve both South African and international taxpayers, retirees, and expatriates handling finances in multiple jurisdictions.
What is a tax practitioner
#1 Tax Practitioner and Consultants in South Africa
A tax practitioner is a person or a company that prepares and submits a tax return on behalf of a third parties for a fee and which is registered with a controlling body and with SARS. We are based in Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng.
Some of the controlling bodies are SAICA, SAIT, SAIPA, IRBA, ICSA and a few others.
Therefore, a person must be registered with one of the above recognised controlling bodies as well as with SARS.
A person can only register with one of the above controlling bodies once a minimum amount of experience and/or qualifications are met.
Once a person has been registered with both SARS and a recognised controlling body, one is able to practice in the field of taxation. From there, a tax practitioner profile should be registered, and clients acquired could be registered on the tax practitioner’s profile.
It is worthy to notes that there are different types of taxes such as Income tax, VAT, PAYE, Provisional taxes, Dividend withholding taxes, etc. All these different types could be loaded and shared between client and tax practitioner so that both parties have access to these types of returns.
Where the tax account is maintained in the proper way, the tax practitioner will be notified on e-filing of any correspondence such as additional assessments on income tax, notifications of audits, completion letters and many more. This assists the tax practitioner in effectively manage their client by receiving notifications as soon as they are made available and planning a course of action. Where the tax practitioner works on e-filing most of the day and manages this nifty functionary, delays could be avoided which averts compilations going forward.
According to our experience, SARS will not assist a tax practitioner to file a return at the branch office on behalf of a third party except in exceptional circumstances. This is as the tax practitioner has no need to use the branch office and is paid by the client. If paid by the client, SARS branch should be involved in filing the return hence the policy by SARS. There should also be noted that there is generally no need for a tax practitioner to use the branch office to complete a return.
Contact us for an initial assessment
We currently assist clients in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane and more.
What services does FMJ provide?
- We specialize in taxes for individuals only, especially taxpayers with more complicated tax situations.
- Assessment of a taxpayer tax profile to identify problems and the work to be done.
- We assist with disputes where a taxpayer is aggrieved by an assessment and has grounds to dispute.
- We assist taxpayers to become a non-tax resident.
- Consultations on tax residency or foreign income for existing clients.
- Assist taxpayers with provisional tax returns providing they remain a current client.
- We assist taxpayers in claiming deductions such as the Section 10 foreign income exemption and other deductions.
- We assist taxpayers in filing their returns timeously.
- Compile workings for a return prior to its submission such as any capital gains summary, rental compilations, income and expense capturing, etc.
- We maintain good records so as to defend any past returns SARS opens providing, we submitted that return.
- For existing clients, and as part of out after sale service, we would escalate cases that go overtime, lodge formal complaints and escalate to the tax ombud where SARS failed to follow due process.
- Negotiate administrative non-compliance penalties where a taxpayer is not a repeat offender.
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What makes FMJ Financial Different from Competitors
FMJ Financial specializes in serving individuals, dedicating our efforts to supporting taxpayers as our profession. When onboarding a client, it is common for them to express frustration over their previous tax practitioner either relocating, becoming uncontactable, or vanishing entirely. Our clear focus has allowed us to onboard numerous clients, making it unreasonable to abandon them, thereby ensuring a sustainable business.
Since this is our trade, communication with our clients and keeping our clients informed is key.
With all our cases, we identify and address areas of concern so that when a return is filed, we are confident that our position will be upheld by SARS. When we notice potential problems, we let our clients know and work with them to minimize the risk of SARS additional assessments.
Ultimately, if SARS disagrees with our return, we will pinpoint the areas of disagreement. We will handle this dispute through to its resolution, even if it takes an entire year.
Our service is offered as an all-inclusive package with complete transparency. If we face any issues with a filed return, we will handle them. For instance, if a tax return is filed and SARS requests bank statements due to their belief that the credits in a person’s bank account do not align with the income declared, there would be no additional cost to address this or any other enquiry, provided the taxpayer fully disclosed all information before submitting the return.
More Tax Services
Ceasing tax residency
We assist in clarifying your tax responsibilities both within South Africa and on a global scale. This entails establishing your tax residency status and adhering to SARS regulations on an annual basis.
Most taxpayers struggle to interpret and apply double tax agreements. Such agreements are complex and difficult to comprehend. As we are specialists in the field and have studied these international agreements for many years, we are able to apply it to a taxpayer’s situation even in grey areas. For example: We recognize that, despite ceasing tax residency, taxpayers often return to South Africa, even if only for retirement purposes. When a taxpayer ceases tax residency in South Africa with no intention of returning and holds permanent residency in another country, we understand that certain matters, such as retirement funds or ownership of fixed property in South Africa, may remain unresolved.
Dispute resolution
If taxpayers are dissatisfied with their assessment, they may request our review to either identify any errors or validate the accuracy of the assessment.The South African Revenue Service (SARS) frequently issues additional assessments, reflecting a disagreement with the taxpayer. This could be due to the submission of incorrect or inaccurate documents or a failure to address a query to SARS’s satisfaction. Additional reasons may involve SARS issuing an assessment derived from the information at its disposal or as a result of misunderstandings.We will thoroughly review such assessments to pinpoint the areas of disagreement. We would subsequently establish the legal basis for the dispute and manage the dispute appropriately.
SARS Estimated Assessments
If a taxpayer does not submit a return by the SARS deadline or submits a return without providing the correct supporting information, SARS is authorized to issue an estimated assessment based on the available data.
Should this occur, we urge you to contact us without delay. Tax legislation grants taxpayers a strict timeframe of 40 working days to submit a return or provide the required documentation to SARS. Should this deadline be missed, the taxpayer is required to submit an application to SARS outlining the reasons for the delay. SARS holds the authority to approve or deny such requests, necessitating specialized expertise, as these assessments often involve substantial amounts.
Audit Management
SARS frequently poses unforeseen questions that taxpayers may not anticipate. As these individuals typically specialize in their own fields, they often lack the expertise and technical proficiency needed to address SARS’s enquiries effectively. Additionally, SARS frequently enquires about credits reflected in a taxpayer’s bank account, and taxpayers may lack understanding of the appropriate procedures for responding to such queries with supporting documentation. With our specialized expertise and daily engagement in this field, we have developed a strong proficiency in addressing SARS-related matters.
Difference Between a Tax Specialist and an Accountant
A tax specialist is a professional who specializes in tax law, tax administration, tax dispute resolution, and handling complex tax-related matters.
Accountants primarily focus on managing company records, including reconciliations and the application of accounting standards (IFRS) to financial statements, rather than handling SARS-related matters and filing tax returns.
For instance, when a filling station prepares its financial statements, they must be comprehensible on an international level. This allows investors to make informed decisions based on standardized accounting practices, avoiding confusion caused by varying regulations across countries. Therefore, the existence of International Financial Reporting Standards. (IFRS).
A tax practitioner primarily concentrates on domestic tax laws rather than international standards.
Accountants can work in various areas, including budget preparation, payroll processing, managing financial records, and contributing to financial decisions during company meetings, among others.
Conversely, tax professionals stay informed about industry developments, prioritize understanding tax laws and administration, enhance their technical expertise in taxation, concentrate on reducing tax liabilities or increasing tax refunds, maintain records for clients, and provide advice to taxpayers on potential areas for improvement.
While accountants are indeed qualified to handle taxation, their specialization may lie within other areas of their profession rather than specifically in tax-related matters.
Tax Planning Tips
Key Action | Explanation / Best Practice |
Begin case preparation early | Prepare and submit your tax return at the start of tax season. Filing in the first week improves processing time and reduces delays. |
Avoid aggressive claims | Excessive deductions or large losses (e.g. rental losses) can trigger SARS audits and additional scrutiny. |
Stay professional with SARS | Remain calm and follow proper complaint procedures. Escalate to the tax ombud if necessary instead of reacting emotionally. |
Understand SARS enquiries before responding | Clarify what SARS is investigating before replying. Misinterpretation can lead to disallowed deductions or further complications. |
Use verified figures only | Always submit returns based on accurate, supported data—not estimates—to avoid audits or resubmissions. |
Keep records for at least 5 years | Maintain organised documentation, as SARS often reviews prior years—especially for commission earners or sole proprietors. |
Avoid changing tax practitioners unnecessarily | A consistent tax advisor understands your history and can better assist during audits or disputes. |
Seek help when complexity arises | Engaging a tax professional early ensures correct filing and reduces the risk of costly disputes or penalties. |
Professional Tax Consultant – Tax Return Questions and Answers
Some of the questions regarding tax returns are briefly answered below. The best advice is, however, to get in contact with a professional consultant from FMJ Financial Services for an assessment of your tax situation and to obtain an obligatory free quote.
Our services do not extend to CIPC-registered entities (CC, (Pty) Ltd), except in cases where an existing client possesses a dormant company requiring the submission of a business income tax return. In such cases, we would only do such work as a by-product to maintain the client’s compliance profile. FMJ will, however, collaborate with sole proprietors who are not registered for VAT.
FMJ will collaborate with sole proprietors who are not registered for VAT.
Pricing is based on scope, complexity, and duration of the engagement. FMJ typically offers transparent, project-based or retainer pricing models.
Numerous service providers in the industry assert their expertise, yet they frequently submit incorrect returns, lack well-documented supporting schedules, and struggle to address inquiries from SARS effectively. Consequently, this frequently results in additional assessments by SARS, which can be challenging to reverse. Furthermore, numerous tax practitioners engage in the industry while pursuing alternative employment opportunities and soon after exit the field, leaving clients without professional representation. Tax matters grow increasingly complex when SARS rejects the initial filing, necessitating the preparation of disputes within specified deadlines and the presentation of valid legal arguments to challenge and overturn a SARS assessment.
Yes, FMJ continuously evaluates emerging technologies, process improvements, and regulatory developments.
Yes, FMJ adopts a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. A risk assessment is conducted for each case, followed by the preparation of an audit file prior to filing the return. Upon a client’s acceptance of our feedback, we record the income as accurate and verified, retaining all documentation to substantiate the taxpayer’s reported filing position. Therefore, in instances where a taxpayer continues to be an active client, if SARS revisits a prior return, we retrieve the relevant documents from our archives and deal with the dispute.
Yes. A registered tax practitioner can communicate with SARS on your behalf, respond to audits, submit supporting documentation, lodge objections, and manage many aspects of your tax affairs through authorised channels. (E-filing) Professional representation helps ensure SARS receives accurate information and that important deadlines are met.
Many salaried employees can submit their own returns. However, if you claim medical expenses, retirement deductions, travel allowances, have investment income, rental income, or receive additional sources of income, a personal tax practitioner can help ensure your return is accurate and compliant with SARS requirements. Professional tax practitioners are also good at keeping records should SARS decide to audit any past return within a period of 5 years.
Yes. Taxpayers are free to appoint a different registered tax practitioner at any stage. Before changing practitioners, ensure your previous practitioner is informed in writing. The new tax practitioner should then register you on their E-filing profile.
It is best practice for an individual to have their own working login details and grant shared access to the tax practitioner. This way, both the individual and the tax practitioner would have access to the profile.
The documents required depend on your circumstances but commonly include:
- IRP5 certificates
- Medical aid certificates
- Retirement annuity certificates
- Investment income statements
- Rental income records
- Travel logs
- Foreign income documentation
- Previous SARS assessments
- A confirmation that there is no extra income.
Providing complete documentation helps your tax practitioner prepare an accurate tax return.
An experienced tax practitioner reviews your supporting documentation before submission, verifies the information reported to SARS, and maintains organised records that can be produced if SARS requests verification. Good preparation can reduce delays during an audit.
A specialized tax practitioner conducts analytical procedures to reduce specific audit risks and establish potential defences in advance of filing a tax return.
A tax practitioner should be registered with SARS and belong to a recognised controlling body such as SAIT, SAICA, SAIPA, or another approved professional organisation. Registration demonstrates that minimum competency and ethical requirements have been met.
Yes. A personal tax practitioner can review historical tax returns, identify omissions or errors, assist with outstanding submissions, and advise on correcting previous tax filings where appropriate. They can also assist with disputes relating to earlier assessments depending on where it is in the process.
Using the same tax practitioner allows them to understand your financial history, maintain consistent records, identify recurring tax issues, and provide ongoing advice as your circumstances change. This continuity can make future tax submissions and SARS interactions more efficient.
Yes. Many tax practitioners continue assisting after submission by responding to SARS verification requests, managing audits, handling objections, explaining assessments, and providing ongoing tax advice throughout the year.
Before appointing a tax practitioner, consider asking:
- Are you registered with SARS?
- Which recognised controlling body are you registered with?
- Do you specialise in individual taxpayers?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- Will you assist if SARS audits my return?
- How do you communicate with clients throughout the year?
These questions can help you choose a practitioner whose experience matches your tax needs.