💼 3 Hidden Tax Savings Most South African Professionals Are Missing

When you’re a working professional in South Africa — whether a doctor, architect, consultant, or creative — you’re probably busy focusing on clients, deadlines, and staying competitive. But in the midst of all that, you could be missing out on significant tax savings. At Horizon Trading Solutions, we often help clients uncover deductions and strategies that SARS allows — but that few are actually taking advantage of.

Here are three tax-saving opportunities many professionals overlook:

1️⃣ Home Office Deductions — Even for Hybrid Workers

If you work from home, even part-time, you may qualify to deduct a portion of your home expenses.

Think rent, electricity, cleaning, and even Wi-Fi — a portion of these can be claimed if:

• You have a dedicated workspace used regularly and exclusively for work.

• More than 50% of your working hours are spent in that space.

Many assume only full-time freelancers qualify — but even salaried employees working hybrid schedules can potentially benefit. This deduction can be a game-changer, especially with rising living costs.

2️⃣ Professional Expenses & Subscriptions

Do you pay for:

• Medical council fees?

• Legal practice council dues?

• Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses?

• Trade union or association fees?

These can often be deducted if they are directly related to your income-producing activities. We find that many professionals don’t list these expenses on their returns — or don’t keep the necessary proof. That’s money left on the table.

3️⃣ Depreciation on Equipment & Devices

Bought a new laptop, smartphone, or even office chair? If it's used for work, you may be able to depreciate the cost over time. SARS allows wear-and-tear deductions on certain assets — a great way to recover some of your investment.

Most professionals only consider the big-ticket items, but even smaller items (like a tablet or ring light for Zoom calls) may qualify — as long as there's a clear business purpose.

🧾 Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Medical Aid Credits!

While not hidden, many professionals don’t properly claim their full medical tax credits, especially if they support dependents or pay for gap cover. Reviewing this with your tax practitioner could make a noticeable difference in your refund or payable amount.

💡 Final Thoughts

Tax planning isn't just for the wealthy — it's for the informed. At Horizon Trading Solutions, we specialize in helping South African professionals like you optimize your tax profile, stay compliant, and reduce tax fatigue. Whether you’re self-employed or salaried, we’ll help you take full advantage of what SARS allows — without cutting corners.

👉 Need help identifying your hidden deductions? Contact us today for a consultation tailored to your profession.