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Mastering Tax Dispute Resolution in South Africa

COURSE AGENDA

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Mastering Tax Dispute Resolution in South Africa is a six-week, practice-focused course covering the full controversy cycle, from audits to Tax Board. You’ll examine assessments, objections, appeals, ADR procedures, and e-filing, with practical emphasis on Section 93 reduced assessments, Section 164 suspensions, and Rule 56 default judgments. The programme closes with Tax Court preparation and 2023 TAA Rules updates, reinforced by case law and hands-on strategies for timely, compliant, effective responses.

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Start Date

07 October 2025

Apply By

06 October 2025

Duration

6 weeks, part-time

Effort

2-3 hrs/week average*
*Student dependent

Format

Online – Recorded lectures, Prescribed Reading, Live Q&As

CPD

15 Hours (verifiable)

Course Agenda - Over 6 weeks, you will study:

  • Audit requirements and taxpayer rights
  • Responding to Letter of Audit findings
  • Time periods and remedies during the audit process

In this session, participants will delve into the fundamental aspects of tax audits. The course will elucidate the audit requirements imposed on taxpayers and shed light on the rights individuals possess during the audit process. Participants will learn effective strategies for responding to Letters of Audit findings and explore the time periods and available remedies during the audit phase. By the end of this session, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate tax audits in South Africa while safeguarding their rights.
  • Estimated Assessments
  • Additional Assessments
  • VDP Assessments
  • Section 93 reduced assessments (very topical)

This session focuses on assessments, a critical phase in tax dispute resolution. Participants will gain insights into different types of assessments, including estimated assessments, additional assessments, voluntary disclosure program (VDP) assessments, and the highly topical Section 93 reduced assessments. The course will cover the key aspects of each type of assessment and discuss their implications. Participants will acquire the knowledge necessary to navigate the assessment process confidently.
  • Filing disputes and E-filing 
  • Section 164 Suspension of Payments
  • Content of disputes
  • Procedure and Time Periods
  • Rule 56 Default Judgement Applications (and case law studies)

Challenging tax disputes requires a strong understanding of objection filing procedures. This session explores the process of filing disputes and introduces participants to the e-filing system. Guest lecturer Eddie, a renowned expert in the field, will share valuable insights on objection filing. Attendees will also delve into Section 164 Suspension of Payments, learn about the content of disputes, and understand the relevant procedures and time periods. The session will also cover Rule 56 Default Judgement Applications, including relevant case law studies, to deepen participants’ understanding.
  • Filing of Appeals and content
  • ADR rules
  • Appeal time periods and ADR hearing

This session focuses on appeals, a crucial step in the tax dispute resolution process. Participants will learn how to effectively file appeals, ensuring their content aligns with regulatory requirements. The course will also cover the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) rules, highlighting their significance in resolving tax disputes. Participants will understand the appeal time periods and gain insights into ADR hearings, equipping them with the knowledge needed to present their cases successfully.
  • Preparation
  • Filing statement of appeal
  • Hearing
  • Rules and Procedures Around Tax Board Proceedings

Tax board hearings play a pivotal role in resolving tax disputes. In this session, participants will explore the necessary preparations for tax board hearings. They will learn how to file a statement of appeal effectively and gain insights into the hearing process. Moreover, the course will delve into the rules and procedures surrounding tax board proceedings, empowering participants to navigate this critical stage with confidence.
  • Tax Court preparation – instruct tax attorneys etc
  • Changes and amendments in the TAA Rules 2023
  • Relevant and new case law

This session provides participants with essential information on Tax Court preparation. It will guide them in instructing tax attorneys and understanding the changes and amendments introduced in the TAA Rules of 2023. Additionally, participants will explore relevant and new case law, staying up to date with the latest developments in tax dispute resolution.

Students rate AoTL 96.6%

“I felt supported with the live lectures and the pre-recorded material allowed me to complete the course on my schedule, which was perfect. The texts and resources given were excellent.”
L CoddingtonClyde & Co
“How do I rate if there are no improvements needed :)”
E BankovaNew York Times
“My most sincere thanks to you for supporting me throughout.  This was an excellent course!”
J BalasubramanianDanfoss
“This is an excellent course - I have learnt so much!”
M YidanaGhana Revenue Authority
“It’s a demanding course with a substantial workload, but it’s well structured and supported by excellent resources. An outstanding programme overall.”
R McClean-EllisFirst Sentier Investors

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Mastering Tax Dispute Resolution in South Africa

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