Schalk Pieterse
Lead Lecturer
Schalk is the co-founder and Managing Director of Pieterse Sellner Erasmus TRM Tax Attorneys, where he leads the firm's Dispute…
Programme leaders
Taught by the people who argue the cases
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to navigate the intricate realm of audits, assessments, objections, appeals, tax board hearings, and the latest developments in tax legislation.
In today's complex business landscape, tax disputes are becoming increasingly common, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and regulations. The course on Tax Dispute Resolution in South Africa equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricate realm of audits, assessments, objections, appeals, tax board hearings, and the latest developments in tax legislation. The real value of the programme lies in the practical knowledge shared by one of South Africa's foremost advocates of Tax Dispute Resolution, Prof. Dr Daniel N. Erasmus.
This six-week, practice-focused course covers 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.
A new module is released every week over 6 sessions, studied 100% online as a flexible alternative to a traditional on-campus programme, tailor-made for working professionals. Each session runs 60-90 minutes with time allotted for Q&A interaction with the lecturers, so participants gain a competitive edge in managing tax disputes, ensuring compliance, and securing fair outcomes for their clients or organisations - and can apply new skills to their work straight away.
A new module is released every week (6 sessions)
Undertake a flexible, alternative study solution to a traditional on-campus programme, tailor-made for working professionals and studied 100% online
Watch the recorded session and read the units online, save them to your computer or print them out
Each session is between 60-90 minutes, and time is allotted after the session for Q&A interaction with the lecturer/s
Efficient and cost-effective - no need to travel or take time off work
Apply new skills and expertise to your work straight away
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.
- Audit requirements and taxpayer rights
- Responding to Letter of Audit findings
- Time periods and remedies during the audit process
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 programme (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.
- Estimated assessments
- Additional assessments
- VDP assessments
- Section 93 reduced assessments (very topical)
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. 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 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)
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.
- Filing of appeals and content
- ADR rules
- Appeal time periods and ADR hearing
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.
- Preparation
- Filing statement of appeal
- The hearing
- Rules and procedures around Tax Board proceedings
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.
- Tax Court preparation - instructing tax attorneys
- Changes and amendments in the TAA Rules 2023
- Relevant and new case law
Early-bird deadline: Apply by 08 June 2026
| Early bird | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Once-off card payment (single payment) | ZAR 4,800.00 | |
| Split card payment (over 2 months) | ZAR 2,850 x 2 instalments |
Pay by credit card via Stripe - either the full fee upfront or in two monthly instalments. Confirm your preferred payment option, including any instalments and eligible discounts, at checkout.
SAIT (The South African Institute of Taxation) members qualify for a 20% discount. Email connect@academyoftaxlaw.com with your name as registered with SAIT, your email address and your SAIT membership number to receive a discount code.
Stripe does not process payments in South African Rand, which is why fees are also displayed in US Dollars. The cost of the course will be updated if there is a currency fluctuation of more than 3%.
Schalk is the co-founder and Managing Director of Pieterse Sellner Erasmus TRM Tax Attorneys, where he leads the firm's Dispute…
The programme is meticulously designed to equip professionals with the acumen to adeptly navigate the complexities of tax disputes within the South African context. It is tailored for business leaders (CEOs, CFOs, COOs), tax professionals seeking to enhance their dispute resolution capabilities, legal practitioners specialising in tax law, corporate tax advisors and consultants, financial managers and accountants involved in tax compliance, government officials overseeing tax administration, and tax students.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to comprehend audit requirements and taxpayer rights, effectively respond to audit findings, understand time periods and remedies during audits, navigate the objection process and manage disputes, prepare for tax board hearings, and stay updated with changes in tax legislation. Businesses benefit by implementing robust tax compliance strategies, mitigating risks associated with tax audits, enhancing internal controls to prevent disputes, developing effective responses to tax authority inquiries, and preparing for and managing tax board hearings. Individuals gain a clear understanding of tax obligations and rights, learn to identify and rectify discrepancies in tax filings, engage effectively with tax authorities, utilise available remedies during audits, and stay informed about changes in tax laws affecting personal finances.
Participants will gain access to expert insights from leading tax dispute resolution professionals, enhancing their practical understanding and application of tax laws. The programme's comprehensive curriculum ensures attendees are well-prepared to handle complex tax matters, thereby bolstering their professional credibility and expanding their career opportunities in the field of tax law.
Studying online is cost effective - you study around your busy schedule with no need to travel. The course is 100% online, with units released via our Virtual Learning Environment, and you can apply your new knowledge and skills to your work as the course progresses. You will explore a variety of course materials including videos, case studies and written units, access and study when and where convenient for you, and meet like-minded participants on the online forum.
Successful learners will receive a learning programme certificate of competence issued by the Academy of Tax Law and TRM Tax Attorneys. In addition, the learner also qualifies for 15 verifiable Tax CPD hours.
Tell us who you are and a programme advisor will be in touch with dates, fees and everything you need to enrol.
Prefer to talk? Book a 15-minute consult · Mon–Fri, 08h00–17h00 (GMT+2) · connect@academyoftaxlaw.com
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