About this Course

This online short course gives bookkeeping practitioners a practical, rule-by-rule understanding of when VAT on business expenses can be claimed back from SARS and when it cannot. Where general VAT training covers input and output tax at a high level, this course drills into the expense side of the VAT201 return — the denied and restricted categories, the timing and valuation rules, and the special cases that catch bookkeepers out in practice.

Learners work through real South African scenarios: entertainment and staff functions, motor vehicles and the double-cab debate, business travel and accommodation, apportionment on mixed taxable and exempt supplies, and the differences between zero-rated and exempt expenses. Every rule is linked back to a valid tax invoice, a journal entry and the VAT201 return, so learners see not just what to claim but how to defend that claim under a SARS audit.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to assess any business expense against the VAT Act's deduction rules, apply the correct apportionment where an expense is only partly claimable, and maintain the documentation SARS expects to see.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply the core input tax deduction rule: an expense must relate to taxable supplies, be supported by a valid tax invoice and not fall into a denied category
• Identify the categories of expense VAT that the VAT Act specifically denies or restricts, including entertainment, motor cars and club subscriptions
• Determine the time and value of supply for standard, instalment, imported and barter transactions
• Apply the correct VAT treatment to motor vehicle acquisitions, leases and running costs, including the double-cab rule
• Distinguish claimable from non-claimable accommodation and travel expenses, including mixed business and private use
• Apply apportionment methods where expenses relate to both taxable and exempt supplies
• Distinguish zero-rated from exempt supplies and apply the correct input VAT treatment to each
• Maintain the tax invoices and records SARS requires to support an input VAT claim

Course Delivery, Duration and Effort

SA Accounting Academy delivers this online short course. The course is divided into 8 modules and is designed to be completed in one and a half weeks. Learners can study at their own pace and access recorded content at any time.

Is this course for you?

This course is suitable for:

• Bookkeepers and accountants responsible for calculating and reviewing VAT201 returns
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want confidence in what they can and cannot claim
• Finance administrators and accounts clerks who process supplier invoices and expense claims
• Accounting and bookkeeping students building practical, job-ready VAT skills
• Anyone seeking a practical introduction to VAT expense deductions in a South African context

Lecturer

Ruzel van Jaarsveld

Ruzel van Jaarsveld is a finance professional, business consultant and learning specialist with over 28 years of experience across bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, PAYE, management accounts, eFiling and Human Resources. As a qualified Skills Development Facilitator and experienced Financial Facilitator, she has designed and delivered practical financial workshops nationally for entrepreneurs, business owners and corporate finance teams, and is recognised for her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance.

Her areas of focus include tax optimisation, business development and online sales and marketing. Ruzel combines technical expertise with a practical, client-centred approach, making her a trusted resource for individuals and organisations seeking confident, solutions-focused financial support.

Prerequisites / Admission Requirements

This course is open to anyone who works in, or intends to work in, a bookkeeping, accounting or small business finance environment. The following are recommended prerequisites:

• Ability to work with basic calculations and financial figures.
• Access to a computer with internet connectivity for online learning.
• Basic understanding of South African business operations.
• Familiarity with basic bookkeeping and VAT concepts (advantageous but not required).

Assessments

This course includes formative assessments to test knowledge throughout the modules. Learners must achieve all competencies of the course.

Accreditation

This course is aligned with continuous professional development (CPD/CPE) requirements and may qualify for CPD hours with relevant professional bodies.

Assessment and Certification

On successful completion (i.e. competence in all modules) of this course the learner will be awarded:

• Certificate of Completion from SA Accounting Academy

Curriculum

Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction and Basic Concepts
• Module 2: What You Can and Cannot Deduct
• Module 3: Time and Value of Supply
• Module 4: Entertainment
• Module 5: Motor Cars
• Module 6: Accommodation
• Module 7: Exempt Supplies
• Module 8: Zero-Rated Supplies

For more information on what will be covered in the curriculum please download the prospectus.

About SA Accounting Academy

The SA Accounting Academy is an accredited private QCTO, SAICA - AT(SA), ICB and BANKSETA qualifications provider. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Qualifications and courses delivered are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and advance your career. With our experienced faculty, staff, and resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training.

SAAA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.

Course Fees

Invest in your future with our comprehensive course. Our fee is an all-inclusive investment in your future.

The course fee is R 590.00 and consists of:

Educational Resources

• Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to tutorial videos, enhancing your learning experience.

Learning Support

• Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalised guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
• Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
• Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.
• Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.

Flexibility and Convenience

• Study Online: Complete your course and take your assessments online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere.

Payment Methods

Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT

You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.

EFT / Bank Deposit

You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.

Your Company / Employer

It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.

Third Party

If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.

Payment Terms

Once off payment – R 590.00

Corporate Training Solutions

At SA Accounting Academy, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritise hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at corporate@accountingacademy.co.za or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organisational goals.

Contact Us

• Online chat through our website www.accountingacademy.co.za
• WhatsApp: Start chatting (+27635026114)
• Phone: 010 593 0466
• E-mail: support@accountingacademy.co.za