TLU SA today launched a campaign to enable all South Africans to deduct any security expenses from tax.
Section 23(b) of the Income Tax Act prohibits South Africans from deducting security expenses from income tax. Even though companies can deduct these type of costs, with this campaign, TLU SA wants to focus on offering this benefit to our consumers – an essential part of the value chain.
TLU SA drew up a list of the necessary expenses each household in South Africa should be able to deduct from tax:
- defensive walls;
- security cameras;
- burglar alarms;
- electric fences;
- razor wire;
- guard dogs;
- 24-hour monitoring and armed-response services;
- home insurance;
- other home security measures and equipment; and
- expenses pertaining to the upkeep of the items, as mentioned above.
The list will be amended as TLU SA receives feedback about additional safety expenditure.
“Countless South Africans have been subjected to the gravest invasion of their freedom by becoming victims of violence,” says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, the president of TLU SA. “The Constitution requires the state to protect us from such invasions. However, the state’s utter failure to do so is painfully apparent, just from looking at its own statistics.”
According to Stats SA, housebreaking or burglary is the number one crime in South Africa. An estimated 1,2 million housebreaking incidents occurred in the 2019/20 statistical year alone, affecting 891,000 households in our country. Like those on farms, South Africans living in remote areas are particularly vulnerable, as they reside far from any form of assistance.
“Considering the grave danger South Africans face daily, it is utterly disgraceful that the state does not allow security expenditure incurred by a taxpayer in securing their residence to be deducted from their income tax,” says Mr Geldenhuys.
Section 77 of the Constitution affords only the minister of finance – Mr Tito Mboweni – the power to instigate the abovementioned amendment.
“We call on all peace-loving South Africans, regardless of race, gender, age, or creed, to join us in one voice, demanding the minister amend the Constitution so we can protect ourselves,” requests Mr Geldenhuys.
Anyone can support the petition through TLU SA’s platform by sending a direct email to Minister Mboweni at this link: https://www.tlu.co.za/en/freedom-from-crime/.
Issued by: TLU SA
Date: 23 February 2021
Enquiries: Mr Henry Geldenhuys, President TLU SA, Cell.: 083 560 1273
Mr Bennie van Zyl, General Manager TLU SA, Cell.: 082 466 4470
