A constitutional analysis of a differentiated tax treatment of residents and non-residents in respect of income deriving from immovable property in South Africa

Abstract

A constitutional analysis of a differentiated tax treatment of residents and non-residents in respect of income deriving from immovable property in South Africa', Daniel Baines explores whether South African resident taxpayers' constitutional rights to equality and property are infringed by current laws which tax residents at higher rates than non-residents on rental income and proceeds from the disposal of fixed property. He aptly sets out what the right to equality and property entails and how these relate to taxpayers. He finds that the higher effective tax rates paid by residents violates their constitutional right to equality. The thesis provides valuable insight into a resident's right to equality and property in terms of current tax rates and illustrates how current tax rates are unconstitutional. The recommendations brought forward contribute toward the discussion of how tax rates should be altered in order to ensure that residents' constitutional rights are no longer violated.