FAQ
General Questions
What services do Schoemans Chartered Accountants offer?
Schoemans provides accounting, tax, auditing, and advisory services to individuals, small and medium businesses, and trusts, as well as statutory services required by South African regulators.
Are you registered with South African professional bodies?
Yes. Schoemans is a registered member of SAICA, SAIPA, and IRBA, which means the firm adheres to strict professional, ethical, and quality standards.
Where are you based?
Schoemans has offices in Cape Town (near Tygervalley Shopping Centre) and in Malmesbury, serving clients across the Western Cape and beyond.
Tax and SARS Compliance
How do you help me stay compliant with SARS?
The firm assists with tax registrations, tax return submissions (individual, company, VAT, PAYE), provisional tax, and responds to SARS queries to help you avoid penalties and interest.
What records must I keep for tax and VAT purposes?
Invoices, bank statements, payroll records, contracts, and supporting documents for at least five years are generally required to support your VAT, income tax, and payroll submissions to SARS..
Can you help if I receive a SARS audit or verification request?
Yes. Schoemans can review the SARS correspondence, prepare supporting documents, and liaise directly with SARS on your behalf to resolve the query efficiently.
How often will you remind me about tax and compliance deadlines?
The firm tracks key deadlines for you and provides reminders for tax returns, provisional tax, VAT, PAYE, and annual financial statements so you remain compliant.
Business Structure and Setup
What is the best structure for my business in South Africa?
Schoemans advises on suitable structures such as sole proprietor, partnership, or (Pty) Ltd, taking into account tax efficiency, risk, ownership, and long‑term growth plans.
Can you help me register a company or new business?
Yes. The firm assists with company registrations, SARS registrations (income tax, VAT, PAYE), and, where applicable, with industry-specific registrations.
How should I pay myself as a business owner?
Options typically include a salary, dividends, or a combination, depending on your business structure and tax position; Schoemans can recommend a tax‑efficient mix tailored to your situation.
Payroll, UIF, and Labour-Related Questions
Do you handle payroll, PAYE, UIF, and SDL?
Yes. Schoemans can run your payroll, calculate PAYE, UIF, and SDL, and submit EMP201 and EMP501 reconciliations to SARS, helping you stay compliant with South African legislation.
What must I do when hiring or terminating employees?
Employers must correctly register staff for PAYE and UIF, maintain proper records, and submit the necessary forms (such as UI19) when employees join or leave; the firm can assist with these processes.
Accounting, Software, and Bookkeeping
Which accounting software do you recommend?
Many South African businesses use platforms such as Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks; Schoemans can recommend and support software that fits your size, industry, and reporting needs.
Can you take over my monthly bookkeeping?
Yes. The firm can manage day‑to‑day bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, supplier and customer accounts, and monthly management accounts so that you can focus on running your business.
How often should my books be updated?
At minimum, monthly bookkeeping is recommended to keep your cash flow, VAT, and management information up to date and to avoid year‑end surprises.
Annual Financials, Audits, and Reviews
Do I need an audit, review, or just compiled financial statements?
The requirement depends on your company type, size, public interest score, and regulatory requirements; Schoemans will assess your situation and advise whether an audit, independent review, or compilation is appropriate.
What do I need to prepare for year‑end financial statements?
Typically, you should provide bank statements, invoices, contracts, fixed asset details, loan agreements, and payroll records; the team will guide you with a tailored checklist.
Can you explain my financial statements in simple terms?
Yes. Schoemans walks clients through the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities for the business.
Individuals, Trusts, and Estates
Do you only work with companies, or also with individuals?
The firm works with both, assisting individuals with personal tax returns, provisional tax, rental properties, capital gains, and other SARS-related matters.
Can you assist with trusts and estates?
Yes. Services can include accounting and tax for trusts, guidance on distributions, and working with executors or estate planners to ensure compliance and tax efficiency.
Fees and Engagement
How do your fees work?
Fees are typically based on the scope and complexity of work, such as once‑off projects (like company setup) or ongoing monthly services (like bookkeeping and payroll); quotes are provided upfront so you know what to expect.
Can services be customised for my business?
Yes. Schoemans tailors service packages to each client’s needs, whether you require full outsourced finance, only tax compliance, or periodic advisory and review.