SARS Interpretation Note 65 Issue 3: Trading stock - Inclusion in income when applied, distributed or disposed of otherwise than in the ordinary course of trade (source: https://www.sars.gov.za/lapd-intr-in-2012-65-trading-stock-inclusion-distributed-disposed/)
INTERPRETATION NOTE 65 (Issue 3)
DATE: 6 February 2017
ACT : INCOME TAX ACT 58 OF 1962
SECTION : SECTION 22(8)
SUBJECT : TRADING STOCK – INCLUSION IN INCOME WHEN APPLIED,
DISTRIBUTED OR DISPOSED OF OTHERWISE THAN IN THE
ORDINARY COURSE OF TRADE
CONTENTS
PAGE
Preamble .............................................................................................................................. 2
1. Purpose ..................................................................................................................... 2
2. Background ............................................................................................................... 2
3. The law...................................................................................................................... 2
4. Application of the law................................................................................................. 3
4.1 Deemed inclusion in income – general ...................................................................... 3
4.2 Deemed inclusion in income – trading stock applied for private or domestic use
or consumption [section 22(8)(A)] .............................................................................. 3
4.3 Deemed inclusion in income at market value [section 22(8)(B)] ................................. 3
4.3.1 Trading stock donated otherwise than under section 18A [section 22(8)(b)(i)] ........... 4
4.3.2 Trading stock disposed of otherwise than in the ordinary course of trade for a
consideration less than its market value [section 22(8)(b)(ii)]..................................... 4
4.3.3 Distribution of trading stock in specie [section 22(8)(b)(iii)] ........................................ 5
4.3.4 Trading stock applied for other purposes [section 22(8)(b)(iv)] .................................. 6
4.3.5 Assets ceasing to be held as trading stock [section 22(8)(b)(v)] ................................ 6
4.3.6 Determination of market value ................................................................................... 7
4.4 Deemed inclusion in income at value – donations under section 18A
[section 22(8)(C)] ....................................................................................................... 8
4.5 Expenditure deemed to be incurred after the deemed inclusion in income
[paragraph (a) of the proviso to section 22(8)] ........................................................... 9
4.6 Reduction of deemed inclusion in income by actual consideration [paragraph (b)
of the proviso to section 22(8)] .................................................................................. 9
4.7 Exclusion of livestock and produce [paragraph (c) of the proviso to section 22(8)] .. 10
4.8 Exclusion of assets referred to in paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross
income” [paragraph (d) of the proviso to section 22(8)]............................................ 10
5. Miscellaneous issues............................................................................................... 11
5.1 Foreign currency contracts ...................................................................................... 11
5.2 Capital gains tax implications .................................................................................. 11
6. Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 12
Annexure – The law ............................................................................................................ 14
Preamble
In this Note unless the context indicates otherwise –
• “section” means a section of the Act;
• “the Act” means the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962; and
• any other word or expression bears the meaning ascribed to it in the Act.
1. Purpose
This Note provides guidance on the application and interpretation of section 22(8)
which deems an amount to be included in income when trading stock is applied,
distributed or disposed of in specified circumstances, otherwise than by sale at
market value in the ordinary course of trade.
2. Background
The cost of acquisition of trading stock should in principle not be deductible if it is –
• withdrawn for private consumption;
• donated;
• sold otherwise than in the ordinary course of the taxpayer’s trade for less than
its market value; or
• distributed in specie to a holder of shares.
A deduction results from these events because there would be no inclusion in income
of closing stock while the cost price would have been allowed as a deduction. 1
In these circumstances the purpose of the expenditure has changed to one that is not
productive of income. Section 22(8) accordingly provides for a deemed inclusion in
the taxpayer’s income. The amount of the inclusion (for example, at cost, written-
down value or market value) will depend on the manner in which the trading stock
has been applied, distributed or disposed of.
3. The law
The relevant sections of the Act are quoted in the Annexure.
The deduction could be under section 11(a) (trading stock disposed of in the same year of
assessment in which it was acquired), section 22(1)(a) (write-down of closing stock) or
section 22(2) (opening stock).
4. Application of the law
4.1 Deemed inclusion in income – general
For section 22(8) to apply, the cost price of the trading stock must have been “taken
into account” in the determination of the taxpayer’s taxable income. Trading stock
could be “taken into account” as a deduction under –
• section 11(a) if disposed of in the year of assessment in which the trading
stock is acquired;
• section 22(1)(a) to the extent of any write-down in the value of the trading
stock; or
• section 22(2) as opening stock.
4.2 Deemed inclusion in income – trading stock applied for private or domestic
use or consumption [section 22(8)(A)]
Section 22(8)(A) provides for a deemed inclusion in income when trading stock is
applied to a taxpayer’s private or domestic use or consumption as envisaged in
section 22(8)(a).
The amount to be included in the taxpayer’s income is –
• the cost price of the trading stock if the cost price has been taken into
account; or
• the written-down value of the trading stock if it has been written down under
section 22(1)(a); or
• the market value of the trading stock if the taxpayer cannot readily determine
the cost price.
Example 1 – Private or domestic use or consumption of trading stock
Facts:
X, a sole trader, owns a bottle store. During the current year of assessment X
withdrew 20 cases of wine from stock for use at X’s daughter’s wedding at which the
wine was served free of charge to the guests. The market value of the wine in
question was substantially in excess of its cost price. X had accounted for the wine in
opening and closing stock in previous years of assessment.
Result:
The bottles withdrawn from trading stock by X have been applied for X’s private or
domestic use or consumption. Under section 22(8)(A) read with section 22(8)(a) X is
deemed to have recouped the cost price of each bottle so applied and not its market
value.
4.3 Deemed inclusion in income at market value [section 22(8)(B)]
The market value of trading stock, and not its cost price or written-down value, will be
deemed to be recouped by the taxpayer under section 22(8)(B) read with
section 22(8)(b) in the five situations discussed below.
4.3.1 Trading stock donated otherwise than under section 18A [section 22(8)(b)(i)]
A donation of trading stock other than a donation made under section 18A results in
the inclusion in income of the market value of that trading stock. See 4.4 for
donations made under section 18A.
Section 22(8)(b)(i) does not define the word “donation” and it must therefore bear its
common-law meaning. 2 In Estate Welch v C: SARS it was confirmed by Marais JA
that the common-law test for a donation was as follows: 3
“[T]he disposition [must] be motivated by pure liberality or disinterested benevolence
and not by self-interest or the expectation of a quid pro quo of some kind from
whatever source it may come.”
Thus, unlike a deemed donation for donations tax purposes, if the donee gives any
consideration the disposal will not be a donation. 4
The distribution by a taxpayer of free samples of trading stock for promotional
purposes is not a donation, since it is not motivated by pure liberality or disinterested
benevolence. There is an expectation that customers will purchase the taxpayer’s
products after sampling them.
4.3.2 Trading stock disposed of otherwise than in the ordinary course of trade for a
consideration less than its market value [section 22(8)(b)(ii)]
A taxpayer must include in income the market value of trading stock which has been
disposed of –
• otherwise than in the ordinary course of trade; and
• for a consideration less than its market value.
The circumstances surrounding the disposal must be considered in determining
whether the trading stock has been disposed of otherwise than in the ordinary course
of trade. It is not uncommon for traders to sell trading stock at less than market value
in order to promote their businesses, for example, as a loss leader or during a price
war. Disposals of this nature will not give rise to an inclusion in income at market
value under section 22(8)(B) read with section 22(8)(b)(ii), since they are undertaken
in the ordinary course of trade.
In T v COT 5 the court had to determine whether debentures had been acquired by a
subsidiary from its holding company in the ordinary course of trade so as to
constitute trading stock. Goldin J stated the following: 6
“It has been repeatedly held that the test is an objective one. One test suggested is
whether the disposition would cause an ordinary businessman surprise. If so, it would
be otherwise than in the ordinary course of business. (See Michalow NO v Premier
Milling Co Ltd 1960(2) SA 59(W) at 65.) In Downs Distributing Co (Pty) Ltd v
Associated Blue Star Stores (Pty) Ltd (1948) 76 CLR 463 Rich J said at 476:
‘It means that the transaction must fall into place as part of the
undistinguished common flow of business done, that it should form part of the
The Master v Thompson’s Estate 1961 (2) SA 20 (FC), 24 SATC 157.
2005 (4) SA 173 (SCA), 66 SATC 303 at 314.
The Master v Thompson’s Estate 1961 (2) SA 20 (FC), 24 SATC 157.
1978 (4) SA 665 (R), 40 SATC 179.
At SATC 184.
ordinary course of business as carried on, calling for no remark and arising
out of no special or particular situation.’ ”
In De Beers Holdings(Pty) Ltd v CIR, Corbett JA (as he then was) stated the
following on whether a non-profitable transaction formed part of a taxpayer’s trade: 7
“Of course, the attainment of a profit is not necessarily the hallmark of a trading
transaction. A trader may for commercial reasons be compelled to resell goods at a
loss. Conceivably also he may elect to resell goods at a loss in order to gain some
other commercial advantage for his business. The practice of putting on sale the so-
called ‘loss leaders’ by some merchants would fall into this category; and there
seems little doubt that merchandise so sold would constitute stock-in-trade and the
proceeds thereof gross income.”
He continued as follows: 8
“It is true, as I have already indicated, that the absence of a profit does not
necessarily exclude a transaction from being part of the taxpayer’s trade; and
correspondingly moneys laid out in a non-profitable transaction may nevertheless be
wholly or exclusively expended for the purposes of trade within the terms of s 23(g).
Such moneys may well be disbursed on grounds of commercial expediency or in
order indirectly to facilitate the carrying on of the taxpayer’s trade (see in this regard
the remarks of Jenkins LJ in Morgan v Tate & Lyle Ltd 1953 Ch 601 at 637-8 and
Boarland v Kramat Pulai Ltd [1953] 2 All ER 1122). Where, however, a trader
normally carries on business by buying goods and selling them at a profit, then as a
general rule a transaction entered into with the purpose of not making a profit, or in
fact registering a loss, must, in order to satisfy s 23(g), be shown to have been so
connected with the pursuit of the taxpayer’s trade, eg on ground of commercial
expediency or indirect facilitation of the trade, as to justify the conclusion that, despite
the lack of profit motive, the moneys paid out under the transaction were wholly and
exclusively expended for the purposes of trade (cf Nemojim’s case (supra) at 947H-
948A). Generally, unless the facts speak for themselves, this will call for an
explanation from the taxpayer.”
A question to consider is whether the disposal of trading stock forming part of the
sale of a business as a going concern falls within section 22(8)(b)(ii). A sale of this
nature would not ordinarily be undertaken in the ordinary course of a taxpayer’s
trade. However, for this provision to apply the selling price must also be below
market value. It is accepted that a sale of all the trading stock on hand may itself
have a bearing on the price it would fetch in the market. For example, an arm’s-
length buyer of a business as a going concern will usually acquire trading stock at
book value and in these circumstances book value would generally comprise the
market value.
4.3.3 Distribution of trading stock in specie [section 22(8)(b)(iii)]
A company must include in its income the market value of trading stock which it has
distributed in specie to any holder of shares on or after 21 June 1993. The term
“distribution” is not defined in the Act and must therefore be given its common-law
meaning for the purposes of section 22(8). In CIR v Legal & General Asurance
Society Ltd 9 Steyn CJ ascribed to the word “distribute” in the context of the definition
of a “dividend” at the time the wider meaning of –
“apportion, appropriate, allocate or apply towards”.
1986 (1) SA 8 (A), 47 SATC 229 at 254.
At SATC 260.
1963 (3) SA 876 (A), 25 SATC 303 at 315.
He pointed out that the word should be defined with reference to the relevant context.
It is submitted that a distribution relates to something given to a holder of shares
without receiving consideration for it and without imposing an obligation to return it.
Typical examples include the payment of a dividend or a return of capital. A disposal
of trading stock for full consideration is therefore not a distribution.
A disposal of trading stock to a holder of shares for less than its market value must
be considered under section 22(8)(b)(ii).
4.3.4 Trading stock applied for other purposes [section 22(8)(b)(iv)]
A taxpayer must include in income the market value of trading stock applied for a
purpose other than –
• a disposal in the ordinary course of trade; and
• in the circumstances described in section 22(8)(a) (4.2), (b)(i) (4.3.1), (ii)
(4.3.2) or (iii) (4.3.3).
Through a process of elimination it is evident that section 22(8)(b)(iv) was intended to
cover, for example, trading stock which is –
• consumed by the taxpayer for the purposes of trade; or
• used by the taxpayer as a capital asset when the asset is manufactured,
produced, constructed or assembled by the taxpayer and is similar to other
assets so made by the taxpayer (that is, assets referred to in paragraph (jA)
of the definition of the term “gross income”).
Section 22(8)(b)(iv) must be read with paragraphs (a) and (d) of the proviso to
section 22(8). In this regard see –
• paragraph (a) of the proviso which enables the taxpayer to potentially claim a
deduction for trading stock which is used or consumed in carrying on the
taxpayer’s trade (see 4.5); and
• paragraph (d) of the proviso which prevents double taxation when assets
referred to in paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross income” are applied for
a purpose other than disposal in the ordinary course of trade (see 4.8).
See Examples 3 and 4 in 4.5 and 4.8 respectively for the interaction between
section 22(8)(b)(iv) and paragraphs (a) and (d) of the proviso to section 22(8).
4.3.5 Assets ceasing to be held as trading stock [section 22(8)(b)(v)]
Under section 22(8)(b)(v) a taxpayer must include in income the market value of
assets held as trading stock which cease to be held as trading stock.
Since section 22(8)(b)(v) deals with a situation in which the taxpayer continues to
hold the assets in question, it does not apply to the loss or destruction of trading
stock. The provision envisages a change of use which results in trading stock
ceasing to be trading stock. A typical example is a taxpayer that commences to use
trading stock as a capital asset with the result that the asset falls outside the
definition of “trading stock” in section 1(1).
Section 22(8)(b)(v) must be read with paragraph 12(3) of the Eighth Schedule which
establishes a base cost for an asset which ceases to be held as trading stock –
see 5.3.
Paragraph (a) of the proviso to section 22(8) deems expenditure to have been
incurred on an asset that is used or consumed in carrying on the taxpayer’s trade.
Such usage would include a taxpayer ceasing to hold an asset as trading stock
because the asset has been deployed in the trade as a capital asset. The taxpayer is
thus potentially enabled to claim capital allowances on the asset, depending on the
wording of the particular allowance provision – see 4.5.
Example 2 – Asset ceasing to be held as trading stock
Facts:
Company XYZ, a dealer in immovable property, acquired several office buildings for
the purpose of resale at a profit. It subsequently decided to keep one of the office
buildings to house its head office.
Result:
Company XYZ has ceased to hold the office building in question as trading stock and
has commenced to use it as a capital asset. The market value of the office building
must accordingly be included in its income.
Note: Paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross income” does not apply in this
instance, since the buildings were acquired by purchase and not constructed by the
taxpayer. See 4.8 on the exclusion of paragraph (jA) assets from section 22(8).
4.3.6 Determination of market value
The market value of trading stock must be determined on the basis that the
transaction should have had the characteristic of one between independent parties
trading at arm’s length, each striving to gain the most benefit from the transaction.
In other words, market value requires a willing buyer and a willing seller dealing at
arm’s length in an open market.
The market value of an asset is the best price at which the asset would have been
sold unconditionally for a cash consideration on the date of valuation assuming –
• a willing seller and a willing buyer (under no duress at all);
• that, before the date of valuation, there had been a reasonable period (having
regard to the nature of the asset and the state of the market) for the proper
marketing of the interest and the sale to be concluded;
• that no account is taken of any additional bid by a prospective purchaser with
a special interest;
• a sale either –
of the asset as a whole for use in its working place;
of the asset as a whole for removal from the premises of the seller at
the expense of the purchaser; or
of individual items for removal from the premises of the seller at the
expense of the purchaser; and
• that both parties to the transaction had acted knowledgeably, prudently and
without compulsion.
The peculiar features prevailing in the market at the time must be taken into account,
such as the seller disposing of a large quantity of trading stock all at once and not in
the ordinary course of trade. The price of trading stock sold in large volumes will
often be lower than when it is sold on an individual item basis; the market value of
the trading stock in the two situations is often validly different. However, the price at
which the transaction is concluded would not necessarily be market-related if it were
made under duress, if there was insufficient time for the trading stock to be properly
marketed or if the seller did not act prudently or knowledgeably.
Market value must be determined as at the date of the disposal and not at the end of
the year of assessment.
4.4 Deemed inclusion in income at value – donations under section 18A
[section 22(8)(C)]
A taxpayer that applies trading stock –
“for the purpose of making a donation in respect of which the provisions of section
18A apply”
is deemed to recoup an amount equal to the amount that was taken into account as
the value of that trading stock for that year of assessment.
The amount so “taken into account” could be the amount deducted under
section 11(a) for trading stock acquired and donated in the same year of assessment
or it could be the amount taken into account as opening stock under section 22(2).
Typically this value would be the cost price of the trading stock or its written-down
value when it has been written down below cost price.
The expression “in respect of which the provisions of section 18A apply” refers to a
qualifying donee under section 18A(1). The donation in question need not
necessarily result in a deduction under section 18A, which contains a “10% of taxable
income” limitation rule under section 18A(1)(B). 10 Thus, even if a donation to a
qualifying donee exceeds the “10% of taxable income” limitation in section 18A(1)
such that only part of the donation qualifies for a deduction, the full income inclusion
at cost or written-down value as appropriate must be accounted for under
section 22(8)(C). The 10% limitation is merely part of the process through which a
qualifying donation must pass and thus “applies” to the donation regardless of
whether it results in a deduction.
Section 18A provides for a deduction from the taxable income of a taxpayer of the
sum of bona fide donations made in cash or of property made in kind, actually paid or
transferred during the taxpayer’s year of assessment to approved public benefit
organisations and other qualifying organisations approved by the Commissioner
which carry on approved public benefit activities.
Under section 18A(3)(a) the deduction for trading stock donated as property in kind
to an approved public benefit organisation or other qualifying entity is deemed to be
an amount equal to –
• for a financial instrument, the lower of its fair market value on the date of the
donation or the amount which has been taken into account with regard to that
financial instrument for the purposes of section 22(8)(C); or
A separate limitation rule based on a formula applies to a portfolio of a collective investment
scheme that makes a donation [section 18A(1)(B)].
• in any other case, including livestock or produce in respect of which
paragraph 11 of the First Schedule to the Act applies, the amount which has
been taken into account under section 22(8)(C) or paragraph 11, as the case
may be.
4.5 Expenditure deemed to be incurred after the deemed inclusion in income
[paragraph (a) of the proviso to section 22(8)]
Paragraph (a) of the proviso to section 22(8) stipulates that when trading stock is
used or consumed by the taxpayer in carrying on the taxpayer’s trade, the amount
included in the taxpayer’s income under section 22(8) is deemed to be expenditure
incurred in respect of the acquisition by the taxpayer of the asset. In this way the
taxpayer is able to secure a deduction for the trading stock so consumed or used in
the carrying on of the trade provided the specific requirements of the relevant
deduction or allowance provision are met. The deduction could be immediate [for
instance, expenditure qualifying under section 11(a) or (d)] or it could take the form of
an allowance over a period [such as a wear-and-tear or depreciation allowance under
section 11(e)].
Example 3 – Deemed expenditure
Facts:
Company X is a paint manufacturer. It withdrew a tin of paint from its trading stock
and used it to paint its factory building.
Result:
Company X must include the market value of the tin of paint in its income under
section 22(8)(B) read with section 22(8)(b)(iv) – see 4.3.4.
Under paragraph (a) of the proviso to section 22(8), the amount so included in
Company X’s income is deemed to be expenditure incurred on the acquisition of the
tin of paint.
The deemed expense will qualify as a deduction under section 11(d), since it
comprises expenditure actually incurred during the year of assessment on repairs to
property occupied for the purpose of trade.
4.6 Reduction of deemed inclusion in income by actual consideration
[paragraph (b) of the proviso to section 22(8)]
The disposal of trading stock otherwise than in the course of the taxpayer’s trade for
an amount less than its market value results in the inclusion in the taxpayer’s income
of the full market value of that trading stock – see 4.3.2. At the same time the receipt
or accrual of the actual consideration will be included in the taxpayer’s gross income
thus creating the potential for double taxation.
Paragraph (b) of the proviso to section 22(8) prevents this potential double taxation
by reducing the market value included in the taxpayer’s income under
section 22(8)(B) by the actual consideration received from the disposal.
4.7 Exclusion of livestock and produce [paragraph (c) of the proviso to
section 22(8)]
Section 22(8) does not apply to trading stock consisting of livestock or produce to
which paragraph 11 of the First Schedule to the Act applies [paragraph (c) of the
proviso to section 22(8)]. This exclusion prevents double taxation because
paragraph 11 of the First Schedule contains income inclusion provisions which mirror
those of section 22(8).
4.8 Exclusion of assets referred to in paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross
income” [paragraph (d) of the proviso to section 22(8)]
References in this paragraph to paragraph (jA) are to paragraph (jA) of the definition
of “gross income” in section 1(1).
Section 22(8)(b)(iv) provides for a market value inclusion in income when trading
stock is applied for a purpose other than its disposal in the ordinary course of trade
and under circumstances other than those in section 22(8)(a), (b)(i), (ii) or (iii).
One such situation arises when an asset contemplated in paragraph (jA) is applied
as a capital asset.
Paragraph (jA) includes in gross income –
“any amount received by or accrued to any person during the year of assessment in
respect of the disposal of any asset manufactured, produced, constructed or
assembled by that person, which is similar to any other asset manufactured,
produced, constructed or assembled by that person for purposes of manufacture,
sale or exchange by that person or on that person’s behalf;”.
Paragraph (jA) therefore ensures that any amount received or accrued on disposal of
such assets is included in gross income, even if they are used as capital assets.
Such assets remain within the definition of “trading stock” in section 1(1) despite any
change in usage. 11
Paragraph (d) of the proviso to section 22(8) prevents double taxation by excluding
from section 22(8)(b)(iv) any trading stock consisting of assets for which any amount
received or accrued from their disposal is or will be included in the gross income of
the taxpayer under paragraph (jA).
For more on paragraph (jA) see Interpretation Note 11 (Issue 4) dated 6 February
2017 “Trading Stock: Assets not used as Trading Stock”.
Example 4 – Trading stock applied for a purpose other than for disposal in the
ordinary course of trade
Facts:
A company imports computer parts and assembles them into desktop computers
which it sells. The parts and assembled computers comprise trading stock.
Paragraph (ii) of the definition of “trading stock” in section 1(1) includes in that definition (with
some exceptions) “anything the proceeds from the disposal of which forms or will form part of the
taxpayer’s gross income”.
Some of the computers assembled by the company are used by its sales personnel
for demonstration purposes. These computers are used as capital assets and not for
disposal in the ordinary course of trade. After two years the demonstration computers
are sold to the company’s employees at their then prevailing market values.
Result:
The demonstration computers comprise trading stock under paragraph (a)(ii) of the
definition of “trading stock” in section 1(1) because any proceeds on their disposal
will form part of the company’s gross income under paragraph (jA).
Upon application of the demonstration computers as capital assets
Section 22(8)(b)(iv) deems the market value of the computers to be included in the
company’s income when they are used as capital assets. However, paragraph (d) of
the proviso to section 22(8) prevents this deemed inclusion for paragraph (jA) assets.
Under the definition of “trading stock” the demonstration computers remain trading
stock despite their deployment as capital assets. Therefore there will also be no
deemed inclusion in the company’s income under section 22(8)(b)(v) (assets held as
trading stock which cease to be held as trading stock).
Upon sale of the demonstration computers to employees
Any amounts received by or accrued to the company from the disposal of its
demonstration computers to its employees on or after 12 December 2001 are
included in its gross income under paragraph (jA).
The company must therefore include the market value of the demonstration
computers in its gross income under paragraph (jA) only when they are ultimately
disposed of to its employees and not when they are used as capital assets.
5. Miscellaneous issues
5.1 Foreign currency contracts
The definition of “trading stock” in section 1(1) specifically excludes from trading
stock –
• a “foreign currency option contract”; and
• a “forward exchange contract”,
as defined in section 24I(1). Accordingly, section 22 does not apply to such assets.
5.2 Capital gains tax implications
References under this heading to a “paragraph” are to paragraphs of the Eighth
Schedule to the Act.
Paragraph 12(3) triggers a deemed disposal and reacquisition of an asset which
ceases to be held as trading stock otherwise than as a result of a disposal under
paragraph 11. In other words, paragraph 12(3) does not deal with an actual disposal
of trading stock but a change of usage. For example, it could apply to a taxpayer
commencing to use an item of trading stock as a capital asset or as a personal-use
asset. 12 In these circumstances the taxpayer is deemed to have disposed of the
asset for a consideration equal to the amount included in income under
section 22(8) 13 and to have immediately reacquired it at the same amount for
purposes of determining expenditure actually incurred under paragraph 20(1)(a).
The deemed consideration will be excluded from proceeds under paragraph 35(3)(a)
because of the income inclusion under section 22(8). The deemed reacquisition
expenditure establishes the base cost of the asset for the purposes of any future
disposal of that asset.
Paragraph 12(3) does not apply to trading stock manufactured, produced,
constructed or assembled by the taxpayer that is used as a capital asset in the
circumstances contemplated in paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross income” in
section 1(1). Such assets remain “trading stock” as defined in section 1(1) because
the proceeds from their ultimate disposal are included in “gross income” under
paragraph (jA). In other words, they do not cease to be held as trading stock as
required by paragraph 12(3).
However, trading stock that is acquired by a taxpayer by purchase or exchange does
not fall within paragraph (jA) and will thus trigger a deemed inclusion in income under
section 22(8)(b)(v) at market value, and will have a corresponding base cost for
capital gains tax purposes equal to the same amount under paragraph 12(3). Thus a
motor dealer that removes a purchased delivery vehicle from the showroom floor and
uses it as an in-house delivery vehicle will fall outside paragraph (jA) and into
section 22(8)(b)(v) and paragraph 12(3). The deemed disposal and reacquisition
under paragraph 12(3) is deemed under paragraph 13(1)(g)(i) to occur on the date
immediately before the date on which the change of usage occurs. Section 22(8)(B),
which triggers an income inclusion at market value, does not contain a timing rule.
Logically there should be symmetry between the amount included in income under
section 22(8)(b)(v) and the base cost determined under paragraph 12(3).
The inclusion in income under section 22(8)(b)(v) should therefore be based on the
market value of the asset on the date immediately before the date on which the asset
ceases to be held as trading stock. This treatment is likely to be an issue only with
traded assets such as listed shares, the prices of which tend to fluctuate from day to
day.
For more information, see the Comprehensive Guide to Capital Gains Tax (Issue 5)
6. Conclusion
Section 22(8) deems an amount to be included in a taxpayer’s income when trading
stock is –
• applied for private or domestic use or consumption;
• donated;
• disposed of otherwise than in the ordinary course of trade for a consideration
less than its market value;
• distributed in specie by a company;
The term “personal use asset” is defined in paragraph 53(2).
This is clearly a reference to section 22(8)(b)(v) which triggers an inclusion in income at market
value under section 22(8)(B).
• used or consumed in the course of trade or disposed of at market value
otherwise than in the ordinary course of trade; or
• no longer held as trading stock.
The amount to be included in income is, in the case of trading stock –
• applied for private or domestic use or consumption, its cost price or written-
down value, or if the cost price cannot be determined, the market value;
• donated to an approved public benefit organisation or other qualifying entity
referred to in section 18A, the value taken into account under section 22; or
• in any other case, the market value.
Consideration received for trading stock which is less than its market value is
excluded from section 22(8) because the amount would already be included in gross
income.
A taxpayer using or consuming trading stock for the purposes of trade is deemed to
incur an amount of expenditure equal to the income inclusion under section 22(8)
and may qualify for a tax deduction or allowance if the requirements of the relevant
deduction or allowance provision are met.
Section 22(8) does not apply to –
• livestock or produce; or
• any assets the receipts or accruals from the disposal of which are included in
gross income under paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross income”.
Legal Counsel
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
Date of 1st issue : 24 February 2012
Date of 2nd issue : 5 February 2014
Annexure – The law
Section 22(8)
(8) If during any year of assessment—
(a) any taxpayer has applied trading stock to his private or domestic use or consumption;
or
(b) any—
(i) taxpayer has applied trading stock for the purpose of making any donation
thereof;
(ii) taxpayer has disposed of trading stock, other than in the ordinary course of his or
her trade for a consideration less than the market value thereof;
(iii) trading stock of any company has on or after 21 June 1993 been distributed in
specie to any holder of shares in that company;
(iv) taxpayer has applied any trading stock for any other purpose other than the
disposal thereof in the ordinary course of his trade and under circumstances other
than those contemplated in paragraph (a) or subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
paragraph; or
(v) assets which were held as trading stock by any taxpayer cease to be held as
trading stock by such taxpayer,
and the cost price of such trading stock has been taken into account in the determination of the
taxable income of the taxpayer for any year of assessment, the taxpayer shall be deemed to have
recovered or recouped—
(A) where such trading stock has been applied in a manner contemplated in
paragraph (a), an amount equal to the cost price to him of such trading stock (less any
sum which has been deducted therefrom under the provisions of subsection (1)) or
where the cost price cannot be readily determined, the market value of such trading
stock; or
(B) where such trading stock has been applied, disposed of or distributed in a manner
contemplated in paragraph (b) (otherwise than in the manner contemplated in
paragraph (C)) or ceases to be held as trading stock, an amount equal to the market
value of such trading stock; or
(C) where such trading stock has been applied for the purpose of making a donation in
respect of which the provisions of section 18A apply, an amount equal to the amount
which was taken into account for that year of assessment in respect of the value of
that trading stock,
and such amount shall be included in the income of the taxpayer for the year of assessment during
which such trading stock was so applied, disposed of, distributed or ceased to be held as trading
stock: Provided that where—
(a) an asset consisting of trading stock so applied is used or consumed by the taxpayer in
carrying on his trade, the amount included in his income under this subsection shall for
the purposes of this Act be deemed to be expenditure incurred in respect of the
acquisition by him of such asset;
(b) the provisions of paragraph (b) (ii) apply and any consideration contemplated in that
paragraph has been received by or accrued to the taxpayer, the amount included in
his income in terms of this subsection shall be reduced by such consideration;
(c) such trading stock consists of livestock or produce in respect of which the provisions
of paragraph 11 of the First Schedule are applicable, the provisions of this subsection
shall not apply; or
(d) such trading stock consists of assets in respect of which any amount received or
accrued from the disposal thereof is or will be included in the gross income of the
taxpayer in terms of paragraph (jA) of the definition of “gross income”, the provisions
of paragraph (b) (iv) shall not apply.