I was quite chuffed when the taxman first implemented e-filing; it was so easy! I became quite adept at filling in my annual tax online. However, things became a bit more complex when I was made a provisional taxpayer, as I was now running the B&B. But it wasn't so bad in the end.
All was hunky-dory until I opened my annual tax return for 2025 and discovered that the 'friendly' taxman had gone further, changing my ex-B&B from merely Rental Income to Local Business/Trade, which generated multiple sheets with more in-depth information needed.
I was not happy! It means a whole lot more work, but apparently, they are doing it to all B&Bs.
Next year, I will be giving all my receipts to a tax consultant and leaving it to him/her, but it will be the final one, as I sold my house last year, bringing an end to the B&B. I'd rather an expert handle the final return, as I do not want to go through this agony again.
It's at times like this that I feel that I need to build a little house in the wilderness and just disappear from the radar. Would I be able to escape the clutches of the old taxman there? We already pay so much tax, and yet he still wants more.
Here in South Africa, it is said that only 12% to 14.5% of our population pays tax, which the government fraudulently dips into as well, leaving very little for providing infrastructure and services to the population. No wonder things are falling apart, but we should not look at all the negatives. We still have one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.
Doesn't help my dilemma with the nosey taxman who wants to know all my deepest, darkest secrets. No hiding from that!
Onto the weather, or rather the climate in my new surroundings. I was told to buy moisture absorbers for my cupboards because of the damp, misty climate I find myself in; beautiful area, but dampness also brings mould, so now all my cupboards have these containers. I was shocked at finding they all needed replacement, but I am quite surprised they lasted so long, as I've been here for over two months already! Not too bad, but not too good either, as I need ten of these containers at around ZAR38 each. Did not need it before. My livingroom dehumidifier draws almost two litres of moisture from the air each day. We joked and said we can at least draw water from the air if there are any water outages!
I bought a couple of secondhand books so have some reading matter. I'm looking forward to reading The Shack as I saw the movie during the holidays, wonder how it differs from the movie with very mixed reviews!
So a mixed bag from me, thankful to be well again, and excited about the things waiting in the wings this year! Not excited about the old taxman though, always lurking in the shadows!
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