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Drawing the line between personal and business finances isn't just good practice—it's essential for tax compliance and business survival. Sue from Anthurico Accountants joins us to tackle one of the most common pitfalls entrepreneurs face: treating their business as an extension of themselves.

"When you register a company, you get a registration number. You have an ID number. They're two individual people," Sue explains, setting the foundation for our conversation. This distinction isn't merely philosophical—it has real tax implications when business owners use company accounts for personal expenses like groceries, bond payments, or school fees. These seemingly innocent transactions create loan accounts that SARS eventually flags, leading to unexpected tax liabilities and penalties.

We unpack the mechanics of loan accounts, VAT registration requirements, and the often-misunderstood question of whether dividends or salaries provide more tax efficiency. Sue delivers a masterclass in practical business finance, offering a simple test for any expense: "Could I justify that it's in the production of income?" This golden rule can save business owners from costly mistakes and tax complications.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into VAT registration thresholds, the importance of setting aside VAT collections, and the potential consequences of non-compliance. With SARS becoming "stickier and stickier" about enforcement, proper accounting guidance has never been more important. As Sue aptly puts it, "No tennis player is really good unless they have a coach"—the same applies to business finances.

Whether you're starting your entrepreneurial journey or already managing an established company, this episode provides essential knowledge to keep your business finances clean, compliant, and clearly separated from your personal affairs. Your future self (and your accountant) will thank you.

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