Whether you’re launching a fintech app or a fish ’n chips shop, taking on and managing debt is an essential component in the success of most startups. As your business grows, it may be necessary to take out a loan for advertising, infrastructure improvement or expanding your workforce. 

Knowing how to effectively manage this debt is crucial if you hope to create a company that can grow sustainably and is capable of meeting all its obligations. Here are our five top tips for managing debt in your startup.

There’s no denying that current economic conditions are not ideal. Tough times have forced many business leaders to make tough decisions. 

With costs spiralling ever upward, it can be tempting to think that cutting corners in business, dodging essential regulations, and making other unethical decisions may be the only way to keep your head above water. But you fall into this trap at your peril.

Luckily it is still possible to run an ethical business and make a profit.

Trustees take note! The 2024 Tax Season for trusts opens on 16 September this year and will close on 20 January 2025. During this time, all trusts – including dormant trusts – are required to submit income tax returns aligned with other SARS reporting requirements and accompanied by extensive supporting documents.  

With the delayed filing season opening date and the numerous changes that have recently been implemented, trustees should rely on our expertise to ensure all the compliance boxes are ticked and penalties are avoided. 

• 06 September – Monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions and payments
  
  
• 16 September – Start of Filing Season 2024: Trusts
  
  
• 25 September – Value Added Tax (VAT) manual submissions and payments
  
  
• 27 September – Excise duty payments
   
• 30 September – VAT electronic submissions and payments, Corporate Income Tax Provisional Tax payments where applicable, and Personal Income Tax Top-up Provisional Tax payments.