'n Kritiese ondersoek na die betekenis en omvang van die term 'opvoedkundige dienste soos in artikel 12(h) van die Wet op Belasting op Toegevoegde Waarde No.89 van 1991 bedoel en die gevolglike invloed daarvan op die BTW-hantering van sekere navorsingsaktiwiteite deur 'n universiteit uitgevoer

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Section 12 of the Value-Added Tax Act No. 89 of 1991 (hereafter referred to as the VAT Act) determines that the supply of certain goods and/or services are exempt from value-added tax (hereafter referred to as VAT) levied by section 7(1)(a). One such exempt supply is the supply of educational services by certain institutions (listed in section 12(h)(i)(aa)-(cc)). Section 12(h)(i)(bb) determines that the supply of educational services by an higher institution are specifically exempt from VAT.The term 'educational services is not defined in the VAT Act. Uncertainty exists in practice about what exactly educational services comprise and what the scope of it is. Since the supply of educational services is an exempt supply in terms of section 12(h)(i)(bb), a clear and irrefutable definition of 'educational services should exist.Two of the main purposes of an university is to deliver education of exceptional quality and good research outputs. The primary question that originates is whether the research performed by an university qualifies as an exempt supply with the result that the performance of research is an exempt supply.The term 'research was investigated in several sources and it was found that research can be generically be defined as the systematic investigation of existing knowledge and the creation of, amongst others, new knowledge and inventions. Furthermore, it was found that research can be divided into two categories, namely research performed at no consideration and research performed at consideration. Research performed at consideration is further divided into two subcategories, namely commercial research (where the purpose is to generate income) and non-commercial research (where the purpose is research). The definition of 'educational and other bent forms of the term 'educate, amongst others, 'education and 'educator were investigated in relevant South African legislation, case law and international legislation and case law.Commercial research is considered to be a supply of a business activity of a university with the main objective of generating income and is considered as a taxable supply in the case law of the United Kingdom and Canada. Non-commercial research is considered as supplies in the course or furtherance of an enterprise, but the main purpose of the enterprise is not to generate income. Non-commercial research is considered as an 'educational service since it meets the requirements of systematic instruction of education and learning. This type of research is exempt from VAT levied. The input tax of any costs incurred with regards to this type of research will not be claimable.It is suggested that the principles highlighted in this study might clear up the confusion surrounding whether research performed by an university qualifies as an exempt supply or not. SARS could possibly establish guidelines to determine when research is considered exempt or taxable. This information could be useful for role players in the South African tax environment if the matter arises.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University