Welcome to Aretè Tax Specialists and Accountants
Aretè is a specialist tax consulting and professional accounting company. The Greek word, Aretè means “moral excellence” or “virtue” and refers to “excellence of any kind”. In addition, some sources explain the concept of Aretè as “reaching one’s full potential in all facets”. At Aretè, we strive to uphold these values.
Our directors believe that the fields of Taxation and Accounting are both specialised fields in their own right, and they should be operated in harmony with each other to reach the Aretè Tax Consulting and Accounting goals. This will lead to a streamlined business consulting service, worthy of the word “Aretè”.
Most accounting firms offer mainly accounting services with tax consulting services as an add-on, whilst specialised tax consultants often do not have the luxury of an in-house accounting department. We offer both specialist tax and accounting services, thus providing our clients with the best of both worlds. We view these services as separate areas of expertise, which should also be coordinated to achieve the desired objectives.
International tax is an area that is becoming more relevant for businesses. If businesses are not provided with quality tax advice, it may lead to incorrect domestic (local) tax compliance, which could have far-reaching consequences for these businesses. Accordingly, it is important to have specialised international tax knowledge since tax treaties are part of domestic tax laws and overrule domestic tax laws when there are disputes. Our specialist knowledge on issues such as these distinguishes Aretè from most firms.
Aretè Tax Consulting
Specialised tax consulting services and advice are not easily accessible in South Africa. When they are available, the high costs put them out of reach of most small and medium business enterprises. At Aretè, we believe that specialised tax consulting services should not only be available to a select few and that the risks associated with non-compliance do not just affect large public companies. Large, medium and small businesses and companies are subjected to the same Income Tax Act, Vat Act, Tax Administration Act etc. Large public companies should not be the only ones to benefit from strategic and technical tax planning which save them substantial amounts. In addition, the complexity of the tax acts imposed on companies and the rate at which these acts change, complicate matters for small and medium business enterprises even more.
Therefore, Aretè provides affordable, yet specialised, professional and expert advice and consulting services. We offer various “retainer” packages for those who prefer to have an outsourced tax department. Our experts will be available for prompt and accurate tax advice and answers on tax questions and issues. For more information on fee packages and options, contact us at info@arete-tax.com (refer to Aretè Tax Consulting for corporate tax services we offer).
Individuals also face challenges in managing, planning and structuring their personal tax affairs. Whether you need assistance in salary structuring, tax advice and planning or just filing an income tax return, we can assist and ensure that you do not pay more tax than necessary. This can be done whilst aligning it with your personal needs and goals (refer to Aretè Tax Consulting for more services offered to individuals).
Aretè Accounting
It is often assumed that accounting services comprise of only the bookkeeping and reporting of a business’s financial affairs and transactions. However, the business world is much more dynamic and financial reports should be interpreted, analysed and used for future planning and forecasting. Bookkeeping is more than the capturing of transactions. These records serve as part of a business’s risk management procedures as well as creating an audit trail. Therefore accounting systems should be carefully implemented and closely monitored to ensure the accuracy and validity of these records.
Accurate accounting and payroll systems are the most effective strategies with which a company can minimise the related risks. VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL, pension funds, benefits, medical aid contributions, etc. are complex areas to manage and the relevant legislation even more so. Businesses often do not understand the risks to which they are exposed given the wide range of compliance legislation and regulations. It follows that law enforcement authorities consider business owners, in their capacity as directors, members and employers, responsible and liable for non-compliance.
Aretè therefore not only offer accounting and bookkeeping services which will give you more time and freedom to run your business, but also ensure that your accounting affairs are aligned and managed in accordance with the relevant legislation and regulations. This ensures that your business is not exposed to unnecessary risks. Refer to Aretè Accounting for more information on our services.
Before any financial reporting, accounting systems, planning or risk management will become relevant, a business venture and/or formation has to be set up to trade and engage the business world as effectively, functionally and sufficiently as possible. This will enable the business to reach its targeted objectives and goals. Whether you are starting up a new business or want to improve your current structure, Aretè will provide the necessary professional and specialist knowledge; expertise and experience to assist our clients with business registrations, structures and planning which will enable them to start and trade from the best possible foundations (refer to Aretè Accounting for more information on our services).
