Master Tax Practitioner (MP(SA))
The Master Tax Practitioner (MTP) designation is aligned with professions in the accounting, legal, and broader financial services fields, but with a specialised focus on advanced taxation.
Most Master Tax Practitioners are engaged in high-level tax advisory or tax controversy work. Those involved in compliance typically handle only the most complex tax returns, such as those of listed entities or large corporate groups.
Master Tax Practitioners operate across various tax types, including, corporate income tax, Value-added tax (VAT), Personal income tax, and limited payroll tax. In most cases, MTPs have cultivated a subspecialisation in international taxation, mergers and acquisitions, wealth planning, corporate restructuring, and tax policy or tax litigation.
Awarding Criteria
To be awarded the Master Tax Practitioner designation, applicants must meet the following three core requirements:
Applicants must have completed a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 qualification that is either wholly or primarily focused on taxation. Acceptable qualifications typically include a Master’s degree or LLM (Master of Laws) in Taxation, either from South African or international institutions.
Accepted qualification titles at NQF Level 9 include:
- MCom in Taxation
- MAcc in Taxation
- MCom (Accounting) – Taxation
- MPhil in Taxation
- MPhil (Accounting) – Taxation
- LLM – Master of Laws
- LLM – South African Tax Law
- LLM – International Tax Law
- PhD – Tax Policy (accepted in specific cases depending on content focus)
Applicants must have engaged in tax work as their primary or sole activity for at least five (5) consecutive years within the past ten (10) years.
Evidence of this requirement must be submitted in the form of a resume of tax experience, verified by an employer or other senior tax professional.
Applicants must provide SAIT with the following:
- Verified proof of tax work experience
- Proof of an NQF Level 9 qualification, as listed above
- Proof of a clear tax record
- Proof of a clear criminal record
In line with SARS-recognised criteria for Recognised Controlling Bodies (RCBs) and registered tax practitioners, all applicants must complete the SARS Readiness Programme before registering as a tax practitioner.
Retaining the Designation
To maintain the designation, members must meet the following requirements annually:
Members must adhere to the SAIT Professional Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Members must complete a total of 30 hours of CPD annually, in line with SARS and SAIT requirements:
- 18 verifiable hours, consisting of:
- 10 hours: Tax-related CPD
- 6 hours: Profession-related CPD
- 2 hours: Ethics CPD
- 12 non-verifiable hours of relevant learning
All members must ensure that their annual membership fees are paid.
| Description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | R800.00 | Once off registration fee to process your application |
| Annual Membership Fee | R7 332.00 | Payable within 30 days of approval |
| Monthly Option | 1st, 15th, or 25th of each month | Debit order option available |