- She once thought tax was just about VAT and personal income, until a module changed everything.
- She’s the woman behind the tax strategies of multi-million rand corporations.
- Her mission is to simplify tax for SMMEs and show how it can actually help businesses grow.
Bontle Ngoepe is a qualified Tax Consultant with a sharp mind for corporate tax strategy and a heart full of curiosity. With a BCom in Financial Sciences and a BComHons in Taxation from the University of Pretoria, her credentials are only the beginning of the story. She holds the Tax Advisor (South Africa) designation from SAIT and is a registered Tax Practitioner. Currently immersed in corporate tax consulting, Bontle is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the often-confusing world of tax with clarity and compliance.
A Tax Discovery in the Lecture Halls
Bontle’s journey into tax wasn’t born out of a childhood dream but rather an unexpected curiosity sparked during a university module. “During my second year at the University of Pretoria, I took a module in tax,” she recalls. “Like many people, my understanding of tax was limited to VAT and personal income tax… but I was fascinated to learn that South Africa has a wide array of taxes, all governed by tax legislation.”
This moment of realization became a turning point. What started as a curious interest evolved into a committed pursuit. She went on to complete her Honours in Taxation and tax articles at Kreston Pretoria, where her foundational knowledge deepened into practical expertise.
Learning the Language of Corporate Tax
While her academic studies laid the groundwork, it was in the field where Bontle truly began to speak the language of corporate tax fluently. “One of the key concepts that shaped my expertise,” she explains, “was developing a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and policies.” Through webinars, real-world client interactions, and constant upskilling, Bontle sharpened her ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it to dynamic client needs.
Her professional credentials back this up. “I hold a Tax Professional certificate from the QCTO, the Tax Advisor designation from SAIT, and I’m a registered Tax Practitioner,” she says. “These certifications… enhance my credibility and show my commitment to staying current with industry standards.”
The Shift to Corporate: A New Way of Thinking
Transitioning from working with individuals to consulting for large businesses was a game-changer. “One of the biggest learning curves was understanding the operations of multi-million-rand corporations,” Bontle says. “Unlike personal tax, where things remain relatively stable, corporate tax is dynamic. You have to stay up to date with what’s happening in the business world—because that influences tax risks.”
Today, Bontle handles a spectrum of corporate tax duties, including Tax Effective Accounting (TEA), accrual reviews, risk assessments, and advisory. “TEA is key,” she explains. “It includes income tax and deferred tax computations, SARS reconciliations, and notes for financial statements. It forms the backbone of accurate tax returns.”
Accrual reviews and risk assessments act like internal audits, flagging errors before they land businesses in hot water with SARS. “These processes aren’t just admin,” Bontle asserts. “They help businesses sleep better at night.”
Compliance: A Matter of Timing and Foresight
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make? Waiting too long to talk to a tax specialist. “Clients will often only reach out after a transaction is finalized or when SARS starts asking questions,” she says. “But by then, it’s too late to structure things efficiently.”
She urges business owners to think of tax strategy as a seat at the decision-making table, not a clean-up crew. “Tax planning should be proactive, not reactive.”
Another hurdle: keeping up with fast-changing regulations. “Businesses need to consult tax professionals regularly,” she says. “It’s the only way to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises.”
Tax Planning with a Strategic Lens
Over time, Bontle has developed a refined approach to tax planning—especially in high-risk industries where rules shift quickly. “I’ve learned to stay hyper-aware of evolving legislation and industry-specific rules,” she explains. “It’s about balancing compliance with opportunity.”
This means monitoring industry trends, understanding client operations intimately, and always planning with both the law and the long-term in mind. Her goal? “To help businesses minimize risk while maximizing savings—ethically and strategically.”
For SMMEs: Practical Tax Wisdom
When it comes to small businesses, Bontle’s advice is clear and actionable. “Many small businesses don’t have proper accounting systems or financial tracking,” she says. “Others think tax is just another expense, instead of a powerful planning tool.”
She offers four starting steps for SMMEs:
1. Work with an accounting or audit firm early on.
2. Invest in reliable, user-friendly accounting software.
3. Bring in an accountant to review your books regularly.
4. Consult a tax specialist for ongoing compliance and tax-saving strategies.
Seeing Tax as a Business Lever
“Small businesses can lower their tax burden by using allowable deductions, exemptions, and rebates,” Bontle shares. These tools are often overlooked simply because business owners aren’t aware of them—or only engage a tax consultant when something goes wrong.
Even programs like the Tax Exemption Allowance (TEA) can be transformative. “They improve cash flow and allow businesses to reinvest,” she explains. “It’s about using tax as a growth tool, not just a cost.”
Big vs. Small: The Corporate Tax Divide
“While the structure of tax legislation is broadly similar, the experience is very different,” Bontle says. “Large corporations typically have in-house tax teams. SMMEs don’t—which makes compliance harder.”
SMMEs also qualify for different rates and incentives, but navigating those benefits requires expertise. Without it, businesses may pay more than they should or fall out of compliance entirely.
A Consultant with Character
Outside of spreadsheets and SARS updates, Bontle has a zest for life that makes her even more relatable. “I’m a foodie,” she says. “I’m always on the hunt for the next great meal.” Add a love for spontaneous travel and a devotion to the fine art of napping, and you’ve got a tax consultant who brings personality to precision.
Whether she’s explaining the latest SARS directive or mapping out a weekend getaway, Bontle’s passion is contagious. “Helping clients understand tax—without overwhelming them—is what I love most,” she says. “It’s not just about compliance. It’s about empowerment.”
Your Tax Specialist
Bontle Ngoepe TA(SA) is a qualified Tax Consultant with a BCom in Financial Sciences and a BComHons in Taxation from the University of Pretoria. She holds certifications from SAIT and QCTO and has extensive experience across corporate tax, VAT, PAYE, and individual tax services. She is currently employed at BDO South Africa, where she continues to deepen her expertise in taxation and contribute to the industry through thought leadership and client advisory.”
Fun Facts: Bontle is a self-proclaimed foodie, always searching for the next culinary gem.
Her passport is well-used—she loves both weekend getaways and international adventures.
