In this episode of The Rev Room, Francois sits down with senior account manager Matt Barlow to unpack one of the most overlooked (yet vital) growth tools in business: financial reporting. They explore the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when they ignore their numbers, what to look for in a proper management pack, and how data-driven decisions can uncover hidden profit leaks. With relatable metaphors and real client stories, this episode turns financial literacy into a powerful leadership weapon—especially for founders stuck in the operational grind.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Your P&L Is Not Cash Flow: Many entrepreneurs confuse profit with available cash. Understanding how accrual accounting works is key to accurate planning and avoiding nasty surprises.
2. Monthly Financial Reports Are Non-Negotiable: Reading your management accounts—especially your balance sheet, cash flow, debtors, and budget vs. actuals—is like checking your GPS. Without it, you’re flying blind.
3. The Right Support Can Save You 20%: A strong accounting partner isn’t a cost—it’s a growth lever. One client avoided overdraft, timed stock accurately, and saw exponential growth by simply implementing a proactive purchasing plan.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

Too many entrepreneurs think that if a company stops trading, it quietly disappears. But SARS has other plans—and the penalties for inaction can be brutal. In this episode, BizRev’s resident attorney Nicole Lin joins Francois to unpack the real process of legally closing a company in South Africa.

From misunderstood SARS requirements to overlooked CIPC compliance, this conversation reveals the costly myths keeping dormant companies in limbo. Nicole breaks down the exact steps founders need to take to close a company cleanly without getting buried in red tape, debt, or delay.

If you’ve ever thought, “But I haven’t traded in years…”, this one’s for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Dormant doesn’t mean invisible - SARS still expects tax returns—even if your business isn’t trading. Neglecting this can lead to tens of thousands in admin penalties.
2. Deregistration is a multi-step process - You must be compliant with both CIPC and SARS. If either system is out of sync, deregistration is blocked.
3. You’re not off the hook—even if CIPC says ‘deregistered’ - Final AR status on CIPC can’t complete the process unless reactivated and brought to compliance—which often adds months to the timeline.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

If you’re a South African entrepreneur working abroad or planning to this episode is essential listening. Nicole and Wayne unpack the tax minefield of foreign income, dual residency, and what happens when SA trusts start distributing to non-residents. From the overlooked impact of the Double Tax Agreement between South Africa and France to the jaw-dropping 45% tax on trust payouts, this conversation is a masterclass in cross-border compliance.

For high-performing founders making moves internationally, this episode offers a sobering reminder: tax residency changes everything—and ignorance can cost you dearly.

📌 Three Key Takeaways:

1. The 1.25M Myth: Many believe that earning under R1.25 million abroad keeps them safe—but that only applies if you remain a South African tax resident. Change your tax status, and everything shifts.
2. The Double Tax Agreement is Your Trump Card: If you qualify as a French tax resident under the DTA’s tie-breaker rules, SA loses taxing rights on your employment income but not on SA-based assets or trust distributions.
3. Trust Distributions Can Trigger Double Tax: Effective March 2024, distributions to non-resident beneficiaries are taxed at 45% by the trust in SA—with no credit available to the beneficiary in France. Add another ~30% tax in France, and you could lose 75% of your payout.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

In this foundational episode, Nicole, BizRev’s resident legal expert on estates and trusts, unpacks one of the most misunderstood vehicles in business and legacy planning: the trust. Whether you’re a founder wanting to protect your assets from creditors, preserve generational wealth, or plan for succession, this conversation demystifies the process. From trust deeds and taxation to common pitfalls and SARS red flags, Nicole explains the legal frameworks that every high-performing entrepreneur needs to understand before it’s too late.

This is the episode your future self (and your beneficiaries) will thank you for.

📌 Three Key Takeaways

1. A Trust Is Not Your Playground - It’s a Legal Structure Once assets are moved into a trust, they’re no longer yours. Misusing them can land you in legal hot water—especially with SARS. Get clear on the fiduciary responsibilities of trustees and the real purpose of a trust.
2. Your Trust Deed Is Everything - Like a shareholder agreement for your legacy, your trust deed must be airtight. One poorly worded clause can unravel your intentions. Don’t DIY this—get expert guidance.
3. Trusts Are Still a Smart Tool - When Done Right In today’s volatile economic and legal climate, trusts remain a strategic option for asset protection, continuity, and impact. But they must be properly structured, administered, and reviewed regularly.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

In this episode of The Rev Room, BizRev’s tax specialist Wayne Turner unpacks the tax questions that keep South African founders up at night. From auto-assessments and provisional tax to foreign income rules and Airbnb deductions, Wayne offers clear, practical advice that every entrepreneur can understand. He explains how SARS is using AI to get ahead of non-compliance, why getting your details updated before filing season is crucial, and how to avoid the penalties that come from estimation mistakes. Whether you’re a business owner earning in multiple currencies or a South African renting out a spare room on Airbnb—this episode delivers clarity in a space most people avoid. It’s not just about tax—it’s about leadership through compliance.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Auto-Assessments Aren’t Always Accurate Even if SARS sends you a pre-filled return, always double-check it—especially if you have deductions like RA contributions, medical expenses, or rental income.
2. Provisional Tax Is About Estimation—and Strategy Don’t guess. Understand the thresholds, top-up rules, and third payment option to avoid penalties and stay in control.
3. Foreign Income? You Might Not Be Exempt If you’re an independent contractor or working near SA borders without proper employment contracts, you could be fully taxable—even on overseas income.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

In this powerful episode of The Rev Room, BizRev’s resident legal expert Nicole Lin dives deep into the often-misunderstood world of trusts. If you’re a founder navigating business continuity, asset protection, or long-term estate planning—this conversation is essential. Nicole breaks down the purpose, types, and practical setup of trusts in plain language, and unpacks the legal and tax implications most people overlook. She challenges common misconceptions, especially the idea that founders can retain personal control over trust assets, and explains why a properly structured trust is one of the smartest moves a business owner can make for future-proofing their legacy. This episode equips you with the legal insight to lead with foresight—not fear.

📌 Three Key Takeaways

1. A Trust Is Not a Loophole—It’s a Legal Structure Once assets are placed in a trust, they no longer belong to you—they’re governed by the trust deed and managed by trustees. Misusing this structure can lead to serious legal and tax consequences.
2. The Trust Deed Is Everything Your trust is only as strong as the document that governs it. A clear, comprehensive trust deed ensures alignment, avoids disputes, and protects beneficiaries for generations.
3. Independent Trustees Are Now Non-Negotiable To prevent misuse and ensure compliance, the Master’s Office requires independent trustees—making it even more critical to work with experts who understand the intricacies of trust law and tax.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

In this conversation, Francois sits down with Celeste Zanoli, BizRev’s Senior Account Manager, to unpack why traditional accounting fails most entrepreneurs - - and what it really takes to build a business that thrives. They dig into the emotional toll of financial ambiguity, the guilt many founders carry, and how BizRev is reframing accounting as a relational, educational partnership. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by spreadsheets, disconnected from your own numbers, or afraid to admit you don’t “get it,” this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just about fixing books—it’s about empowering the human behind the business.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Accountants must become educators. BizRev’s approach is rooted in teaching—not just compliance—so founders understand and trust their numbers.
2. Personal connection creates business clarity. When clients are known and cared for as people, not just files, they gain confidence and control.
3. Compliance without context is a trap. Signing off financials without understanding them is not safety—it’s risk. BizRev closes that gap.

If your current financial support feels cold, confusing, or distant—it might be time for something different. BizRev exists to walk this journey with you, building trust, structure, and insight at every step.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.

In this episode of The Rev Room, host Francois sits down with BizRev’s legal manager Nicole Lin for a brutally honest look at one of the most overlooked aspects of business and legacy planning - estate administration. From the staggering delays in the Master’s Office to the hidden power of letters of wishes and trust annexures, Nicole demystifies the “boring stuff” and reveals the essential legal steps entrepreneurs should be taking to avoid chaos after death. If you’re a founder who’s too busy building to think about what happens after you’re gone—this conversation is your wake-up call.

💡 THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Delays Are the Norm, Not the Exception

Expecting a deceased estate to wrap in 3–6 months is outdated. Governmental red tape—from Home Affairs to banks—is causing unprecedented backlogs.

Preparation Is Power

Having your documents, asset lists, and trust annexures in place before they’re needed can radically accelerate estate processing and reduce cost, time, and heartache.

Letters of Wishes Are Underrated

While not legally binding, they provide clarity, direction, and emotional context—especially helpful for family members and executors navigating your intentions.

Your legacy deserves more than assumptions and inbox clutter. Take 90 minutes to get your estate roadmap in place, your future self (and family) will thank you. Let’s make structure your secret weapon.

If this episode sparked something in you—if you’re ready to get out of survival mode and into strategic growth—BizRev Advisory is here to help.

👉 Visit www.bizrev.co.za to learn more about our coaching, consulting, and full-service business support solutions.

💼 Have a business challenge, need strategic mentorship, or want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Rev Room? Reach out directly via our site—we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s build better, together.