MCM Group
SARS wear and tear – equipment financing – Tax Saving for farmers South African benefit
25 January 2025· Chris Kemp

Understanding the 50:30:20 Wear & Tear SARS Tax Allowance Scheme

Quick answer

The 50:30:20 wear-and-tear allowance is a SARS write-off method that is designed to let a business deduct the cost of qualifying plant and machinery across three years rather than all in one tax year.

The schedule provides a 50 percent deduction in year one, 30 percent in year two and 20 percent in year three, which allows you to recover most of a machine cost early and reduce taxable income sooner.

This accelerated allowance is a genuine cash-flow benefit, because it offers larger deductions up front, so using it correctly involves applying it only to assets that qualify under the Income Tax Act.

This guide describes how the 50:30:20 wear-and-tear scheme works and helps a contractor or farmer claim construction and farming equipment as a deduction against tax in South Africa.

Quick answer

The 50:30:20 wear-and-tear allowance is a SARS write-off method that is designed to let a business deduct the cost of qualifying plant and machinery across three years rather than all in one tax year.

The schedule provides a 50 percent deduction in year one, 30 percent in year two and 20 percent in year three, which allows you to recover most of a machine cost early and reduce taxable income sooner.

This accelerated allowance is a genuine cash-flow benefit, because it offers larger deductions up front, so using it correctly involves applying it only to assets that qualify under the Income Tax Act.

This guide describes how the 50:30:20 wear-and-tear scheme works and helps a contractor or farmer claim construction and farming equipment against tax in South Africa.

Quick answer

The 50:30:20 wear-and-tear allowance is a SARS write-off method that is designed to let a business deduct the cost of qualifying plant and machinery over three years rather than all at once.

The schedule provides a 50 percent deduction in year one, 30 percent in year two and 20 percent in year three, which allows you to recover most of a machine cost early and reduce taxable income.

This accelerated allowance is a cash-flow benefit, because it offers larger early deductions, so using it correctly involves applying it only to assets that qualify under the Income Tax Act.

This guide describes how the 50:30:20 wear-and-tear scheme works and helps a contractor or farmer claim construction equipment against tax in South Africa.

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SARS wear and tear allowances can significantly reduce the tax burden on heavy equipment owners. Maximize Your Feb 2025 Year End Tax Savings with MCM’s Finance Deal!! MCM Group has branches in Cape Town, George, Gauteng, and Bloemfontein.

 

Need help choosing the right machine? Contact MCM Group for expert advice and a competitive quote.

Farmers across South Africa, are you ready to capitalize on a powerful tax-saving opportunity while upgrading your machinery fleet? At MCM, we’re offering an exclusive deal that combines an unbeatable payment plan and significant SARS tax benefits under the 50:30:20 tax wear & tear allowance scheme.

Act now! By paying a deposit on a machine before the end of February 2025, you can take delivery of your equipment and settle the remaining balance on an approved Finance Deal (subject to finance approval). Let’s break down how you can benefit from this and SARS’s generous tax allowances.

Understanding the 50:30:20 Wear & Tear Tax Allowance Scheme from SARS

The 50:30:20 wear & tear allowance from SARS allows qualifying taxpayers to write off the cost of new machinery over three years as follows:

  • 50% Immediate Deduction: Claim 50% of the purchase price in the first tax year.
  • 30% in Year Two: Claim an additional 30% of the cost in the second year.
  • 20% in Year Three: Deduct the remaining 20% in the third year.

This tax incentive is specifically designed to encourage businesses, particularly in agriculture, to invest in machinery that boosts productivity while reducing tax liability.

 

 

SARS wear and tear on the jobsite

 

 

For example, if you purchase a wheel loader worth R1,000,000:

  • Year 1: Deduct R500,000 from the Purchase Price and reduce your Tax Income.
  • Year 2: Deduct R300,000
  • Year 3: Deduct R200,000
    This adds up to significant cash flow benefits, making your investment highly affordable and with only paying now a deposit get the full tax and usage advantage before year end. By leveraging the SARS wear and tear allowance, equipment owners can significantly reduce their annual tax burden.

Read more about SARS Wear & Tear tax allowances here.

Here is a full document detailing a Complete Guide to Farming Taxation: Click Here to Open

 

 


Why This Deal Makes Sense

  1. Maximize Your Tax Savings & Cashflow:
    Take advantage of the 50:30:20 scheme with MCM’s exclusive offer on new machinery purchases. This allows you to optimize your cashflow with a lower tax burden, benefit from a VAT refund, and secure your machinery by paying only the deposit before the end of February 2025.
  2. Flexible Payment Terms: Pay only a deposit before end of February 2025 upfront and spread the balance as per approved finance deal.
  3. Immediate Operational Gains: Start using your new machine to maximize your farm’s productivity without waiting for full payment.
 

Popular Machines For Sale Eligible for the Offer (Only 4 Examples – Much more on the Website)

  1. Everun ER2500 Wheel Loader for Sale
    Compact, powerful, and designed for versatile farm use.
    Click for an instant quote.
  2. Telescopic Loader T250 for Sale
    Perfect for reaching high silos or handling bulky loads.
    Get your instant quote today.
  3. MCM 22D Excavator for Sale
    Ideal for digging, land preparation, and trenching.
    Request a personalized quote now.
  4. MCM 37X Compact TLB for Sale 
    You need a compact Backhoe Loader you can count on.
    Get personalized quote now.
 

How to Claim Your Deal

  1. Visit the MCM website to browse our wide range of machines.
  2. Use the Instant Quote feature to get a personalized price on your desired equipment.
  3. Contact MCM and mention the 50:30:20 Deposit Deal to ensure you’re eligible for this offer.
  4. Purchase your MCM equipment and work with your accountant to claim the SARS tax allowance benefits.
  5. Work with Your Accountant: Claim your VAT refund and tax allowance benefits.
 

Don’t Miss Out!

This is your chance to invest in top-of-the-line agricultural machinery while optimizing your tax savings. Explore MCM’s products online or reach out to our team today to get started. Let us help you grow your farm’s potential while keeping costs low.

Deadline: 28 February 2025
Take advantage of the deposit finance plan and SARS tax allowances now. Don’t wait—every day without the right equipment is a missed opportunity.

Here is an informative article written by Pietman Botha on Grain SA: Click Here to Open

 

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SARS wear and tear: Recent Posts

Frequently Asked Questions About the 50:30:20 Wear and Tear Tax Allowance

What does the 50:30:20 wear and tear allowance mean?
It allows businesses to deduct the cost of qualifying assets over three years: 50% in year one, 30% in year two, and 20% in year three. This accelerated depreciation reduces taxable income faster than standard straight-line methods.
Who qualifies for the 50:30:20 SARS tax deduction?
Any South African business or sole proprietor that uses qualifying equipment for income-generating purposes may claim the allowance. The asset must be owned and used in the production of income to qualify.
How do I claim the 50:30:20 wear and tear allowance?
The claim is made through your annual income tax return by listing the qualifying assets and their depreciation schedule. Consult your accountant or tax advisor to ensure correct application on your ITR14 or ITR12.
Which machines qualify for the 50:30:20 allowance?
Most construction and earthmoving equipment qualifies, including TLBs, excavators, rollers, cherry pickers, and crusher attachments. The equipment must be used primarily for business purposes to be eligible.
What documentation do I need for the 50:30:20 claim?
You need the purchase invoice, proof of payment, asset register entry, and evidence the equipment is used for business purposes. Keep logbooks or usage records to support your claim in case of a SARS audit.
Can I claim 50:30:20 wear and tear on used equipment?
Yes, the allowance applies to both new and used equipment purchased for business use. The depreciation is calculated on the actual purchase price of the second-hand asset.

Find Us Nationwide

MCM Group has branches in Cape Town, George, Gauteng (Midrand), and Bloemfontein. Walk in, call, or get in touch online for product advice, quotes, and after-sales support.

Explore MCM Group’s full range of TLBs, excavators, front end loaders and telescopic loaders to find the right machine for your needs.

Chris Kemp

Written by Chris Kemp, Sales & Product Specialist

Published: 25 January 2025

Chris Kemp is a sales and product specialist at MCM Group's George office in the Western Cape. He works with contractors, farmers and owner-operators across the Garden Route and Southern Cape, helping them match the right TLB, loader, excavator, forklift or attachment to the job, the ground conditions and the budget. Day to day Chris runs equipment demonstrations, spec comparisons, quotes and finance applications, and works closely with MCM's parts and service teams so buyers get honest, practical advice from someone who knows the machines and the local operating conditions.