An analysis of the classification of advertising cost for tax purposes

Abstract

Advertising plays a distinct role in economies around the world and, in this regard, diverse countries have been investigated in this study including the BRICS countries. It focused on the classification of advertising cost for tax purposes. Research questions posed by this study are answered through the development of a classification process that may assist with the classification of advertising cost for the purpose of taxation. It has been established that guidelines for the classification of advertising cost as capital or revenue of nature are needed to correctly classify advertising cost for tax purposes. Furthermore, the determination of when advertising cost will be regarded as capital of nature is required. The study used a mixed method research approach, involving a literature review of case law and income tax acts as well as an analysis of annual financial statements. Findings from this research indicate a growing trend in revenue generated from advertising in South Africa; proving the importance of the advertising market in the economy. Guidelines for the classification of advertising cost for tax purposes were established by using principles from national and international case law.