Matthew Nicholls

Matthew Nicholls is a specialist tax attorney and tax practitioner with more than 15 years of experience advising corporates, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and professional firms on complex tax disputes, tax risk management, and regulatory compliance.

He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and subsequently completed a Higher Diploma in Tax Law at the University of Johannesburg. His dissertation on simulated transactions was awarded a distinction. Matthew was admitted as an attorney in 2013 and has held the Right of Appearance in the High Court of South Africa since 2017.

Matthew's practice is dedicated to tax controversy and dispute resolution. He advises clients on SARS audits, verifications, investigations, objections and appeals, voluntary disclosure applications, tax debt compromises, remissions, tax administration matters, and litigation arising from disputes with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

He regularly assists clients in resolving complex historical tax exposures, navigating regulatory challenges, and implementing strategies to manage tax risk while maintaining compliance with South African tax legislation. He also advises on the tax implications of corporate restructurings, commercial transactions, and wealth preservation structures.

Matthew has been associated with Faber Goertz Ellis Austen Incorporated since 2009 and was appointed as a Director of the firm in 2017. He is a registered tax practitioner with the South African Revenue Service and the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT).

Recognised for his technical expertise and pragmatic approach, Matthew works closely with clients to develop commercially sound solutions to complex tax challenges and to achieve favourable outcomes in engagements and disputes with SARS.