The manner in which SMMEs can be assisted is continually reviewed and tax thresholds are periodically updated, although not necessarily on an annual basis. The taxation of micro businesses has been simplified and the tax liability of qualifying small business corporations has been reduced in recent years. The simplified tax regime substantially reduces the compliance costs to submit tax returns and in some instances could result in a lower tax liability. During the first term of the ANC-led government, the focus was primarily on putting in place a policy framework that would contribute to the overall objectives of fostering economic growth in the medium and long term, while at the same time addressing the backlogs in access to basic public services. In this context, the focus was understandably on establishing a sound macroeconomic environment and reprioritising government expenditure towards providing public services contributing to a meaningful improvement in the lives of all South Africans.