SARS Efforts to improve e-Filing pay off
The new e-Filing platform that SARS launched at the start of July has proven to be significantly more user-friendly and easier to navigate. At the same time, we have also seen very positive outcomes for taxpayers claiming for tax refunds, with many taxpayers seeing their refunds being released within 48 hours.
Unnecessary delays of income tax refunds seem to be less common this year. In the instances where we have seen refunds being delayed, it has been for valid reasons. Most often, the delays relate to the verification of information disclosed or invalid banking details. Most refunds are cleared fairly quickly once these issues have been resolved, and only in cases where an audit is still in progress, will refunds be delayed for longer periods.
Similarly, communicating with SARS on specific problems can still be tricky, but taxpayers are seeing some improvements. The SARS Call Centre can be a challenging channel to communicate with SARS, but the branch offices tend to deliver more fruitful results in obtaining the guidance and information required.
an enhancement of this magnitude does experience teething problems in its initial stages. One of the early issues was that users did not have access to income tax assessments and account statements. However, that was resolved relatively quickly, which is reassuring. I would encourage the public to be patient and remain positive while the changeover to the new interface is in progress.
It is now also the responsibility of South African taxpayers to do their part. SARS is stepping up its enforcement of penalties for non-compliance issues such as outstanding returns and non-disclosure of various income streams, including but not limited to the disclosure of capital gains and cryptocurrency-related transactions. It is therefore vital for taxpayers to keep accurate records, and to be entirely open and honest about their earnings when they file their returns.
ZANÈ GERBER: Manager, Tax Compliance zane.gerber@mazars.co.za
In a recent statement, Mark Kingon, the acting commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), made it clear that the revenue service would ensure religious institutions – which are usually exempt from tax – are tax compliant.
On 1 April 2019, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) reported its preliminary results, which exposed a revenue collection shortfall of approximately R14.6 billion for the 2018/19 financial year. As many have been quick to point out, this makes it the fifth consecutive year that the organisation has missed its collection targets.
In recent years the effect of various taxes on a deceased estate has become more and more important to take into consideration when attending to estate planning prior to the drafting of one’s Will.
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