Why policyholders complained to the short-term ombudsman in 2023

‘Lack of maintenance or wear and tear’ gave rise to most of the disputes in several categories of insurance.

Survey unpacks corporate taxpayers’ perceptions of Sars’s service

The results indicate an improvement in the level of service since 2018, but many taxpayers say it has become harder to comply with their obligations.

More amendments on the table to get SA off the grey list

One of the amendments will allow Sars to share taxpayer information with a wider range of government agencies.

Sars says ‘sorry’ for threatening SMS, but …

The message was intended as ‘a genuine and helpful reminder’ to taxpayers to file their returns, the tax-collection authority says.

What the ConCourt’s decision means for the confidentiality of your tax records

There is still a high threshold to meet before access to an individual’s tax records will be granted.

What you should know about objecting to VAT penalties

Meanwhile, a change in the VAT registration process may inconvenience taxpayers.

Beneficial practices for taxpayers and tax practitioners remain … for now

They concern two deductions: non-business-related interest expenses and fees paid to tax practitioners for completing tax returns.

What are the statutory obligations of dormant companies?

A failure to file tax returns may result in penalties, for which the directors may be held personally liable.

New rules for resolving tax disputes with Sars are now in effect

Among other things, the new rules provide for 80 days to submit an objection and more independence for an alternative dispute resolution facilitator.

Objecting to an auto-assessment can result in ‘unexpected’ penalties

Taxpayers should take note of the period within which they must submit a full and true return or relevant material.

Is ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ a good defence when you’re slapped with an understatement penalty?

The Supreme Court of Appeal and the SA Revenue Service have different views on what exactly this term means.

More clarity required for an efficient voluntary disclosure programme

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) collected an additional R3 billion through its voluntary disclosure programme (VDP) and prevented tax leakage of another R865 million during the 2021 tax year. However, the latest […]

Sars can search and seize your property without a warrant

The Tax Administration Act (TAA) permits the warrantless search and seizure of a taxpayer’s property by the South African Revenue Service (Sars). However, this has been under scrutiny for many years because of […]

Retirement funds and salaries are not a refuge from the taxman

Lump sums, monthly annuities and salaries are not off-limits to the long arm of the taxman. Taxpayers who have failed to pay their tax debts in full to the South African Revenue Service […]

Sars is ‘aggressively’ collecting tax debt via third-party appointments

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) is “aggressively” collecting outstanding tax debt, including by withdrawing funds from bank accounts and garnisheeing salaries, according to Andre Daniels, legal manager: tax controversy and dispute resolution […]

Finance MPs want action on Tax Ombud’s independence

Parliament’s finance committees have resolved that their respective chairpersons will engage directly with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on legislation to make the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) “more clearly” financially and operationally […]

SARS and the Hawks coming down hard on tax delinquents

Tax Consulting SA reports that SARS is clamping down hard on those who have outstanding tax returns. This includes those who have left the country without ensuring that their affairs with the Receiver […]