The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched a free facility for certain categories of taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically. This forms part of the SARS' ongoing drive to offer South Africans excellent and efficient service.
The facility will come into effect at the end of July 2003 and its introduction is in line with the SARS' commitment to emulate best international practice as part of its firm commitment to modernisation.
The e-filing facility will only apply to certain categories of taxpayers, including trusts and companies, and is only applicable in case of VAT, PAYE and Income Tax.
Building on a model introduced two years ago, this facility will now be controlled by the SARS and will be offered free-of-charge to taxpayers as part of our drive to improve the service we give to our countrymen and women and to keep in line with international trends.
Details of the free e-filing facility are contained in Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's Budget Vote to the National Assembly on 9 June 2003.
The expansion of other electronic forms of facilitation is being explored by the SARS. The e-filing facility is expected to reduce administrative and operational inefficiencies on the part of both the SARS and taxpayers.
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
PRETORIA