The deadline to submit personal income tax returns (T-Day) is just under one month, or four weeks away and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) encourages members of the public to file their tax returns without delay.
The sooner tax returns are submitted, the sooner a tax assessment will be issued and the sooner people will either be able to budget for the tax they are required to pay or in many cases, actually receive refunds.
From last year's experience during Filing Season, it is clear that a growing number of South Africans are beginning to understand the importance of registering as tax payers and the important role tax plays in sustaining democratic governance.
For this year's campaign SARS will again raise the bar in its services to taxpayers by extending office hours at various branch offices around the country and going into communities to assist taxpayers to register and complete their returns.
Who needs to register for Income Tax?
The documentation that taxpayers need to get ready in order to complete and submit their tax returns are:
This year tax forms have been further simplified to make it easier for taxpayers to complete. A step-by-step guide to filling in tax returns is available on the website, www.sars.gov.za, explained in simple language by Khanyi Khumalo, the SARS "tax ambassador" and cartoon figure.
Those who require assistance filling in forms are invited to visit any SARS branch where qualified staff will help them - for free! Further assistance is also available across regions, at select shopping malls and community centres.
For more media enquiries please contact Adrian Lackay at (012) 422 4000 or 083 388 2580.
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
PRETORIA