The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to issue a friendly warning to those taxpayers that are not complying with the different tax laws. SARS is in the process of launching initiatives against those taxpayers that have not paid their taxes or submitted returns. SARS would like to encourage those taxpayers whose tax affairs are not in order, to address those outstanding issues within the next few days to avoid prosecution - something that SARS has concentrated on over the last few months. The latest initiatives will be more intense and SARS appeals to those with outstanding liabilities to come forward and make payment or alternatively enter into a payment plan that can be negotiated with Receivers of Revenue or Controllers of Customs and Excise.
Recent successes in investigating tax evasion in the meat industry have also prompted SARS to investigate other sectors suspected of tax evasion. Those taxpayers that have not submitted accurate returns are also afforded the opportunity to approach SARS and make a self-declaration of undisclosed income. Although the different Acts as administered by the SARS include the possibility of 200% penalties SARS has undertaken to review these penalties in the light of the taxpayers good intent to bring their tax affairs to order.
As part of the tax compliance strategy, SARS is in the process of addressing taxpayer service and is also reviewing the structure within offices to facilitate a more streamlined approach to providing clients assistance.
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
PRETORIA