One month left for taxpayers to file tax returns
TAXPAYERS in Kimberley and the Northern Cape have less than 30 days left to file their personal income tax returns.
Tax season closes on October 31 for non-provisional taxpayers and for those provisional taxpayers who opt to file at a branch. Provisional taxpayers ordinarily have until January 31 2019 to file on eFiling only.
The focus this filing season has been on the 24-hour eFiling channel which means taxpayers do not have to go into a branch.
“eFilers are supported by the Help-You-eFile mechanism during business hours, which links them to a Sars contact centre agent who can assist the taxpayer to complete their tax return,” a statement issued by Sars yesterday said.
In the last month of the filing season, the Sars contact centre will be available on Saturdays in October (6 to 27) from 8am to 1pm, to support taxpayers with eFiling.
“All Sars branches will also be open on Saturdays at the same time, where taxpayers can make use of self-help kiosks to electronically file their personal income tax returns. It is important to note that the extended hours on Saturdays will only be used to assist with personal income tax returns.”
To date, Sars is close to reaching the three million mark in tax return submissions for the current year of assessment. “This is approximately a 4% increase compared to the same time last year. Of these returns, 51% have been submitted through eFiling,” Sars said.
Administrative penalties will be applied to late filing of tax returns and range from R200 to R5 000. In accordance with the Tax Administration Act, it is a criminal offence not to submit a tax return for any of the tax types a taxpayer is registered for.
Outstanding
Sars has clamped down on outstanding tax returns to improve compliance, with 18 taxpayers prosecuted this year for not filing a return. “These taxpayers, who were publicly named, had ignored Sars’ reminders that they were due to file a return, and now possess a criminal record. Fines ranging from R2 000 to R20 000, as well as admission of guilt fines, were handed down by the courts, while some were imprisoned.”
Sars meanwhile warned taxpayers to be on the alert for scams where refunds are promised or where the taxpayers are informed of debt they owe Sars.
“These scams come in various forms including letters, e-mail, website links and even individuals either posing as Sars officials, debt collectors or tax preparers.
“There are instances where tax preparers promise taxpayers a refund in return for a percentage of the refund as a fee. Fraud is often committed in the name of the taxpayer by claiming fraudulent expenses. When Sars does identify this fraud the taxpayer will be liable for the full debt as well as penalties.”
Taxpayers have been advised to always authenticate communication in relation to Sars via the contact centre or a Sars branch. “Suspicious tax activity can be reported online or via the Sars suspicious activity hotline.”
Sars further reminded taxpayers that tax season was about reconciling tax deductions from the previous year and assessing whether the correct amount of tax was deducted. “This assessment can result in a refund to the taxpayer or a payment to Sars where the taxpayer owes tax to Sars. Alternatively it can result in a nil return, where the taxpayer neither owes Sars nor is due a refund.”