THE BEAUTY OF EFILING

eFiling is a convenient way of submitting your tax returns and can save you a lot of time and frustration because it isn’t necessary to stand in line at a Sars office, tax practitioner Lecia Smit says.

It’s a good idea to submit your returns electronically if your tax returns are simple, says Piet Nel of the technical department of the South African Institute of Tax Professionals. For example, your income consists of remuneration (which is more than R350 000 as explained on the previous page) and your employer has already deducted PAYE.

But you consider hiring a tax practitioner should your tax be more complicated, Nel suggests. This includes cases where you receive an allowance (such as a travel allowance), an overseas income, an income from your own business or freelance work or you have multiple sources of income.

HOW TO GET STARTED As soon as you’ve registered as a taxpayer at any Sars office you’ll be issued a tax number. Using this, you can register on the eFiling portal (sarsefiling.co.za).

Click on “Register” and indicate whether you’re filing your own return or whether you’re a tax practitioner.

Then complete your personal details. Your Sars log-in details will then be sent to you.

Sars also offers a “Help-You-eFile” service in which a Sars agent can help you by telephone to file your return.

There’s also a downloadable PDF help guide on the Sars website. It offers step-by-step information on eFiling and includes screenshots, so it’s easy to understand.

WHEN DOING EFILING, YOU’LL NEED THESE DOCUMENTS

Your IRP5, which is the employee’s tax certificate your employer issues to you. Certificates for local income earned. Any other documentation relating to income received.

Details of medical expenses paid and medical scheme contributions made, such as your medical scheme tax certificate.

The certificates reflecting the retirement annuity fund contributions you’ve made.

A logbook reflecting accurate details of business motoring mileage (if you get a work travel allowance).

Any other documentation relating to the allowable deductions you want to claim.