What to check when SARS has filled in your return
Two-pot withdrawals, carried-forward retirement contributions, and incomplete third-party data can affect the final tax position.
eFiling
New SARS filing feature could mean fewer verification delays
By addressing minor inconsistencies upfront, taxpayers may avoid verification delays and receive refunds sooner where applicable.
Tax filing season will put new security measures to the test
After concerns over profile hijackings and fraud, SARS says stronger security measures are central to its digital-first tax-filing strategy.
Millions may get SARS refunds without submitting returns
Auto-assessments begin on 1 July. This is what taxpayers should do to avoid delays, protect themselves from scams, and ensure refunds are paid without a hitch.
SARS says poor employer data is disrupting auto-assessments
As third-party submissions open, SARS urges employers to file early and accurately or risk triggering errors, delays and taxpayer verifications.
Calls grow for full audit trails in eFiling profile hijackings
Tax practitioners argue that the apparent targeting of refund-eligible profiles points to either insider access or critical control failures.
Deep flaws in SARS’s systems, OTO investigation finds
The Tax Ombud’s draft report on profile hijackings finds evidence of failures in SARS’s fraud prevention, detection, and resolution processes.
Scammers want your refunds – stay sharp this filing season
As individual tax filing season officially opens today, SARS warns taxpayers to stay vigilant against a surge in sophisticated scams.
Why few taxpayers report eFiling profile hijackings to the police
Low-income earners fear being ignored, while high-income earners and large businesses find the police to be inefficient.
Ombud urges taxpayers to share eFiling hijacking experiences in survey
Have you or your clients been affected by eFiling profile hijacking? The Tax Ombud is investigating SARS’s handling of these incidents.
Tax Ombud flags SARS delays in meeting resolution deadlines
The Tax Ombud’s 2023/24 report highlights delays in SARS meeting resolution deadlines, an increase in complaints, and a concerning rise in eFiling profile hijacking.
‘Severe consequences’ for employees involved in hacking taxpayer profiles
The Tax Ombud is investigating SARS for potential service failures in addressing eFiling hijacking, with a review under way to uncover systemic issues.
Nearly all tax refund reversals have been resolved, says SARS
The revenue authority apologises to the 30 000 taxpayers whose refund payments were reversed.
SARS pays back R10bn, but some taxpayers’ refunds are being withheld
Taxpayers should inform SARS if they have been unemployed for a full year or longer, to avoid being flagged as non-compliant.
Watch out for these tell-tale signs of a tax-filing season scam
Fraudsters are contacting taxpayers who are issued with auto-assessments and impersonating SARS.
Cybercriminals ramp up their attacks on tax practitioners
SARS responds to reports of hackers accessing practitioners’ eFiling profiles, removing clients, and changing banking details.
Sars announces deadlines and changes for 2023 tax-filing season
Taxpayers who disagree with an auto-assessment have more time to submit a revised return.
