
14 appear in court over alleged R3.99m VAT refund fraud
The case forms part of Project Jan Vas, a wider investigation into an alleged organised criminal network targeting the tax system across several provinces.

The case forms part of Project Jan Vas, a wider investigation into an alleged organised criminal network targeting the tax system across several provinces.

Advanced data matching is helping SARS to identify businesses and individuals whose tax affairs do not align with their activities.

The conviction highlights ongoing investigations under Project Blue Lights into systemic tender manipulation and corruption within the police service.

The former SARS employee and tax practitioner submitted false VAT returns and forged documents that led to R1.58m in improper refunds.

As individual tax filing season officially opens today, SARS warns taxpayers to stay vigilant against a surge in sophisticated scams.

Low-income earners fear being ignored, while high-income earners and large businesses find the police to be inefficient.

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.