SA's 2023 tax season opens on 7 July

South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, urged tax payers to submit accurate personal income tax returns on time.

Tax season opens on Friday, 7 July 2023 after 8pm.

“The submission of accurate personal income tax returns on time is important for a seamless filing season. This year, taxpayers must take control of their own tax affairs to ensure they are aware of their obligations and remain compliant,’’ said Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner.

“SARS continues to provide enabling technology, the expanded use of data, enhanced by machine learning, algorithms and artificial intelligence.  We also continue to make progress in various aspects of online and in-person taxpayer services through an investment in our people. These enabling and service improvements are intended to ensure that there is no need for walk-in tax consultations and long queues at SARS offices,’’ he added.

PICTURE: SARS

Kieswetter said from 30 June 2023, SARS will communicate directly with selected taxpayers by SMS notifying taxpayers of their auto-assessments.

This year SARS will allow taxpayers, who did not agree with the auto-assessment outcome, to file an amended return until the normal filing season deadline, 23 October 2023. This is a change from the 40 days allowed last year.

SARS said non-provisional taxpayers who did not get an auto-assessment and who are required to file a return can do so from 7 July 2023 after 8 pm until 23 October 2023. Provisional taxpayers as well as Trust submissions can start with filing a return from 7 July 2023 after 8 pm until 23 January 2024.

Kieswetter said the introduction of auto-assessments, was one of many filing improvements that bears testimony to SARS’ commitment to build a smart, modern organization with unquestionable integrity, trusted and admired by all.

‘’In delivering such an important service, SARS is helping to build a capable state for the social and economic development of our country and its people – the Higher Purpose of SARS,’’ he said.

The SARS commissioner said harsh penalties will be given to taxpayers who intentionally attempt to claim impermissible expenses or understate their income

‘’In addition, there will be administrative non-compliance penalties for those taxpayers who do not adhere to the deadlines of this year’s Filing Season.’’

 

APPOINTMENT AT BRANCHES

Taxpayers who wish to visit a SARS branch must first make an appointment. They can do this by:

·        Sending an SMS to 47277 (iSARS) with the word Booking (Space) ID number/Passport number.

·        Dialling *134*7277# free of charge on their cellphone and choosing the eBooking option.

·        Going to the SARS website and clicking on the “Book an Appointment” icon. Complete the online form

 

Done By: Mitchum George