Tax season tips from Sars

Tax season commenced on July 1 and will run until November 25.

Sars spokesman, Sandile Memela, says tax season is about the submission of income tax returns.

“It is not about payment of tax,”says Memela.

“It is a reconciliation of the taxpayer’s income and deductions applicable for the tax year starting March 1 2015 to February 29 2016.”

“It could result in the refund to the taxpayer or that the taxpayer pays an additional tax to Sars.”

Memela adds that not everyone needs to file a tax return.

“The income tax submission threshold is R350 000 per annum,” he says.

“This means those taxpayers earning up to R350 000, under certain circumstances, may not need to submit a tax return.”

Memela says the revenue is pulling out all the stops to ensure taxpayers are assisted.

“There are certain services that can assist tax-payers with quicker and easier ways to get through the tax season,” says Memela.

“The easiest way to submit a tax return is via eFiling through the official Sars website.”

Memela says any problems experienced with the eFiling facility can be referred to a Sars contact agent who will provide further assistance.

“The agent cannot see any sensitive or personal information on your screen so it is safe,” he adds.

Memela says there is also a ‘call-back’ facility which can be used if holding on the line for a Sars agent proves to be a long wait.

“You can follow the prompts and select the call-back option and the contact centre will call you back and assist you,” he says.

Furthermore, the Sars contact centre is extending its hours until 5pm during the week will be available on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.

“There are also mobile units in areas that are far from Sars branches,” says Memela.

“The mobile unit schedule can be viewed on the official website.”

Memela says pressure for both tax-payers and the revenue can be alleviated by tax-payers visiting branches that have less volumes.

“Tax-payers can visit the website and check the volumes per branch,” he adds.

In order to ensure efficient and effective service, Memela says taxpayers should bring the relevant documents with them.

“The relevant supporting documents are listed on the Sars website,’ he says.

“Taxpayers must check the documents needed to fulfil their service request and read more on the particular requirements so that they are informed when visiting the branches.”

For more information taxpayers can visit www.sars.gov.za or contact 0800 00 7277.