Fareed Khan, the new Sars regional director for Gauteng South, answered the most commonly asked tax-related questions.
Q) How do I obtain proof of registration without visiting a branch or calling the contact centre?
A) You can log onto www.sars.gov.za and click on “What’s my tax number”. Follow the prompts and complete the information requested and you can get your tax number via email or SMS.
Q) I have submitted my personal income tax return to Sars and I have been stopped for an audit/verification. I need to submit supporting documents to Sars but I am not registered for eFiling. How do I submit my documents without going into a branch?
A) Firstly, please note that there are many reasons why a person is flagged for audit. There may be some inconsistencies in what you declared relative to what we have received from a third party, such as banks, your medical aid company, pension company and so on.
In order to submit your supporting documents electronically, you need to do the following:
• Log onto www.sars.gov.za
• On the landing page, click on the block “Online services”.
• On the far right, click on the icon “Submit supporting documents” and follow the prompts for easy submission of your documents.
Don’t forget to include the case number provided on the letter requesting supporting documents. This will ensure there are no delays in finalising the audit.
Q) I owe Sars money, but I cannot afford to make full payment immediately. Can I negotiate a payment plan with Sars to avoid legal action?
A) You can make arrangements with Sars to pay off your debt over a reasonable period. We call this a deferred payment arrangement.
You can request such a deferred payment plan by following these easy steps:
• Log onto www.sars.gov.za
• In the search box type: “owing SARS money”
• This page will guide you on what to do if you want to apply for a deferred payment arrangement.
Important reminder from Sars
Residents who have not submitted their personal income tax returns as yet should do so as soon as possible by using eFiling or the Sars MobiApp.
Failure to submit can result in unnecessary penalties. Many small businesses face penalties for late submission of VAT and PAYE returns during the festive season.
To avoid unnecessary penalties ensure your business VAT returns, with relevant payments, are submitted before December 25.
PAYE returns are due on January 7. Khan said many small businesses reopen after this date and find themselves submitting these returns late and face penalties that place pressure on the cash flow of the business.
“Avoid these penalties by submitting your PAYE returns before the responsible staff go on leave in December. It is better to be early and avoid penalties.”
ALSO READ:
Sanitise your hands and finances
Also follow us on:
