Common questions the SARS Contact Centre and branches field on a daily basis include:
I need proof of registration for personal income tax or I cannot remember my income tax reference number. How do I obtain this without visiting a branch or calling the contact centre?
Log onto www.sars.gov.za. 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 (your preference).
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?
There are many reasons why a person is flagged for audit. There may be some inconsistencies in what you declared relative to what SARS has received from a third party, such as banks, your medical aid or pension provider. In order to submit your supporting documents electronically, you need to 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 your audit.
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I owe SARS money but I cannot afford to make full payment immediately. Can I negotiate a payment plan with SARS so I avoid legal action from SARS?
You can make arrangements with SARS to pay off your debt over a reasonable period. This is called a deferred payment arrangement. You can request such a deferred payment plan by logging 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.
Quick reminders
If you have not yet submitted your personal income tax return, do so as soon as possible using eFiling or the SARS easy-to-use MobiApp in order to avoid incurring unnecessary penalties. You can download the SARS MobiApp from the Playstore on your smart device.
For small business owners
Many small businesses face penalties for late submission of VAT and PAYE returns during the festive season. Avoid unnecessary penalties by ensuring that your business VAT returns, with relevant payments, are submitted before December 25. It is recommend that you plan for this to be done before the responsible staff go on leave.
PAYE returns are due on January 7, 2021. 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.
(Article: Fareed Khan, South African Revenue Service’s new regional director for Gauteng South).
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