SARS ditches printed forms
The revenue service said this is part of its drive to encourage taxpayers to use eFiling for all tax transactions where possible.
THE South African Revenue Service (SARS) will no longer provide taxpayer registration forms at its branches. In a statement, the revenue service said this was part of its drive to encourage taxpayers to use eFiling for all tax transactions where possible.
“As of 1 July 2018, SARS will also no longer provide certain printed forms at its branches, including forms used to register as a taxpayer (IT77C for companies and IT77TR for trusts), as a VAT vendor (VAT101), as an employer (EMP101), as well as forms used to apply for tax directives (IRP3(a), (b), (c) and (d)). These transactions, together with the filing of income tax returns, payments and the uploading of supporting documents, can all be done electronically on eFiling with the support of Help-You-eFile and the contact centre if taxpayers get stuck,” said SARS.
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SARS added that digitizing these processes is also a cost cutting measure.
“The increase in digital transactions means a significant saving on paper, printing and courier costs for both SARS and the taxpayer. This will also reduce traffic in branches – one of SARS’ objectives for Tax Season 2018.
“A digital and paperless approach was initiated more than a decade ago when the internet-based eFiling system was made available for the electronic submission of personal income tax returns. Drop boxes were, however, provided in addition to the branch and electronic channels for taxpayers who chose to submit their returns and documents manually,” the Revenue Service added.
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Taxpayers will still be able to visit a SARS branch if they need an assisted filing experience. However, they are encouraged to migrate to electronic submission. Original paper documents will be handed back to the taxpayer for safekeeping.
SARS eFiling is available on www.sarsefiling.co.za. For more information contact SARS contact centre on 0800 00 7277.
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