The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) appeals to taxpayers to exercise caution when selecting a tax practitioner during the tax season. Taxpayers who find tax returns daunting, or may require assistance in ensuring they comply with the law, should ensure that they only make use of registered tax practitioners.
“Government has promoted the concept that the public should only be assisted in their tax affairs by tax practitioners who operate with the expected knowledge and relevant ethics,” said Project Director for Tax at SAICA, Pieter Faber.
In 2013, a new registration dispensation was introduced for tax practitioners, requiring them to register with both SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB) such as SAICA.
However, Faber said only 18 000 practitioners registered in terms of this new dispensation – raising concerns that around 14 000 tax practitioners have now vanished from the system.
“Some of those may still be practicing as ‘ghost practitioners’ outside the ambit of the law,” he said.
Faber added that many of these ghost practitioners operate on the basis of taking commission on any refunds.
Taxpayers are advised to follow these steps to minimise their risks:
•Only use the services of a registered tax practitioner for preparing and assisting with your tax return by confirming their practitioner’s number (PR number) and the RCB where he or she is registered.
•Verify the practitioner’s registered status on www.sarsefiling.co.za.
•Confirm with the relevant RCB if the practitioner is registered with them. This can be done online for SAICA members on our website at www.saica.co.za, or by contacting our call centre on 086 107 2422.
•It is advisable that taxpayers make use of SARS’ eFiling system to submit their tax returns, rather than submitting manual forms, as it is easier for the taxpayer to track what is being submitted on their behalf
•Taxpayers who are in doubt about their tax affairs can make use of the assistance of SARS officials available at the SARS branches during filing season or access help on SARS eFiling by clicking on the Help-You-efile icon while logged into their profile.
