Tax filing season starts July 1

Today, 1 July 2015 is the start of the 2015 Tax Season for Individuals. South African Revenue Service (SARS) opened its eFiling system at midnight on Tuesday.

The filing period is for the period of March 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015. Subject to some exceptions, this year certain taxpayers are not required to file a tax return if their total salary for the year before tax is not more than R350 000.

The R350 000 exemption is, however, not applicable to taxpayers earning income from more than one employer. Taxpayers with more than one employer must file even if the salary is minimal. Taxpayers claiming tax-related deductions, such as car allowance or medical expenses, are also not exempt from filing. (see tax tip #1 below)

How to submit

The easiest and quickest way to file a tax return is online by making use of SARS eFiling. Register for eFiling on the SARS eFiling website.

Once registered, you can complete the online form to create your return. This part will automatically tailor the tax return to your specific tax requirements.

If you need assistance in completing your tax return via eFiling, SARS has dedicated call centre agents who can assist you online by taking you through a parallel, step-by-step “Help-you-eFile” process. SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 SARS (7277)

The tax return can also be requested by visiting any SARS branch office.

When completing your return, you will require the following documentation:

– IRP5 issued by employer;
– Proof of medical expenses, i.e. medical aid and other invoices (if applicable);
– Interest received certificate, i.e. IT3(b) (if applicable); and
– Travel logbook (if undertaking business travel on behalf of employer).

Be ‘tax smart’ and see our tips for this tax season:

Tax Tip #1

Don’t file a tax return if you don’t need to:

You don’t need to file if your total salary for the year before tax is not more than R350 000, provided:

• You only have one employer (but remember if you have two employers you do need to file however little you have earned)
• You have no car allowance or other income (e.g. interest or rent)
• You are not claiming tax related deductions (e.g. medical expenses, retirement, travel)
• You received interest from a source in South Africa not exceeding –
  • R23 800 if you are below the age of 65 years; or
  • R34 500 if you aged 65 years or older.
• Dividends were paid to you and you were a non-resident during the 2015 year of assessment.

If you are still unsure if you need to file a tax return, click here.

Top tip: Trusts are required to submit an annual Income Tax Return (IT12TR), as well.

Tax Tip #2

Looking for your tax number?

Your income tax reference number is a unique 10-digit number issued by SARS to a taxpayer on registration.

If you are registered, you can find your tax number on your:

• Notice of registration from SARS
• Employee Tax Certificate (IRP5/IT3(a))
• Income Tax Workpage on eFiling, if you’re a registered eFiler.

Top tip: What else to do if you need your tax number?

Tax Tip #3

No login details? No problem

Forgot your eFiling username and password? Follow these easy steps:

• Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za
• Click on Login
• Click on the question mark icon
• Request your login details
• We’ll send it to your SARS registered email address or cellphone number

Top tip: If you’re not registered yet for eFiling, follow our simple and easy steps to register.

Need help?

• Call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 SARS (7277)
• Visit your nearest SARS Branch.
• You may also attend one of our tax workshops or visit your nearest SARS mobile unit.
• If you have forgotten your password you can reset it by calling our SARS Contact Centre and following a simple procedure. See our simple self service process.

The important dates are:

• 30 September 2015 – Manual/postal submissions
• 27 November 2015 –  At a SARS branch (non-provisional)
• 27 November 2015 – eFiling (non-provisional)
• 29 January 2016 – Provisional taxpayers via eFiling

via SARS