The South African National Revenue Service issued a press release today, 7 December, saying taxpayers must not be duped by criminals.
Sars warned taxpayers to be wary of persons posing as tax practitioners or tax experts, who promise them that they could secure a refund.
According to the statement, businesses and other organisations must also be beware of third parties such as unknown payroll companies, who offer to help them with their PAYE submissions.
Sars is being inundated with desperate calls from honest taxpayers, who fall victim to these criminals and scammers, who pocket the refunds for themselves and their accomplices as they often operate as syndicates.
In some cases, these fraudulent submissions are the cause of delays when Sars has no other option but to verify the information that was submitted by scammers.
Taxpayers who willingly participate in such fraudulent activity in expectation of an illegal refund, will be prosecuted along with the scammers.
Contact Sars anonymously with information, using the number 0800 00 2870 or by anonymously completing an online form available on their website, www.sars.gov.za, or send an e-mail to SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
