Every year, SARS opens its systems for the submission of the individual taxpayer (Provisional and Non-Provisional) and trusts tax returns from July.
This year, the deadline for the 2022 Individual Filing Season is October 24. For provisional taxpayers and trusts, the deadline is January 23, 2023.
Before the commencement of Individual Filing Season, employers and other third-party data entities such as medical aid schemes and financial service institutions, among others, are required to ensure that all relevant data is submitted to SARS before the published due dates.
This year, SARS has also embarked on a simpler process to submit tax returns for individuals called Auto Assessments, using this third-party data.
Auto assessments are aimed at taxpayers considered to have less complicated tax returns.
In 2022, Auto Assessments have been sent to over 3 million taxpayers. This means that these taxpayers did not have to file tax returns if they agreed with the Auto Assessment result.
It is only those that do not agree with the assessment that are required to submit a tax return in the usual way. And they are required to do this within 40 business days from the date of the notice.
As we near the end of the 2022 Individual Filing Season on October 24, SARS urges all those who are required to file their tax returns to do so before the deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Tackling tax fraud and non-compliance: Over the years, SARS has noted an increase in fraud when it comes to tax returns. SARS wishes to acknowledge taxpayers who always choose to file their returns through appropriate channels and are honest and truthful in their submissions.
However, it has been found that some taxpayers continue to make false declarations, where unprovable, impermissible expenses and or deductions have been claimed on tax returns.
SARS condemns this behaviour and warns these taxpayers that there will be legal implications for submitting any dishonest or fraudulent returns.
Employer Interim Reconciliation Filing Season (EMP501): The employer filing season for submission of payroll data, including tax certificates in respect of the 2023 Year of Assessment, was opened from September 19 to October 31. Many employers have already successfully submitted their reconciliations for this period.
Before the employer filing season commenced, SARS releases an updated version of e@syFile Employer, which is currently e@syFile™ Employer version 7.2.8. This must be used in concurrence with the latest release notes as well as Business Requirements Specifications: BRS V 21 1– PAYE Employer Reconciliation.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, employers and other submitting parties are urged to adhere to the submission deadline to avoid penalties.
To make things easier to comply, SARS will host a Webinar on Employer Interim Reconciliation Filing Season on October 20.
Employers are encouraged to attend this session as it will be of great assistance to those experiencing problems with their EMP501 submissions.
After this year’s tax Filing Season, the region will be activating regular “pop-up branches” and will be partnering with the Durban Municipality Sizakala centres in Durban and surrounding areas. More details to follow.
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