Newly established Tax Ombudsman to process taxpayers’ complaints
It affords taxpayers an opportunity to have complaints resolved speedily, amicably and free of charge
While the South African Revenue Service (SARS) launched its filing season for individuals as of yesterday, 1 July, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is ready to deal with any possible influx of complaints from taxpayers.
The newly established institution, headed by retired Judge President of the Gauteng High Courts Judge Bernard Ngoepe, boasts a number of highly skilled operational specialists with vast experience in accounting and various tax matters, among others. The team is ready to assist taxpayers resolve service, administrative or procedural complaints against SARS. The office has already dealt with and resolved a number of complaints, saving taxpayers and individual businesses millions of rands.
The OTO, which drew from the Office of the Canadian Ombudsman, US National Taxpayer Advocate and the UK Adjudicator, was specifically established to be an independent and impartial channel for taxpayers who have been unable to resolve their problems with SARS. It affords taxpayers an opportunity to have their complaints resolved speedily, amicably and free of charge.
