With the rising case numbers and the onset of the third wave peak of the Covid pandemic, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) have decided to close their tax branches temporarily for physical visits as of Thursday, July 1.
At this stage, we plan to commence physical branch visits on August, 16 but will review this continuously.
Taxpayers are advised not to go to a SARS branch. The branches will be closed until an announcement is made confirming the reopening date.
“We are able to do so because the SARS digital platforms, as demonstrated during the peak of the second wave, allows taxpayers to continue to fulfil their obligations online.”
Importantly, the temporary closure of the tax branches will not affect the start of the Filing Season for individuals who traditionally file via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. These taxpayers are encouraged to continue doing so digitally, starting from July 1.
During the branch closures, taxpayers who require assistance to file online will be assisted telephonically with the support of dedicated SARS staff.
All Customs Ports of Entry will be open for frontline customs operations, but not for face-to-face client engagement other than for clearance and inspection purposes.
In line with our stated commitment to modernise our systems and make it easy for taxpayers to meet their tax obligations, we continue our commitment to using technology to ensure continued service to taxpayers in a manner that ensures both the safety of our employees as well as taxpayers.
We remind members of the public to note the following:
- Bookings for virtual appointments may be made via the SARS website by following the link below: https://www.sars.gov.za/contact-us/make-an-appointment/; and sending an SMS to 47277 with the word “Booking” and your passport/ID No/Asylum permit No. and a SARS agent will contact you to arrange a booking on your behalf.
- Taxpayers can use our digital platforms by visiting www.sars.gov.za
- The SARS Contact Centre (0800 00 7277) will continue to service any queries from members of the public.
SARS will continue to monitor the evolving Covid-19 pandemic and keep all South African taxpayers informed of any changes to these arrangements.
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