Tax return deadline looms
SARS has extended its operating hours to assist taxpayers to file personal income tax returns
THE South African Revenue Services (SARS) has denied reports that its eFiling system is on the verge of collapse.
The revenue service said this perception is ‘incorrect and unfortunately has the effect of creating unnecessary alarm and uncertainty’.
‘SARS would like to assure taxpayers that the eFiling system is stable and performing well within specification, as evidenced by the system’s up-time (availability) at a rate of 99.7%.
‘Already 3.3 million tax returns have been filed with 50.4% of these via eFiling. The platform has handled an average traffic volume of 25 000 tax returns daily,’ SARS said in a statement.
This follows testimony by SARS executives at the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance.
‘The concern expressed by executives centred around the compatibility of eFiling and web browsers by 2020.
‘This concern is associated to a future risk and not a reflection on the current capacity, functionality or stability of SARS’ systems.’
SARS said the eFiling system continues to be the preferred filing channel and has been ‘capacitated’ to process high transaction volumes.
‘We would like to encourage taxpayers to continue using the eFiling channel and submit returns before the 31 October deadline.’
‘All SARS branches will open on Saturday mornings with self-help kiosks available for eFiling.
‘SARS has extended its operating hours to Saturday mornings to assist taxpayers to file personal income tax returns.
The taxpayer also has the option of using Help-You-eFile – an online functionality on the taxpayer’s eFiling profile, which connects taxpayers to a SARS tax agent who can co-browse and assist with the completion of the ITR12 (tax return) form electronically.’
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