25 March 2020 - Letter to Taxpayers - South African Revenue Service

Dear Taxpayer

As you are aware, we are entering an unprecedented period in our history as a young democracy. It is a time in which we need to show social solidarity by taking care of ourselves and all South Africans.

The President of South Africa Mr Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a nationwide lockdown with effect from midnight on Thursday 26 March 2020 in view of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.

Taking into account the devastating economic impact of this pandemic, the President also announced a number of measures to help tax compliant companies in distress and their affected employees, especially Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

To give effect to the President’s lockdown instructions and to minimise face-to-face contact, I wish to inform you that SARS will provide all taxpayer services via our online channels and contact centers. Our branches and customs offices will provide a limited service to taxpayers unable to access our digital channels, strictly though, by appointment only. This arrangement will allow us to serve taxpayers, whilst limiting uneccessary contact between staff and the public.

1. Online services

If you need to interact with SARS, please use our online channels such as eFiling, the SARS MobiApp and e@syFile. The following are available on eFiling:

Enquiry about debt outstanding and make a payment
Enquiry about returns outstanding
Tax Compliance Status (Application for TCS)
Notice of Registration (IT150)
Filing your Tax Returns
Update personal details (including Bank Details)
Request Statement of Account
Register for Income Tax
Submission of Supporting Documents for an audit case
Lodge a Dispute
Tax Product Registration
Tax Directive Management
Lodge a complaint
Username Retrieval and Password Reset

2. SARS Contact Centre

SARS will have staff available at the SARS Contact Centre and you can engage with them on 0800 00 7277. The following services are available at the SARS Contact Centre:

Enquiry about on debt outstanding
Enquiry about on returns outstanding
Tax Compliance Status
Filing your Tax Returns
Request Statement of Account
How to Submit supporting documents for an audit case
Lodge a complaint
Username Retrieval and Password Reset
Request for advice

3. Email Facilities

We recognise that not all services are available through the online channels and via the SARS Contact Centre and we have therefore provided the following dedicated e-mail channels for you to engage with SARS:

See how to email SARS.

4. Appointments

Should any of these channels not be able to deal with your specific issue and if you still want to consult a SARS agent, you can, in exceptional circumstances, book an appointment at a SARS branch. Go to the SARS website to make the appointment. You are reminded of the lockdown restrictions that are in place when you are travelling to a SARS branch.

5. Escalations

Where all processes have failed in resolving your specific tax matter, the following escalation steps are in place:

The Complaints process available to eFilers and at the SARS Contact Centre.
The Office of the Commissioner on OOC@sars.gov.za. Please ensure you have utilized all other channels before engaging with the Office of the Commissioner.
The Tax Ombud is available on www.taxombud.gov.za
Tax Practitioners are urged to engage through their Recognised Controlling Bodies on systemic escalations. A separate communication is being addressed to the RCBs.

I appeal to you to remain compliant by fulfilling your tax, customs and excise obligations even during this lockdown. If we all act collectively, our country will be better placed to deal with a similar crisis in future.

Sincerely,

Edward Chr Kieswetter

SARS Commissioner

25 March 2020

25 March 2020 – Letter to Taxpayers

1. Online services

2. SARS Contact Centre

3. Email Facilities

4. Appointments

5. Escalations

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