Tag: TaxAdministration

The vision of “A Smart Modern South African Revenue Service (SARS) with unquestionable integrity admired by all” is a profound set of words shared by Dr Johnstone Makhubu, SARS Commissioner, at the 13th Annual Tax Indaba. Beyond words, SARS’ actions have more than echoed this sentiment. They have made it clear to the world that political power, fame and money cannot keep non-compliant taxpayers off SARS’ radar.

Businesses claiming diesel refunds may be inclined to view the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new diesel refund registration system as little more than an administrative change. However, the reforms signal a far more fundamental shift.

In its relentless pursuit of tax compliance, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched a series of initiatives to streamline tax processes through automation enhancements. Specifically, these initiatives identify focus areas to strengthen detection, enforcement and voluntary compliance. As a result, SARS has introduced SARS Modernisation 3.0.

If South African tax were a fable, it would feature three enduring characters: the weary taxpayer, the watchful SARS, and the elusive concept known as certainty. All three appear in our legislation, but only one consistently shows up in practice - SARS.