Zuko Komisa

SARS apologizes for threatening SMS to non-complying taxpayers.
The South African Revenue Services threatened to take criminal action against a number of people who failed to file their income tax returns within ten days in text messages earlier this week.
In the SMS the SARS wrote, “Should you fail to submit the returns, we will initiate the criminal process and send you NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SUMMONS.”
Many citizens took to social media to voice their concerns.
Provisional taxpayers have until January 23rd, 2023, to file their tax returns; non-provisional taxpayers’ tax season ended on October 23rd.
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The tax office expressed its regret over the SMSs sent to citizens in a statement released on Thursday afternoon.
“Most taxpayers are honest and ordinarily appreciate such reminders. Honest taxpayers should not feel threatened by SARS but, unfortunately, the way the message was crafted had this effect.
“The message regrettably refers to possible prosecution of taxpayers for their failure to file their returns as they are legally obligated to do so.
“While SARS is empowered by law to remind all taxpayers that are still registered with SARS of their legal obligation to file their relevant returns by the due date, SARS does not commence legal action before engaging with taxpayers,” read the statement,
Media Release: SARS apologises to taxpayers
— SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) October 26, 2023
SARS strives to always clarify and remind taxpayers of their obligation in law, as well as the potential consequences should they not comply.
Notwithstanding the legal mandate of SARS to act against taxpayers who fail to comply, it…
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