Here are 10 must-knows to file your TAX return in double-quick time

The 2023 tax season started on 7 July 2023, and the deadline to file your tax return is October 23 2023 for individual taxpayers. If you’re unsure how to submit your tax return, or you’re worried you might owe the South African Revenue Service (SARS) money, think again.

ALSO READ: Low on cash? THESE are the 10 cheapest banks in South Africa

SARS has introduced a plethora of digital technologies in 2023, so you can file your tax return in double-quick time. Even the experts at TaxTim say filing your return is easier than ever. But these are the 10 must-haves you should have close at hand.

HOW TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN

It’s simple really, first you must register on the SARS eFiling website.

The system automatically generates your 2023 income tax return form (ITR12) for you, based off statements of accounts from your employer, bank, medical aid scheme, retirement annuity fund, investment manager and other relevant service providers. Your IRP5/IT3a will all be there waiting for you.

1. WHAT YOU NEED TO REGISTER

To register on the SARS eFiling website, you will need to upload:

• A copy of your ID, proof of your residential address.
• A bank statement that reflects the name of your bank, your name, account type and account number (not older than three months).
• Your latest IRP5/IT3(a) income tax certificate, which must reflect your income tax reference number.

2. HOW YOU GET AN INCOME TAX REFERENCE NUMBER

An income tax reference number is a 10-digit number that appears on your IRP5. You get this through SARS eFiling. On the website click on REGISTER and follow the prompts. Then define your role, whether you are an individual or a business. If you have any problems, you can also call SARS on 0800 007 277.

3. WHO NEEDS TO FILE A TAX RETURN?

SARS insists you do not need to file your tax return if you’ve been employed by one employer for the full tax year and you earn less than R500 000 annually. However, the experts at TaxTim say otherwise. They say you should always file your tax return to be in line for a refund.

ALSO READ: Important changes to SARS payment procedure

Also, taxpayers who have changed employers during the year or had multiple sources of income (ie. an entrepreneur or freelancer) must definitely submit a return. Likewise, if you received remuneration other than salary, e.g. a travelling allowance, and if you have a medical aid or retirement annuity that is not administrated through your employer.

4. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN?

Everyone’s tax needs differ, but if you have these documents ready when you log onto SARS eFiling, the process will be smooth:

• Your IRP5/IT3a tax certificate.
• Medical aid tax certificate.
• Retirement annuity tax certificate.
• Statement of other income earned besides your salary. Ie. business or rental income.
• Full details of your vehicle (If you have a travel allowance/company car) and a logbook specifying business kilometres.

If any IRP5/IT3a documents on your tax return are incorrect, you will need to contact them directly to resupply to SARS.

5. CAN YOU FILE YOUR TAX RETURN ON YOUR PHONE?

The SARS MobiApp is one of the great new additions from SARS. And you can submit your 2023 tax return on your phone via the app. Download it for the following devices:

• Apple App Store for Apple devices
• Google Play Store for Android devices
• Huawei App Gallery for Huawei devices

Once downloaded, click REGISTER, complete your ITR12, then click SAVE and submit for evaluation.

6. WHAT IF YOU WANT TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN IN PERSON?

If you feel you need in-person assistance, an agent at one of the SARS branches will be able to assist you. Just be sure to bring along all your supporting documentation. You must call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 first to book an appointment. You can make an online appointment HERE, or send an SMS to 47277 (iSARS).

FAQ: How to change your SARS eFiling username and password

SARS has also deployed a host of mobile tax units across the country to assist taxpayers who do not have devices or sufficient data to submit their 2023 tax return. Click on the link HERE to see where they’ll be in each province and what the latest schedules are.

7. WHAT IF YOU’RE UNHAPPY WITH YOUR TAX RETURN?

There is help through the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO). If you are unhappy with your tax return, the complaint process goes as follows:

Email complaints@taxombud.gov.za to receive a complaint form. You can also telephone 0800 662 837. Or visit in person at Menlyn Corner, 2nd Floor, 87 Frikkie de Beer Street, Menlyn, Pretoria.

In your complaint you must document the situation in chronological order including all case numbers relevant to the complaint from SARS and attach all supporting documents. Click HERE for more details.

8. WHAT IF YOU NEED TAX RELIEF IN 2023?

Thankfully there is help at hand from SARS. It’s called the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) and it assists historically non-compliant taxpayers that require a lifeline. All it requires is the taxpayer comes clean for any past indiscretions. SARS will then consider waiving any penalties that may have arisen. These are handled on a case-by-case basis and you should have a legal expert assist you before approaching SARS. Click HERE for more details on the SARS VDP.

9. YOU CAN TRACK THE STATUS OF YOUR TAX RETURN

SARS allows you to track your tax return status online. The innovative new feature forms part of SARS’ Online Query System and is called My Tax Status Dashboard.

• Select whether you’re an induvial, tax practitioner, or registered representative.
• Enter your ID, personal details and income tax number.
• Verify your details with a one-time pin (OTP).
• Then you’ll be able to see the status of your tax return.

10. THE SARS HELP-DESK NUMBER

All queries, including those to receive your individual tax number, the changing of banking details and how to reset your password can be done via the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 (SARS). The centre is open between 08h00-17h00 (excluding weekends and public holidays). Or go to https www.sarsefiling.co.za to resolve these issues online.

Don’t forget that you have until October 23 2023 to file your tax return.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax or legal advice. For further details consult the SARS website or get in touch with a tax specialist like TaxTim.