SCAM WARNING: SARS alerts taxpayers about ‘outstanding amount’ email
SARS has issued a warning about a new scam circulating that falsely claims taxpayers have an outstanding balance to pay.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a warning about a new scam circulating, which falsely claims that taxpayers owe an outstanding amount to SARS.
Fraudulent website
The scam asks taxpayers to click a link, which goes to a fraudulent website.
See an example of the latest refund scam here.
SARS has warned anyone receiving such an email too ensure the email or SMS is genuine before clicking on any link.
Protect yourself from scams and phishing!
Do not open or respond to emails from unknown sources.
Beware of emails or SMSs asking for personal, tax, banking or eFiling details.
SARS will never send you hyperlinks to other websites.
Watch our short tutorial video on how to spot scams.
All known scams are listed on the Scams and Phishing webpage and if in doubt, email the IT security team on phishing@sars.gov.za.
Save a trip, skip the queues
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has urged taxpayers to save a trip to one of its branches and skip having to stand in queues.
SARS’s online services could save you valuable queue time at a branch.
Here’s how:
- SARS Online Query System to access a variety of services
- SMS: SMS SARS for free at 47277 to book an appointment; check if you need to submit a Personal Income Tax return; request a balance statement or Statement of Account; and request your tax number
- USSD channel: dial*134*7277# free of charge on your cellphone to check if you have a tax number; get your account balance; or check if you need to submit a tax return
- WhatsApp: save the SARS WhatsApp number, 0800 11 7277, in your contact list. Text anything to the number e.g. “Hi” or “Hello” and SARS will respond with a service–request menu. Remember this service works only with your SARS-registered cellphone number. Through WhatsApp, you can ask for your:
- Tax Reference Number
- Statement of Account
- Return Refund Status
- Audit Status
- Notice of Assessment
Did you know that SARS has 49 branches throughout South Africa?
The vast majority are to be found in Gauteng (15), with seven options available to those residing in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
SARS BRANCHES THROUGHUT SOUTH AFRICA
Gauteng – 15
KwaZulu-Natal – 7
Western Cape – 7
Eastern Cape – 4
Free State – 4
Limpopo – 4
Mpumalanga – 3
North West – 3
Northern Cape – 2