SARS apologies for “threatening” texts, suspends SMS services
SARS has suspended its SMS services after being accused of sending threatening texts to taxpayers earlier this week.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued a public apology after sending taxpayers an SMS that did not impress Mzansi. The SMS warned South African taxpayers that they should file their returns within 10 days to avoid criminal action being taken against them. The SMS was seen as threatening rather than a helpful reminder to honest taxpayers who are filing their returns.
WAS THE SARS SMS THREATENING?
The tax collector apologised and suspended the SMS service until further notice. They claimed that the SMS notifications were only meant to be used to send out friendly reminders to taxpayers to remind them to file their returns on time.
Although SARS is legally permitted to send out reminders, the threat of legal action was seen as being in bad taste. SARS said the message was meant to be a “genuine and helpful reminder” for taxpayers and that South Africans should not feel threatened. The tax collector however added that they regret referring to the “prosecution of taxpayers for their failure to file their returns”.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T FILE YOUR TAXES?
Although the SARS SMS service is currently suspended, they will still notify taxpayers who fail to pay their taxes. Taxpayers are subjected to penalties on late or unpaid tax returns. Taxpayers can breathe a sigh of relief as SARS says they will “not commence legal action before engaging with taxpayers”.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR TAX COMPLIANCE
Tax payers are warned to not ignore reminders as administrative penalties for late filing can add up. You can ensure your tax affairs are in order by contacting SARS directly or by logging into your SARS profile on their e-filing system.
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WHAT DATES ARE THE TAX YEAR IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The tax year for the 2024 tax year runs from 1 March 2023 to February 2024. Individual taxpayers were expected to file by the end of 23 October 2023 with late taxpayers receiving a penalty. Provisional taxpayers can file between 7 July 2023 to 24 January 2024.
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