Dear reader,

In this week’s bulletin:

•    Taxpayers aren’t happy with SARS
•    A web of confusion and legalese
•    So what’s your story?
•    More good news for Vat subscribers

Taxpayers aren’t happy with SARS

I caught last week’s episode of Carte Blanche Consumer, which highlighted the fact that filing taxes is still a nightmare for many South African taxpayers.

The biggest complaint was that SARS employees are incompetent, and it’s near impossible to get help on tax issues. Call the contact centre for advice on Monday, and you’ll be told one thing. Call again on Tuesday, and you’ll be given a different instruction. Taxpayers who trek out to their local SARS office will wait in queues for hours, without resolution to their tax problems. Oh, and good luck trying to speak to someone who has the seniority to make things happen!

A web of confusion and legalese

One interviewee on the programme has waited for over two years for his refund (of R240 000)! And the sad thing is he has a tax consultant helping him out! What about the taxpayers who don’t have this kind of help? Do their refunds fall into the 35% that SARS hasn’t paid out yet?

Carte Blanche’s findings have mirrored our own. We ran a survey a few weeks back, to try and find out what your biggest tax issues are, and by far, it’s SARS’ incompetence that has you all pulling your hair out.

If you’re a Practical Vat Handbook subscriber, then you’ll find all the tips and advice you need to secure your refunds, in the newest Vat update (which is on its way to you soon!). When it arrives, be sure to check out chapter R02- Refunds. It’ll explain how to go about claiming a Vat refund, and even tells you when you can start charging SARS interest!

Tax handbook subscribers, watch this space — we’ll bring you tips and advice to help you get your refunds out of SARS.

So what’s your story?

This week, I want to know: what’s your story? How did SARS handle your queries, or your refund? And, if its service was less than stellar, what did you do about it? Drop me an email at tax@fsp.co.za

More good news for Vat subscribers

If you’re subscribed to the Practical Vat Handbook, then keep a look out for the next update. We’ve included a new chapter, explaining how to get a tax clearance certificate.

Without one, you may find it difficult to attract new business (or to emigrate). Just remember: tax clearance certificates do expire, and need renewing, so it’s important to stay on top of your tax and Vat affairs.

Until next week,

Fulvia Becatti
Managing Editor: Practical Tax Handbook and Practical Vat Handbook