30 May 2006
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to remind South African
taxpayers that by midnight tomorrow, Wednesday, 31 May 2006, a free electronic
facility goes live through which individuals can submit their income tax
returns via the internet for the first time.
Earlier today SARS briefed and demonstrated this efiling service to members
of the Portfolio Committee on Finance in Parliament.
Potentially some 2,7 million individuals who earn a basic salary of more
than R60 000 per annum or a basic salary with allowances will be able to submit
their tax returns through the internet. In these instances the taxpayer would
be in possession of an IT 12S or IT 12SS income tax return from SARS.
This is the first phase of eventually extending the electronic submission
(filing) facility to all individuals and businesses.
Taxpayers who want to make use of the electronic submission facility:
* must have access to the internet (employers are encouraged to make such
internet facilities available to employees)
* must first register for the service on the website,
www.sarsefiling.co.za
(There is a 48-hour turnaround time to acknowledge registration by SARS)
* agree to the terms and conditions for use of this service
* be in receipt of an IT 12S or IT 12SS income tax return
* receive income that consists of a basic salary or basic salary plus
allowances.
It should be noted that:
* SARS may under certain circumstances still require the submission of original
documents for purposes of verification
* taxpayers must retain all supporting documents for a period of five years
should they be required by SARS for audit purposes.
SARS will issue these assessments electronically.
eFiling will provide an opportunity for taxpayers to change basic personal
details like residential and postal addresses.
What are the benefits to the taxpayers who submit their returns
electronically?
* taxpayers are assured of data accuracy thereby enhancing the quality of
assessments
* improved turn around time for the processing of assessments
* by replying to a few questions upfront, a customised return will be presented
for completion thereby eliminating questions that are not relevant to the
individual taxpayer
* the determination of travelling expenditure and Capital Gains Tax will be
automatically calculated from the taxpayerâs information.
SARS will support the introduction of this service with online instructions
and a dedicated call centre: 0860 709 709 with effect from 1 June 2006.
Taxpayers can register for this service at www.sarsefiling.co.za
Enquiries:
Adrian Lackay
Tel: (012) 422 4206
Cell: 083 388 2580
Issued by: South African Revenue Service
30 May 2006
