30 June 2006
Pretoria - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will from this weekend
extend its services to taxpayers across the country to encourage the submission
of income tax returns.
As today is the end of June, South African taxpayers have only two weeks or
10 working days left until the Filing Season deadline of 14 July 2006. Since a
large number of returns are still outstanding SARS branch offices will set up
service points at various public places over the next two weekends.
Taxpayers can receive advice, register or submit their returns at these
service points. It will be located at libraries, big shopping centres and other
public or community centres. A comprehensive list and provincial breakdown of
these service points is available on the SARS website (http://www.sars.gov.za/) under the link filing
season 2006 and the heading outreach.
To date SARS has received more than 1,2 million income tax returns. The rate
of submissions remains slow and it can be expected that large numbers of
taxpayers will visit SARS offices over the next two weeks. The extended working
hours and service points over weekends will be initiated reduce the pressure of
long queues at branch offices.
Other methods to ensure better service to taxpayers include the closure of
certain street lanes at the SARS offices in central Pretoria and Durban to
allow for a drop facility.
The electronic filing facility (e-filing) remains an alternative to submit
returns for taxpayers who have internet access. To date more than 23 000
taxpayers have registered as users.
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
* 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.
Taxpayers who choose to file their returns manually are reminded to prepare
the following documentation when submitting their return:
* IRP 5 Certificate from employer
* Medical Aid Statement
* Retirement Annuity Contribution Certificate
* IT3(b) from financial institution
* All supporting documentation to substantiate claims
Taxpayers with general filing season enquiries can contact the SARS call
centre at 0860 12 12 18. For technical queries regarding e-filing the helpline
0860 709 709 is available.
For Further media enquiries contact:
Adrian Lackay
SARS Communications
Tel: (012) 422 4206
Cell: 083 388 2580
Issued by: South African Revenue Service (SARS)
30 June 2006
