SARS on efiling

SARS efiling gets its 1000th user

12 June 2006

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce that the
1000th South African taxpayer submitted his income tax return by using the
electronic online filing facility SARS made available to individuals on 1 June
this year.

Mr Edward Baney, a taxpayer from Randburg, Johannesburg, submitted his tax
returns through efiling on Thursday, 8 June 2006. He is of the view that
“efiling is the best thing SARS could have introduced to taxpayers”.

Uptake of the efiling facility during the last nine days has been very
encouraging; averaging about 1 000 registrations per day. By yesterday 8 646
registrations had been captured.

Of this number 6 371 users can already submit their income tax returns
online.

Still, SARS must encourage taxpayers to submit their returns early as there
is slightly more than a month left before the Filing Season deadline of 14 July
2006. To date a total of more than 515 000 returns were received by SARS from
branch offices around the country and through efiling.

This year SARS issued more than 3,4 million returns to individuals and have
received back more than one sixth of returns issued. Completing and submitting
returns early would mean that taxpayers can avoid long queues and the last
minute rush to SARS offices during the final days leading to the deadline.

This phenomenon repeats itself every year and does cause frustrations among
taxpayers. The efiling facility was launched for the first time this year to
make it more convenient for taxpayers to file their returns and to avoid long
queues.

Electronic filing remains available to taxpayers who earn a basic salary of
more than R60 000 per annum or a basic salary with allowances.

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 efiling the helpline
0860 709 709 is available.

* Please note that the taxpayer, Mr Baney, gave consent for his details to
be publicised and that he is prepared to comment should this be required.

Enquiries:
Adrian Lackay
Tel: (012) 422 4206
Cell: 083 388 2580

Issued by: South African Revenue Service
12 June 2006

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