Monthly penalties for late tax returns

AS the electronic tax filing deadline looms, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned that penalties will be levied for every month a tax return is not submitted.

While the season for those who file at a branch has ended, non-provisional taxpayers who use the MobiApp and eFiling service still have until 4 December to submit their returns.

‘SARS wants to remind taxpayers who are yet to file, that the tax season for 2019 has been designed to make filing a return simple and easy.

‘Should the extended electronic filing period not be used, administrative penalties will be levied for every month the return is outstanding,’ the revenue service said.

SARS also warned that non-filing of returns is a criminal offence.

‘Outstanding and late returns remain a concern and SARS will step up its enforcement of penalties in this regard.

‘We have also noticed that tax consultants act unethically by promising taxpayers they will secure refunds. They then look for opportunities to understate income or overstate expenses,’ SARS said.

‘Should taxpayers visit a branch with a personal income tax return filing query, they will be assisted with self-filing via the MobiApp or eFiling platforms. Taxpayers with smartphones will be required to download the SARS MobiApp before they can commence filing,’ the revenue service added.

Taxpayers with outstanding returns can download the SARS MobiApp from the Playstore or Appstore and perform the following actions:

Register for SARS eFiling.

Submit a return.

Use the phone camera to upload supporting documents.

Retrieve their username or reset their password.

View their Notice of Assessment (ITA34), among other services.

Request a call-back to receive assistance from a SARS tax agent.

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