Holding SARS to its own rules: new measures receive a cautious welcome
Taxpayers get longer to lodge objections, but are still at the mercy of the taxman, practitioners say, with sometimes catastrophic consequences
A new SARS Service Charter and draft rules on handling tax objections and appeals have been welcomed, but practitioners say they do not go far enough to create a fairer situation for taxpayers. The charter and the rules are part of a push to make SARS more accountable, and ultimately to restore trust in the tax authority. Specific rules in the Tax Administration Act set out the correct process for handling disputes between the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and taxpayers. But SARS does not always follow the procedures or stick to the deadlines. When creatures of statute do not adhere to their own rules, the public is prejudiced. This has in the past placed taxpayers in some precarious circumstances. The release of the SARS Service Charter at the start of July has been welcomed, and provides a framework for taxpayers on timelines and procedures. Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene also published draft rules relating to the procedures for lodging an objection and appeal against an as...
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