Revenue Service will probe possible tax evasion by religious organisations
SARS has cited reports suggesting that certain religious leaders may be enriching themselves under the guise of altruism and philanthropy
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will investigate religious institutions for possible tax noncompliance.In July‚ the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural‚ Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) released its final report on the commercialisation of religion and the abuse of people’s belief systems.Among its recommendations was that SARS conduct an in-depth investigation into tax evasion by religious practitioners and that this be done in partnership with the commission.SARS said on Friday that its decision followed its own preliminary investigation and a meeting with the commission.It also cited reports suggesting that certain religious organisations and leaders were not in compliance with tax laws‚ and might be enriching themselves under the guise of altruism and philanthropy.However, a number of religious organisations are complying with their tax obligations‚ the SARS said.It said religious institutions may apply to SA...
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