This refers to Keith Engel’s plea for a "technocrat with a big vision to lead Team SARS" (Business Day, July 12). But on what convoluted grounds does the CEO of the South African Institute of Tax Practitioners (SAITP) think the SARS tax division deserves even one accolade, let alone as a brand "like a national sports team"? For certainty, SAITP plays all its home and away games against SARS, so Engel’s selection will be biased. A bit like Australian skipper Steve "sandpaper" Smith picking the Proteas captain. When our Springboks or Proteas take on other countries they sometimes win and our patriotism is boosted. When the SAITP plays SARS and wins we are all poorer except the SAITP; the winner must pay SAITP fees, and Treasury has to put out its begging bowl. If the SAITP loses to SARS then the SAITP changes the rules by thinking up new tax avoidance field placings. SAITP income tax and VAT make ticket prices higher, disadvantaging rich and poor (these are called "deadweight" taxes a...
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