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Media Releases for 2020/2021

For the Media release archive from 2007 to 2019, click here.

26 February 2021 - Trade Statistics for January 2021
SARS today releases trade statistics for January 2021 recording a trade balance surplus of R11.83 billion.
24 February 2021 - SARS increases its focus on wealthy individuals and offshore holdings
For SARS to continue to provide a customized and seamless service to various categories of taxpayers, we are establishing a separate unit to focus on Individual Taxpayers with wealth and complex financial arrangements.
24 February 2021 - SARS welcomes the revised revenue estimate
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the upwardly revised revenue collection estimate announced by the Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni in his 2021 Budget Review presentation in Parliament today.
8 February 2021 - Online filers have one week to meet deadline
SARS reminds taxpayers that the Filing Season deadline for provisional taxpayers ends on 15 February 2021.
4 February 2021 - SARS Customs make a massive rhino horn bust worth R53-million
SARS made a bust of rhino horn with an estimated value of R53 172 000, in a shipment destined for Malaysia.
29 January 2021 - Trade Statistics for December 2020
SARS today releases trade statistics for December 2020 recording a trade surplus of R32.00 billion.
28 January 2021 - SARS extends Filing Season Provisional Taxpayer deadline for online filers
SARS has noted with deep concern the unprecedented health challenge manifested through COVID-19 with the accompanying loss of lives and livelihoods.
18 January 2021 - SARS addresses Adobe termination of Flash Player
SARS wishes to apologise unreservedly to all taxpayers for the disruption in services brought about by the termination of support of the Adobe Flash platform on 12 January 2021.
15 January 2021 - Former SARS Customs officer sentenced to an effective six years for corruption
A former SARS Customs officer was this week sentenced to an effective six years in prison on two counts of corruption by the Musina Magistrate’s court.
31 December 2020 - Publication of the Annual Tax Statistics for 2020
The South African Revenue Service, with support of the National Treasury, have published the 13th annual edition of the Tax Statistics.
28 December 2020 - Trade Statistics for November 2020
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for November 2020 recording a trade surplus of R36.72 billion.
22 December 2020 - Closure of SARS offices from 24 December 2020 to 4 January 2021
We wish to inform members of the public that all SARS offices will be closed from Thursday 24 December 2020 until Monday 4 January 2021.
15 December 2020 - Concourt ruling confirms SARS’ right to withhold taxpayer information
The Commissioner of South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Kieswetter welcomes the unanimous judgment of the Constitutional Court handed down by Judge Madlanga on 15 December 2020 in Public Protector v CSARS and others.
15 December 2020 - Request to minimize visits to SARS offices
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted with appreciation the address by His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, on 14 December 2020 on the second wave of the corona virus (COVID-19) that has engulfed our country.
14 December 2020 - Arrest of SARS officials for alleged corruption
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted with deep concern the arrest on 3 December 2020 of an employee, Mr Sello Lentsoane, for alleged corruption.
14 December 2020 - Appointment of SARS Commissioner as Vice-Chairman of Global Forum
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Mr Edward Kieswetter, has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Africa Initiative by the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes.
8 December 2020 - Government agencies destroy illegally imported vehicles
A joint government task force will today crush a number of illegally imported second-hand vehicles.
7 December 2020 - Taxpayers must not be duped by criminals
SARS would like to warn taxpayers to be wary of persons posing as tax practitioners or tax experts who promise them that they could secure a refund from SARS.
7 December 2020 - SARS welcomes judgement relating to Public Protector Report
SARS welcomes the Full Bench judgment of the Gauteng Division of the High Court in the matter relating to the Public Protector Report on an Investigation into Allegations of Violation of the Executive Ethics Code by Mr Pravin Gordhan.
30 November 2020 - Trade Statistics for October 2020
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for October 2020 recording a trade surplus of R36.13 billion.
17 November 2020 - SARS Commissioner elected vice-chairperson of African tax forum
The General Assembly Meeting of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has elected the Commissioner-General of the Togolese Revenue Office, Mr Philippe Tchodie, as the new Chairperson of the ATAF Council.
17 November 2020 - SARS reparation process to be conducted with dignity and confidentiality
The media has requested confirmation that a SARS letter to Adv. Muzi Sikhakhane SC dated 16 November 2020, which was regrettably posted on social media, is authentic.
12 November 2020 - SARS will discontinue the use of cheques
Following the decision by South African banks to discontinue cheques as a form of payment, SARS has decided not to accept cheques as a form of payment at Customs ports of entry from 14 December 2020 and at banks from 1 January 2021.
12 November 2020 - Time running out for online tax return filers
SARS reminds individual taxpayers who are required to file an income return that they have until Monday 16 November 2020 to submit returns via the online platforms, namely the SARS MobiApp or eFiling.
11 November 2020 - SARS wins court case involving illegal fuel imports
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has upheld the seizure by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of the horse and trailer used for the transport of fuel unlawfully imported into South Africa.
30 October 2020 - Trade Statistics for September 2020
Pretoria, 30 October 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for September 2020 recording a trade surplus of R33.51 billion.
28 October 2020 - SARS welcomes revenue announcement
SARS welcomes the commitment made by the Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni to reduce the budget deficit and achieve higher economic growth when he presented the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament earlier today.
16 October 2020 - SARS welcomes High Court judgment on taxpayer obligations
SARS welcomes the judgment delivered this week by a Full Bench of the Gauteng Division of the High Court that confirms the obligation of an individual taxpayer to be vigilant about the contents of their income tax return.
16 October 2020 - Time running out to file income tax return at a SARS branch
SARS reminds individual taxpayers who wish to file their personal income tax return at a SARS branch that the final day to do so is next week Thursday 22 October 2020.
16 October 2020 - SARS right to liquidate a taxpayer to recover debt
SARS welcomes the North High Court decision in the matter between the Commissioner for the SARS and Zikhulise Cleaning Maintenance and Transport Service on 14 October 2020.
6 October 2020 - SARS employee arrested in sting operation
An employee of the South African Revenue Service working in the Bloemfontein debt management office, was arrested on Monday 5 October following a sting operation by the HAWKS for allegedly soliciting a bribe from a taxpayer.
1 October 2020 - Racehorse administrator sentenced to 10 years for VAT fraud and theft
SARS welcomes the sentencing of a businesswoman to an effective 10 years imprisonment for submitting fraudulent claims for Value-Added Tax (VAT).
30 September 2020 - Trade Statistics for August 2020
Pretoria, 30 September 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for August 2020 recording a trade surplus of R38.87 billion.
18 September 2020 - SARS committed to create employment opportunities for young people
SARS has committed itself to make a difference in providing employment opportunities for young people.
16 September 2020 - SARS employs over 700 previously outsourced cleaning staff
SARS has taken the unusual step of employing over 700 cleaning staff, who were previously subcontracted, as permanent employees.
14 September 2020 - Half-yearly employer reconciliations and third party declarations
SARS wishes to announce that the interim employer reconciliation and third party declaration period is now open and closes on 31 October 2020.
4 September 2020 - Importation of a second-hand vehicle
SARS has noted the judgement handed by the Full Court of the High Court Division Free State, Bloemfontein, which dismissed SARS’ appeal on 27 July 2020.
4 September 2020 - SARS victory against non-compliance: Cart Blanche matter
SARS warmly welcomes the court’s decision of 31 August 2020, which ruled in its favour in the matter involving Cart Blanche Marketing CC and two others.
31 August 2020 - Trade Statistics for July 2020
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for July 2020 recording a trade surplus of R37.42 billion.
27 August 2020 - New developments in next phase of Individual Filing Season
SARS is continuing on its journey to make this year’s filing season a seamless and easy process to help taxpayers fulfil their legal obligations.
20 August 2020 - Update on SARS Filing Season (PIT)
In keeping with the core principles of our Strategic Intent, we follow the approach of Voluntary Compliance. This means that we make the assumption that most taxpayers are honest, and want to comply.
7 August 2020 - Update on the Filing Season (PIT)
Last week, we launched the next phase of Filing Season 2020, namely the filing of individual tax returns. In keeping with the core principles of our Strategic Intent, we follow the approach of Voluntary Compliance.
31 July 2020 - Trade Statistics for June 2020
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for June 2020 recording a trade surplus of R46.63 billion.
14 July 2020 - Bust of rhino horns at OR Tambo International
Customs officials at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) discovered 41 pieces of rhino horn valued at R115.66 million in a consignment declared as “fine art”.
30 June 2020 - Trade Statistics for May 2020
Pretoria, 30 June 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for May 2020 recording a trade surplus of R15.94 billion.
25 June 2020 - Filing Season 2020
Our country is enduring the most difficult period in its history. As President Cyril Ramaphosa aptly reminded us on Wednesday 17 June: “For 100 days we have been living in the shadow of one of the greatest threats to global health in over 100 years.”
9 June 2020 - SARS notes IGI court order of 8 June 2020
The Commissioner of SARS notes that the manner in which the IGI and the Minister of State Security handled the review application affirms his consistent view.
29 May 2020 - Trade Statistics for April 2020
Pretoria, 29 May 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for April 2020 recording a trade deficit of R35.02 billion.
19 May 2020 - Media statement by SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter
SARS has learnt with concern, that as of yesterday, 18 May 2020, 2 additional positive COVID-19 instances among staff have been reported. This brings the total number of infections to 7 since the beginning of the pandemic.
15 May 2020 - Time running out for employers’ submissions and payment to SARS
SARS wishes to remind employers of their legal obligation to submit payroll information to SARS on or before the deadline of Sunday 31 May 2020.
14 May 2020 - Media statement by SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter
SARS is proud to announce an initiative by its employees to collect money in support of those in need due to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
5 May 2020 - Statement by SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter at a media briefing held on Tuesday 5 May 2020
So much has changed during the past 2.5 months to bring to a culmination a year that was already characterized with so many challenges ahead of COVID-19 and the investment downgrade.
30 April 2020 - Trade Statistics for March 2020
Pretoria, 30 April 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for March 2020 recording a trade surplus of R24.25 billion.
1 April 2020 - Update: SARS preliminary revenue outcome for 2019-20
SARS announced its preliminary revenue collection results in the context of global and local economic weaknesses, compounded by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
31 March 2020 - Trade Statistics for February 2020
Pretoria, 31 March 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for February 2020 recording a trade surplus of R14.15 billion.
30 March 2020 - SARS pays R2.4 billion in refunds during lockdown
South Africa like many countries in the world continue to battle with the economic and health impact arising from the COVID 19 pandemic.
26 March 2020 - Update: North Gauteng High Court confirms taxpayer information is confidential
On 23 March 2020, the North Gauteng High Court handed down judgment in favour of the Commissioner in the matter between the Commissioner of SARS v The Public Protector.
26 March 2020 - SARS makes special arrangements for lockdown
SARS is fully aligned and supportive to the overall Containment Strategy of Government, in response the COVID-19 pandemic.
23 March 2020 - North Gauteng High Court confirms taxpayer information is confidential
SARS has noted that the High Court has found in favour of SARS
12 March 2020 - Employers must carry out their duties as agents of SARS
SARS wishes to thank those compliant employers who have carried out all their tax obligations as agents for SARS, in terms of our country’s tax legislation.
8 March 2020 - SARS takes COVID-19 precautions at branches & ports of entry
SARS has announced that it has taken several precautionary measures in response to risk of infection from the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
1 March 2020 - Lifman case: Supreme Court of Appeal rules in favour of SARS
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has expressed his appreciation of the judgement of the SCA to dismiss with costs an application for leave to appeal by businessman Mr Mark Roy Lifman.
28 February 2020 - Trade Statistics for January 2020
Pretoria, 28 February 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for January 2020 recording a trade deficit of R1.87 billion.
28 February 2020 - SARS wins 10-year battle against non-compliant taxpayer
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has welcomed the court victory against Mr Gary Van der Merwe and various entities he controls after a 10-year court battle which ended up in the Constitutional Court.
27 February 2020 - SARS warns non-compliant taxpayers and traders
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has warned non-compliant taxpayers and traders that the revenue authority will not tolerate any transgressions of tax and customs laws.
21 February 2020 - Tax fraudsters sentenced in high court
Two Cape Town businesspersons were sentenced to 16 and 17 years respectively direct imprisonment in the Cape High Court earlier today.
1 February 2020 - SARS takes a big step towards building a smart modern revenue authority
SARS has embarked on a journey to reimagine a future revenue authority where increasingly its work will be informed by data-driven insights, self-learning computers, artificial intelligence and interconnectivity of people and devices.
31 January 2020 - Trade Statistics for December 2019
Pretoria, 31 January 2020 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for December 2019 recording a trade surplus of R14.85 billion.
24 January 2020 - SARS Commissioner highlights illicit economy at International Customs Day event
Today SARS hosted an event to celebrate International Customs Day, which is held around the world on 26 January annually.
22 January 2020 - Illicit trade – a threat to our people and sovereignty
SARS will celebrate International Customs Day (ICD) this weekend by honouring the men and women in its Customs division.