Media Releases

For the Media release archive, click here.

14 May 2019 - Former Customs Auditors Jailed for Corruption
Two former SARS Customs auditors were sentenced to three years direct imprisonment for corruption in Durban last week, 9 May 2019.
13 May 2019 - SARS Beitbridge 198.49 Kg Crystal Meth Bust Estimated at R 2-Million
SARS Customs officers intercepted a female traveller attempting to smuggle 198.49 kg of crystal meth, estimated at R2-million, into South Africa at the Beitbridge port of entry.
1 May 2019 - SARS welcomes new commissioner, Edward Kieswetter
1 May 2019 - Today Edward Kieswetter starts his role as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
30 April 2019 - Trade Statistics for March 2019
SARS today releases trade statistics for March 2019 recording a trade surplus of R5.00 billion.
30 April 2019 - SARS seeks technology to curb revenue leakages in illicit tobacco industry
Pretoria, Tuesday, 30 April 2019 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has embarked on a number of strategic initiatives to curb revenue leakages emanating from illegal and unethical practices in the illicit economy.
26 April 2019 - SARS & Office of the Tax Ombud sign historic agreement
SARS and OTO signed a historic agreement to forge an effective working relationship that will deliver excellent service to the taxpayer.
18 April 2019 - Customs continues to increase the number of busts year on year: Goods valued at R3.7 billion bust by Customs in the past financial year
SARS has released its latest consolidated Customs busts statistics from 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. The total value of all goods confiscated amounted to R3 694 742 928.
8 April 2019 - Relocation of electronic services platform for SARS
SARS will be migrating to a new hosting platform for its electronic services in April 2019. This new and reliable platform features the latest technology on the market, and includes a refresh of SARS’ hardware and software.
2 April 2019 - SARS confirms conclusion of a 3-year wage agreement with NEHAWU and PSA
SARS, NEHAWU and PSA have agreed on a 3-year multi-term agreement with an 8% increase on the Guaranteed Total Packages of employees in the Bargaining Unit for this year, effective 1 April 2019.
1 April 2018 - SARS announces the preliminary Revenue outcome for 2018-19
For the financial year ending 31 March 2019, SARS collected an amount of R1 287.6 billion, against the 2019 Budget estimate of R1 302.2 billion resulting in a deficit of R14.6 billion (-1.1%).
29 March 2019 - Trade Statistics for February 2019
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for February 2019 recording a trade surplus of R3.99 billion.
29 March 2019 - SARS continues to operate
SARS Customs operations at ports of entry, especially borders, have been without major interruptions.
28 March 2019 - Treasury announces new SARS Commissioner
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mr Edward Kieswetter as the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service with effect from 1 May 2019.
27 March 2019 - Wage negotiations dispute still unresolved
Over the past weekend, SARS had confirmed that it had reached a deadlock in negotiations with the recognised trade unions, PSA and NEHAWU, over salary increases and improvements in conditions of service and benefits for bargaining unit employees.
23 March 2019 - SARS in wage dispute with organised labour
NEHAWU and PSA have served SARS with a 7 day notice to go on strike from 28 March 2019.
12 March 2019 - KZN VAT vendor imprisoned for seven years for VAT fraud
KwaZulu-Natal woman who defrauded SARS of approximately R 4 million, was handed down an effective seven-year jail sentence in the Durban Regional Court last Thursday.
7 March 2019 - Pay outstanding debt by 29 March to avoid penalties and interest
Taxpayers have just over 22 days left to pay outstanding debt by Friday 29 March to avoid paying penalties and interest. Outstanding returns need to be submitted immediately.
5 March 2019 - SARS invites public comment on excise rewrite document
SARS invites public comment on excise rewrite document
28 February 2019 - Trade Statistics for January 2019
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for January 2019 recording a trade deficit of R13.08 billion.
27 February 2019 - SARS intercepts suspected currency smuggler found with R13.7 million
SARS Customs officers intercepted a suspected currency smuggler in possession of 997 750 US dollars which equates to R13 798 882.00 at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, 25 February.
22 February 2019 - SARS Customs intercepts luggage containing cocaine worth over R3 million
Following months of intense surveillance and observing various flights, yesterday the SARS Customs officers at ORTIA, successfully profiled a suspected drug smuggler.
31 January 2019 - Trade Statistics for December 2018
SARS today releases trade statistics for December 2018 recording a trade surplus of R17.17 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
25 January 2019 - International customs day celebrations
SARS celebrated the International Customs Day (ICD) a day earlier today to honour the men and women who protect the country’s borders and help facilitate trade.
24 January 2019 - SARS concerned about tax evasion allegations at commissions of inquiry
SARS has noted media reports on allegations of tax evasion at the various commissions of inquiries that are underway.
11 January 2019 - OECD, SARS and National Treasury continue partnership to strengthen tax co-operation
Today, the OECD, SARS and National Treasury of South Africa signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC), agreeing to continue to work together in the area of taxation.
10 January 2019 - SARS customs intercepts rhino horn worth over R23 million
Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) intercepted a consignment of rhino horns worth over R23 million at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) yesterday.


Last Updated: 28/01/2019 11:48 AM