Current initiatives
20 February 2024 – Emails for outstanding returns
Dear [ABC factory] [CIT TRN], this is a friendly reminder that your Company Income Tax Return (ITR14) for the 2023 year of assessment is due on 29 February 2024.
13 February 2024 – SMSs for outstanding returns
Dear [ABC factory] [CIT TRN], this is a reminder that your Company Income Tax Return (ITR14) for the 2023 year of assessment and / or your second Provisional Tax return (IRP6) for the 2024 tax year is due by 29 February 2024. Please ignore if you have already submitted your returns. Regards, SARS.
24 January 2024 – SMSs for outstanding returns
Dear Taxpayer XXX, 000000000, You have 12 outstanding PAYE return(s). We are aware that your enterprise is economically active, please urgently settle all outstanding returns, if this has not already been done. To submit, go to SARS eFiling or call 0800 00 7277. Regards SARS.
17 November 2023 – Notice of Handover to External Debt Collectors
Dear Taxpayer,
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has appointed external debt collectors to help SARS collect long-outstanding debt owed by taxpayers. As part of the debt-collection process, SARS has previously communicated your debt and the payment options available to assist you to comply with your tax obligations.
According to our records the account belonging to Ms or Mr XXXX (taxpayer name and surname) (tax reference number XXX) is overdue by xxxxx (total amount owed by this tax ref number) and no payment or active attempts to make payment arrangements have been made.
SARS has contacted you repeatedly to request you to make payment arrangements/and or settle your debt. However, you have failed to settle your account or approach SARS to secure payment terms.
Your account has now been handed over to one of the external third-party debt collectors appointed by SARS and who are authorised to collect your debt. A list of approved debt collectors is available on the SARS website (www.sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-I-pay/owing-SARS-money/). Check this list when one of the third-party debt collectors contacts you.
All payments must be made directly to SARS, either electronically or at an approved financial institution branch. When making a payment please use the payment reference number (PRN). For more information on how to make a payment please go the SARS website (Pay My SARS Debt – Make a Payment). The following payment channels are available to you:
- SARS eFiling;
- Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT); and
- A branch of ABSA, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank or Standard Bank.
For more details on the payments process details, please visit the SARS website.
Sincerely,
The South African Revenue Service
23 October 2023 – Public Opinion Survey
SARS has procured the services of Sigma Kairos Research to conduct a Public Opinion survey.
This is a national survey with 4 000 sampled respondents across all provinces. The data collection phase of the survey will start during October and run until December 20, 2023.
Sigma Kairos Research will be conducting face to face interviews with sampled respondents.
13 September 2023 – Clarity & Certainty Survey
The annual SARS Clarity & Certainty Survey is sent to a selected sample of taxpayers and traders, the wording is below:
Dear Taxpayer
One of the nine Strategic Objectives of South African Revenue Service (SARS) is to: “Provide Clarity and Certainty to taxpayers and traders of their tax obligations. On an annual basis, SARS conducts a survey to establish how far they meet this objective.
You have been randomly selected to participate in 2023/24 main study. The questionnaire is divided into 7 sections and will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.
For any queries about the survey, please contact:
Riana MacArthur: XXX
Kindly note that:
- Your participation is voluntary
- Participation or refusal thereof will not affect your future interaction with SARS
- While you can withdraw from participation at any time you feel uncomfortable, you are encouraged to complete the survey as the findings will guide SARS on areas to focus on to improve clarity and certainty of your tax obligations.
Please follow this link to participate in the survey and submit by the 14 December 2023.
Link: XXX
Sincerely,
The South African Revenue Service
6 September 2023 – Cost of Compliance survey
Sender: [email protected]
Subject: Request for your participation in the Cost of Compliance Survey Study
Dear Valued Taxpayer,
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will conduct a survey to establish the composition and magnitude of tax compliance costs incurred by SMMEs in South Africa. Tax compliance costs may include external costs (e.g. costs of tax practitioners), internal costs (own time spent) and non-labour costs (e.g. internet and travel costs), but exclude the cost of the tax itself (the tax liability).
To that end, SARS has identified you to participate in the survey from 06 September 2023 to 29 September 2023.
Kindly note that participation is voluntary. You have the right to decline or withdraw at any time and that the survey is strictly confidential.
Follow this link to the Survey:
Take the Survey
We would greatly appreciate it if you could complete and return the survey to us by 29 September 2023.
If you would like to discuss the survey or if you need help in completing particular questions, please do not hesitate to contact the SARS research team: Thabisa Tokwe at [email protected] or 0718603899, or Aleseng Moshoette at [email protected] or 083 576 7710.
We thank you in greater anticipation for your participation.
Sincerely,
The South African Revenue Service
1 September 2023 – Trade Facilitation Index Survey (mid-year): Customs Border Operations, Ports of Entry & Customs and Excise Compliance
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is conducting a mid-year survey to measure your experience with Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) that are administered by Customs and Excise Division. The survey is sent to a sample of selected enterprises. The survey runs from 6 – 20 September 2023. Click here for the letter to stakeholders.
22 August 2023 – Notice of Intention to Handover to External Debt Collectors
Dear Ms. or Mr. XXXX (tax reference number XXX)
According to our records your account is overdue and no active payment or attempts to make payment arrangements have been made. SARS has repeatedly contacted you, and the most recent letter of demand detailed options for resolving your debt; however, according to our records, you have failed to settle your account or approach us to secure payment terms. Failure to make payment arrangements or to settle your debt urgently upon receipt of this letter shall result in your account being handed over to external third-party debt collectors that SARS is currently appointing.
A dedicated team has been set up to assist you and resolve any queries. It is important to ONLY direct your queries by email [email protected] quoting your tax reference number, contact number and provide any details you consider necessary.
Further information regarding debt management can be obtained from the SARS website www.sars.gov.za.
You can also use SARS eFiling/MobiApp to request a payment arrangement.
Sincerely,
THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
17 July 2023 – Survey: How was your interaction with a SARS Service Agent
SARS is currently conducting a customer experience survey targeting taxpayers who have recently interacted with one of our service agents. It says that you have been selected to participate in this survey based on your interaction with us regarding your case number, and the survey letter is listing your case number. Please rest assured that the survey is legit.
4 July 2023 – Research Background: EMP501 Campaign Efficacy Measure (ROCI) Phase 1
The target audience is Employers and Third-Party Data providers. If you receive correspondence from SARS via our agency, please rest assured it’s legit.
SARS is trying to understand how their advertising and communication campaigns promoting compliance, can be improved to help increase voluntary compliance. The purpose of the research is to assess whether the current strategy is effective in helping South African Businesses with their tax compliance.
SARS has instructed Retrolex, in its capacity as an independent advertising agency, to conduct a study to measure the efficacy of the communication campaigns and understand the barriers and difficulties companies experience with being tax compliant regarding the submission of employer annual reconciliation declarations (EMP501).
The insights obtained from the research study will help SARS better support South African businesses in their efforts to be compliant.
1 July 2023 – Correspondence to the auto-assessment population
From 1 July for a few days the following correspondence will be sent to you if you are being auto-assessed. A maximum of three correspondences will be sent, depending on whether you have an email address or mobile number, or both, on our system:
- An email outlining the detail and how to go about your auto-assessment: Auto-assessment Awareness Letter 2023
- An eFiling system email notification:
3. An eFiling system SMS notification:
29 June 2023 – Survey to determine the reason for taxpayers abandoning their calls to SARS
A survey will be distributed to taxpayers who recently contacted SARS for assistance and decided not to continue holding for our service consultants.
Dear Taxpayer,
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is conducting a survey with taxpayers who recently contacted SARS for assistance and decided not to continue holding for our service consultants. We would like to get your feedback to better understand your challenges and to assist SARS improve on the service offered to taxpayers.
Kindly note that your participation in this survey is strictly confidential. We appreciate your feedback.
Please click the link below to complete the survey.
Survey link XXX
If you would like to verify the authenticity of this email and the survey, go to www.sars.gov.za » Contact Us » Current Surveys.
20 June 2023 – Letters sent to stakeholders on upcoming changes
17 May 2023 – SARS is sending a survey to taxpayers with disabilities
Dear Valued Taxpayer
SARS is conducting a customer experience survey for taxpayers living with disabilities who have interacted with SARS, and you have been selected to participate in the study. We kindly request your feedback. This will assist to understand your views and to help SARS improve on its processes.
Please be assured that your responses will remain anonymous, as the survey is completely confidential. If you would like to verify the authenticity of this email and the survey, please visit the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za.
Click the link below to complete this short survey.
XXX
Sincerely,
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
30 March 2023 – SARS is sending SMSs requesting taxpayers to settle their outstanding debt and avoid enforcement actions
The wording of the SMS is as follows: “Dear Taxpayer, you are reminded to pay your outstanding <Taxtype> Debt of R <Balance> on Account <TaxrefUnmasked> by 31 March 2023, to avoid further enforcement actions. Regards, SARS”
10 February 2023 – Trade Facilitation Indicators Survey
A survey will be distributed to a selected group of traders. Below is an extract of the cover letter for confirmation that it’s legit and not a scam. The survey will run from 13 – 28 February 2023. For the official letter, click here.
Dear Trader
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is conducting a survey to measure your experience with Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) that are administered by Customs and Excise Division. The survey seeks to measure the extent to which Customs and Excise Division is effective and efficient towards trade facilitation across the following areas: Information availability, Involvement of the Trade Community (Consultations), Advanced rulings, Appeal procedures, Fees and charges, Formalities (documents, automation & procedures), Internal and External co-operation, Governance, and Impartiality to provide enhanced Trade Facilitation.
SARS is governed by the South African Revenue Service Act No. 34 of 1997 which guarantees taxpayers and traders information protection, confidentiality, and compliance with the POPI Act. Your enterprise has been identified as a critical stakeholder who engages with SARS for a wide range of trade related business in the importation and exportation of goods and services. The findings of this survey are strictly for SARS use, and your name and address cannot be linked in any way to the answers you provide. Participation is completely anonymous.
You are therefore encouraged to use this opportunity to participate in this process. We further encourage you to kindly extend this invitation to the wider trading community to participate in the survey. The survey takes between 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and your participation will be highly appreciated. Should you have any enquiries or feedback, please contact Colbert Mbuyane, email [email protected] or via cell phone at XXX.
Sincerely,
BEYERS THERON
DIRECTOR: CUSTOMS BORDER OPERATIONS, PORTS OF ENTRY & CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE
DATE: 09 FEBRUARY 2023
25 January 2023 – Surveys to determine the reason for submission of NIL returns
Surveys will be distributed to a sample of taxpayers and tax practitioners. Below is the wording for information and confirmation that it’s legit and not a scam:
Survey 1:
Dear Valued Tax Practitioner
SARS is conducting a survey on the submission of nil returns and you have been selected to participate in the study. We kindly request your feedback. This will assist to understand your views and to help SARS improve on its process.
Please be assured that your responses will remain anonymous, as the survey is completely confidential. If you would like to verify the authenticity of this email and the survey, please visit the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za.
Click the link below to complete this short survey.
Survey link XXX
Sincerely,
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
Survey 2:
Dear Valued Taxpayer
SARS is conducting a survey on the submission of nil returns and you have been selected to participate in the study. We kindly request your feedback. This will assist to understand your views and to help SARS improve on its process.
Please be assured that your responses will remain anonymous, as the survey is completely confidential. If you would like to verify the authenticity of this email and the survey, please visit the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za.
Click the link below to complete this short survey.
Survey link XXX
Sincerely,
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
12 January 2023 – Value-Added Tax (VAT) Customer Experience Study
A survey will be distributed to a sample of VAT vendors. Below is the wording for you to know it’s legit and not a scam:
Dear VAT Vendor,
SARS is conducting a customer experience survey and you have been selected to participate in the study. We kindly request your feedback on your interaction with SARS regarding your VAT registration. Your feedback will be used to understand your views and to help SARS improve on its VAT registration process.
Please be assured that your responses will remain anonymous, as the survey is completely confidential. If you would like to verify the authenticity of this email and the survey, please visit the SARS website at www.sars.gov.za.
Click the link below to complete this short survey.
Survey Link XXX
Sincerely,
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE
Closed now – 16 November 2022 – Request for your participation in the Annual Clarity Survey
From: South African Revenue Service <[email protected]>
Sent: 16 November 2022 10:49 AM
To: XXX
Subject: Request for your participation in the Annual Clarity Survey
Dear Taxpayer,
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is conducting an annual survey to establish whether taxpayers and traders are satisfied with the clarity and certainty of the guidance provided by SARS in order for them to comply with the tax legislation in specific areas, for specific tax types and programs. The survey will run from 14 November 2022 till 2 December 2022.
You have been identified to participate in the survey to assist us to meet the desired objectives of the survey.
Kindly note that your participation is voluntary. You have the right to decline or withdraw at any time and the survey is strictly confidential.
Please XXX to complete the survey on your computer or smart phone and return it to us by 2 December 2022.
For more information and clarity regarding this survey, please email Dr Noah Marutlulle at XXX or call him on XXX.
We thank you in greater anticipation for your participation.
Sincerely,
Taxpayer and Trader Education
The South African Revenue Service
How do you know it’s a legitimate survey and not a scam?
SARS will not:
- ask money to complete a survey
- ask you for your personal details
- pay you to complete the survey
- force people to complete a survey, if not interested, you are welcome to decline.
Members of the public are randomly emailed with false “spoofed” emails made to look as if these emails were sent from SARS, but are in fact fraudulent emails aimed at enticing unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information such as bank account details. Examples include emails that appear to be from [email protected] or [email protected] indicating that taxpayers are eligible to receive tax refunds. These emails contain links to false forms and fake websites made to look like the “real thing”, but with the aim of fooling people into entering personal information such as bank account details which the criminals then extract and use fraudulently. See our latest list of scams for more info.
Keep the following in mind:
- Do not open or respond to emails from unknown sources.
- Beware of emails that ask for personal, tax, banking and eFiling details (login credentials, passwords, pins, credit / debit card information, etc.).
- SARS will never request your banking details in any communication that you receive via post, email, or SMS. However, for the purpose of telephonic engagement and authentication purposes, SARS will verify your personal details. Importantly, SARS will not send you any hyperlinks to other websites – even those of banks.
- Beware of false SMSs.
- SARS does not send *.htm or *.html attachments.
- SARS will never ask for your credit card details.
