29 August 2024- The South African Revenue Service (SARS) notes with concern the article carried by the Sunday Times (25 August 2024) regarding the hijacking of taxpayers’ profiles.
Under normal circumstances, SARS is prohibited by Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 from divulging confidential taxpayer information. However, since the taxpayer has authorised that its information be published in the article, SARS will clarify the matter.
SARS has extensively investigated the alleged crime with the sole purpose of uncovering any internal irregularities or alleged complicity by SARS staff that may have compromised the systems of the organisation.
SARS has over the years built internationally recognised and user-friendly systems to make it easy and simple for taxpayers to comply with their legal obligations. These systems include built-in oversight of each transaction to safeguard taxpayer information and ensure internal accountability.
