SARS takes a further step towards improving the integrity of trade and traveller facilitation as part of implementing Smart Borders
Travelers are required by law to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa. The declaration process is in line with practices around the world and in compliance with the provision of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 which makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the Republic to declare any goods in their possession. Full details of prohibited and restricted goods are available on the SARS website (www.sars.gov.za), and travelers are advised that it is their responsibility to comply.
SARS celebrates its silver jubilee
Today, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will host its 25th anniversary celebration, following its formal establishment on 1 October 1997. The auspicious event will be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Trade Statistics for August 2022
SARS today releases trade statistics for August 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R7.18 billion attributable to exports of R175.37 billion and imports of R168.19 billion.
SARS sharpens its focus on Trusts
SARS is working hard to increase and expand the use of data. Through this process, SARS has identified a significant number of beneficiaries of Trusts who have received distributions but have not submitted income tax returns in line with their legal obligation as per the annual public notice under section 25 of the Tax Administration Act 23 of 2011. These beneficiaries consist of companies, individuals and Trusts who must submit their outstanding income tax returns immediately. Failure to remedy this non-compliance, SARS will invoke the provisions of the law which may include actions such as raising estimated assessments, imposition of interest and penalties as well as civil and criminal sanctions.
SARS clamps down on the illicit rhino industry
In line with its strategy objective of making hard and costly for those who engages in non-compliant activities, several specialised divisions within the South African Revenue Services (SARS) are focussing on tax audit investigations aimed at suspect non-compliant taxpayers, actors and facilitators benefitting directly or indirectly from tax evasion and illicit financial flows stemming from wildlife crime.
Trade Statistics for July 2022
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for July 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R24.76 billion.
New legislative tool targeting unexplained wealth to be piloted
An initiative, being piloted by a number of government departments and agencies in law enforcement and prosecution, will make it more cost effective, faster and easier to investigate and recover assets acquired through suspected unlawful activities such as corruption, fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.
SARS Customs seizes Crystal Meth at OR Tambo International Airport
The Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the OR Tambo Airport, intercepted pelleted cargo that was destined for Australia. The consignment which was declared as Multi-Purpose Anti-Slip Mat was upon physical inspection, found to be have been used to conceal Crystal meth weighing 785 kg with the street value of R236 million.
Media statement on Gold Leaf Tobacco
SARS welcomes an order by the North Gauteng High Court granting a preservation order in terms of section 163 of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011 against Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation and its directors, Messrs Rudland and Adamjee. SARS has been investigating and clamping down on the illicit economy focusing on tobacco, gold and fuel industry over the last year, and this is one of the many enforcement steps executed by SARS.
SARS to appeal judgement
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the Labour Court judgement of 22 August 2022 on the matter between Mashilo and Seremane v the Commissioner of SARS. The matter relates to an incident that dates back to 2015 during the tenure of the former Commissioner.
