19 December 2013 – President Jacob Zuma signs the Employment Tax Incentive Bill into law
Issued by SARS on behalf of National Treasury: President Jacob Zuma yesterday signed the Employment Tax Incentive Act No 26 of 2013, making into law an initiative that will complement government’s measures (as listed in the Youth Employment Accord) to create jobs for young workers and those in special economic zones.
7 December 2013 – SARS seizes 80kg cocaine at Beit Bridge
SARS can confirm that the Customs team at Beit Bridge border post yesterday (6 December) seized its biggest ever shipment of cocaine as it was being smuggled into the country. At least 80kg cocaine, valued at over R23 million, was concealed in an “empty” truck attempting to enter South Africa from Zimbabwe – having started its trip in Malawi.
25 November 2013 – Preliminary Outcome of the 2013 Tax Season
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has again recorded remarkable growth in the levels of tax compliance in the country with 6.09 million income tax returns submitted for the 2013 Tax Season.
14 November 2013 – Inclusion of new data in SA Trade Stats
The Minister of Finance has approved that South Africa’s trade statistics will in future include data in respect of trade with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BLNS countries).
7 November 2013 – Law enforcement officials arrested
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) can confirm the arrest today of seven Customs officials on suspicion of involvement in incidents of robbery and extortion against businesses owned by foreign nationals in Johannesburg. Two members of the SAPS were also arrested today in relation to the same investigation.
5 November 2013 – The Davis Tax Committee Calls For Contribution
Following his 2013 Budget announcement, the Minister of Finance publicised the members of a tax review committee on 17 July 2013. The committee, now known as the Davis Tax Committee (DTC), will examine the role of South Africa’s tax system to promote growth, job creation, sustainable development and fiscal self-reliance. It will take the long term objectives of the National Development Plan into account in its work.
15 October 2013 – SARS Warning to taxpayers on fraudulent tax returns
SARS wants to appeal to all taxpayers to exercise caution if they are approached by “tax advisors” who guarantee them a tax refund on submission of their income tax returns. Anyone who guarantees a taxpayer a tax refund may be misleading them and should be avoided.
01 October 2013 – Minister’s Statement on Tax Ombud
The Minister of Finance has appointed retired Gauteng Judge President Bernard Ngoepe as the Tax Ombud. The appointment is in terms of the Tax Administration Act of 2011. The office is intended to provide taxpayers with a low-cost mechanism to address administrative difficulties that cannot be resolved by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
10 September 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for August 2013
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is providing an update to the media and the public on its operations to combat crimes such as smuggling, fraud and abuse of the tax system for the month of August 2013.
29 August 2013 – Joint Media Statement – Settlement between the State and Mr DC King
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that a settlement agreement was reached between Mr Dave King and the State.
