Media Release Archive – 2013

30 December 2013 – South African Trade Statistics for November 2013

Published Date: 30/12/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics that includes trade data with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BLNS) for November 2013 that recorded a trade surplus of R0.77 billion [trade deficit R9.24 billion].


19 December 2013 – President Jacob Zuma signs the Employment Tax Incentive Bill into law

Published Date: 19/12/2013

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

Published Date: 07/12/2013

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.


29 November 2013 – South African Trade Statistics for October 2013

Published Date: 29/11/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics that includes trade data with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BLNS) for October 2013 that recorded a trade deficit of R12.39 billion [R20.97 billion].


25 November 2013 – Preliminary Outcome of the 2013 Tax Season

Published Date: 25/11/2013

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

Published Date: 14/11/2013

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

Published Date: 07/11/2013

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

Published Date: 05/11/2013

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.


31 October 2013 – Trade Statistics for September 2013

Published Date: 31/10/2013

The R18.94 billion deficit for September 2013 can be attributed to exports of R66.53 billion and imports of R85.47 billion. Exports decreased from August to September by R4.23 billion (6.0%) and imports decreased from August to September by R4.39 billion (4.9%). The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R126.37 billion compared to R83.60 billion in 2012.


15 October 2013 – SARS Warning to taxpayers on fraudulent tax returns

Published Date: 15/10/2013

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

Published Date: 01/10/2013

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).


30 September 2013 – South African Trade Statistics for August 2013

Published Date: 30/09/2013

The R19.05 billion deficit for August 2013 can be attributed to exports of R70.70 billion and imports of R89.75 billion. Exports decreased from July to August by R5.81 billion (7.6%) and imports decreased from July to August by R0.13 billion (0.1%). The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R107.31 billion compared to R69.91 billion in 2012


10 September 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for August 2013

Published Date: 10/09/2013

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.


30 August 2013 – Trade Statistics for July 2013

Published Date: 30/08/2013

The R14.21 billion deficit for July 2013 can be attributed to exports of R75.69 billion and imports of R89.89 billion. Exports increased from June to July by R7.45 billion (10.9%) and imports increased from to June to July by R13.97 billion (18.4%). The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R89.37 billion compared to R59.02 billion in 2012.


29 August 2013 – Joint Media Statement – Settlement between the State and Mr DC King

Published Date: 29/08/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that a settlement agreement was reached between Mr Dave King and the State.


23 August 2013 – Combating Illicit Trade in Clothing and Textiles

Published Date: 23/08/2013

SARS considers these as strategic economic sectors that require significant attention given its potential to create jobs and grow the domestic economy. Government has introduced incentive schemes (production incentives will be increasingly grant-based, thus reducing reliance on tax incentives) to boost manufacturing capacity and support job creation.


22 August 2013 – Implementation of the new Customs Systems Modernisation Programme

Published Date: 22/08/2013

The National Development Plan (NDP) provides the strategic framework to put our economy onto a new growth trajectory with a strong emphasis on lowering the cost of doing business in South Africa, improving our competitiveness and exports, and linking our products with other emerging markets.


14 August 2013 – Two Million Tax Returns submitted

Published Date: 14/08/2013

By 09:00 this morning the South African Revenue Service (SARS) had received over 2 million (2,000,126) income tax returns for the 2013 Tax Season. This compares favourably with the 1,840,834 returns submitted in the same period last year.


08 August 2013 – Customs Bills submitted to Parliament

Published Date: 08/08/2013

The Customs Bills, after having undergone an extensive consultation process, have now been submitted to Parliament. One of the major aims of the Bills is to create a balance between customs control and trade facilitation. As part of the overall policy review to achieve this aim, SARS reviewed its current policy of allowing goods to move on the basis of a manifest to inland terminals such as City Deep.


05 August 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for July 2013

Published Date: 05/08/2013

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 July 2013.


2 August 2013 – SARS Media Release – Responding to Mr JS Malema

Published Date: 02/08/2013

On 27 June 2013 counsel for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), addressed a letter to Mr Julius Malema and his legal representative, cautioning Mr Malema to refrain from making false public statements about the state of his tax affairs and his engagements with SARS.


31 July 2013 – Trade Statistics for June 2013

Published Date: 31/07/2013

The R7.71 billion deficit for June 2013 can be attributed to exports of R68.21 billion and imports of R75.92 billion. Exports increased from May to June by R2.24 billion (3.4%) and imports decreased from May to June by R1.58 billion (-2.0%). The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R75.94 billion compared to R51.58 billion in 2012


17 July 2013 – Minister Gordhan announces further detail on the Tax Review Committee

Published Date: 17/07/2013

The Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, has today announced members of the Tax Review Committee as well as the committee’s terms of reference.


12 July 2013 – Media Statement by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan

Published Date: 15/07/2013

On 24 March 2013 I said I would institute a thorough investigation into allegations against the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Oupa Magashula, published in the media on that day. Following the outcome of a fact-finding inquiry into these allegations, Mr Magashula has resigned with effect from 12 July 2013.


4 July 2013 – Taxation Laws Amendment Bills (TLAB 2013)

Published Date: 04/07/2013

National Treasury today publishes the 2013 draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill and the Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill for public comment. The draft legislation gives effect to most of the tax proposals announced in the 2013 Budget Review.


03 July 2013 – Update on submissions for the 2013 Tax Season

Published Date: 03/07/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is committed to providing to the highest levels of professional service to taxpayers who want to comply with their tax obligations and submit their tax returns during the annual Tax Season.


01 July 2013 – Start of the 2013 Tax Season

Published Date: 01/07/2013

From around 6.30am this morning, some 260 South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials across the country have been out at street intersections, train stations, hospitals, post offices, government buildings, shopping centres and other public areas to distribute leaflets during peak hour traffic to raise public awareness about the start of the Tax Season.


28 June 2013 – Merchandise Trade Statistics for May 2013

Published Date: 28/06/2013

The R11.03 billion deficit for May 2013 can be attributed to exports of R66.48 billion and imports of R77.51 billion. Exports increased from April to May by R0.08 billion (0.1%) and imports decreased from to April to May by R4.80 billion (-5.8%). The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R68.71 billion compared to R46.21 billion in 2012.


7 June 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for April 2013

Published Date: 07/06/2013

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 April 2013.


7 June 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for May 2013

Published Date: 07/06/2013

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 May 2013.


31 May 2013 – Merchandise Trade Statistics for April 2013

Published Date: 31/05/2013

The R15.02 billion deficit for April 2013 can be attributed to exports of R65.43 billion and imports of R80.45 billion. Exports increased from March to April by R1.93 billion (3.0%) and imports increased from to March to April by R8.69 billion (12.1%). The increase in the trade deficit was due to increases in imports of mineral products, plastics & rubber, base metals, machinery & electrical appliances and original equipment components. The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R57.01 billion compared to R36.62 billion in 2012.


30 May 2013 – Deadline for Employer Payroll Submissions to SARS

Published Date: 30/05/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wants to remind employers in the country that the deadline for them to submit their payroll data to SARS is tomorrow, Friday 31 May 2013.


28 May 2013 – SARS Commissioner response to Business Day – South Africa’s tax treaty with Mauritius

Published Date: 28/05/2013

Tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) by multinational corporations is a risk for South Africa, Africa and many countries around the world.


30 April 2013 – Merchandise Trade Statistics for March 2013

Published Date: 30/04/2013

The R7.77 billion deficit for March 2013 is attributed to exports of R63.97 billion and imports of R71.74 billion. Exports increased from February to March by R1.81 billion (2.9%) and imports decreased from February to March by R0.19 billion (-0.3%). The reduction in the trade deficit was due to an increase in exports of mineral products and base metals, and a decline in imports of mineral products and foot & headwear. The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R41.84 billion compared to R27.57 billion in 2012.


29 April 2013 – Media statement on Debt limitation

Published Date: 29/04/2013

Joint media statement from SARS and National Treasury on proposed limitations against excessive interest tax deduction for public comment. The annual tax proposals announced by the Minister of Finance in the Budget are given effect by a series of tax bills expected to be tabled during the year, including the Tax Laws Amendment Bill, 2013 (“2013 TLAB”) and the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill, 2013.


29 April 2013 – Media statement on Debt limitation

Published Date: 29/04/2013

Joint media statement from SARS and National Treasury on proposed limitations against excessive interest tax deduction for public comment.


14 May 2013 – Recognition of the controlling bodies of tax practitioners

Published Date: 14/04/2013

The Tax Administration Act, 2011, has been amended to require tax practitioners to register with a recognised controlling body by 1 July 2013, in addition to the existing requirement that they register with SARS. This amendment is intended to provide a framework that will ensure that tax practitioners are appropriately qualified and that a mechanism is available, both to taxpayers and SARS, to address misconduct.


5 April 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for March 2013

Published Date: 05/04/2013

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 March 2013.


2 April 2013 – Media Statement by the Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan, on the Preliminary Outcome of 2013 Revenue Collection

Published Date: 02/04/2013

Today we would like to inform South Africans about our current economic environment, our fiscal status, the successes of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) with this year’s revenue target and the context in which our economy is performing.


28 March 2013 – South African Trade Statistics for February 2013

Published Date: 28/03/2013

The R9.52 billion deficit for February 2013 can be attributed to exports of R62.32 billion and imports of R71.84 billion. Exports increased from January to February by R9.04 billion (17.0%) and imports decreased from January to February by R5.97 billion (-7.7%). The reduction in the trade deficit from R24.5 billion in January 2013 was due to an increase in exports of mineral products, chemical products, precious metals and machinery and electrical appliances. Imports decreased in the following sections: prepared foodstuffs, chemical products, plastics and rubber, machinery and electronics and vehicles, aircraft and vessels. The cumulative deficit for 2013 is R34.11 billion compared to R23.71 billion in 2012.


26 March 2013 – Notice to travellers using South African borders over the 2013 Easter period

Published Date: 26/03/2013

The South African Government’s Border Control Operational Coordinating Committee (BCOCC) would like to update the media and the public on plans to manage the expected high volumes of travellers using South Africa’s main border posts over the upcoming Easter period.


24 March 2013 – Statement by Minister of Finance on SARS Media Reports

Published Date: 24/03/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is a crucial fiscal institution that is highly respected within and outside South Africa.


12 March 2013 – Outcomes of 1st Meeting of BRICS Heads of Customs Administrations

Published Date: 12/03/2013

SARS hosted the first ever meeting of the Heads of Customs Administrations for the BRICS countries in Bela Bela on 7 and 8 March 2013. The meeting was in preparation for the 5thBRICS Summit to be held in Durban from 26 to 27 March this year.


12 March 2013 – Tax Payment deadline for Financial Year End

Published Date: 12/03/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wants to remind taxpayers with payments due at the end of March 2013 that the deadline for tax payments for the current financial year is Thursday 28 March 2013.


6 March 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for February 2013

Published Date: 06/03/2013

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 February 2013.


28 February 2013 – South African Trade Statistics for January 2013

Published Date: 28/02/2013

The R24.53 billion deficit for January 2013 arose from exports of R53.28 billion and imports of R77.80 billion. Exports decreased from December to January by R6.51 billion (-10.9%) and imports increased from December to January by R15.31 billion (24.5%). The increased trade deficit of R24.53 billion in January 2013 from R2.70 billion in December 2012 was due to increased imports of machinery and electrical appliances, mineral products, base metals, chemical products, plastics and rubber, textile and textile articles, and original equipment components. Exports decreased in precious & semi-precious metals, machinery and electronics, vehicles, vessels and aircraft.


11 February 2013 – Warning to Taxpayers on Scams

Published Date: 11/02/2013

SARS would like to warn Taxpayers about an increase in scams which use the SARS name or logo.


8 February 2013 – SA and USA opening negotiations on foreign account tax compliance act

Published Date: 08/02/2013

National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) are opening negotiations with the US Department of the Treasury with a view to concluding an inter-governmental agreement with respect to the USA’s Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).


7 February 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for January 2013

Published Date: 07/02/2013

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 January 2013.


31 January 2013 – South African Trade Statistics for December 2012

Published Date: 31/01/2013

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for December 2012 that record a trade deficit of R2.70 billion.


16 January 2013 – SARS Enforcement and Customs Operations for December 2012

Published Date: 16/01/2013

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 December 2012.


23 January 2013 – Deadlines approaching

Published Date: 13/01/2013

SARS would like to remind taxpayers of two important deadlines on 31 January.


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