Media Release Archive – 2018

28 December 2018 – Trade Statistics for November 2018

Published Date: 28/12/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for November 2018 recording a trade surplus of R3.49 billion.


20 December 2018 – Tax Statistics 2018

Published Date: 20/12/2018

National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service have published the 11th annual edition of the Tax Statistics.


19 December 2018 – SARS Customs busts equate to approximately R90 million

Published Date: 19/12/2018

In two separate incidents, SARS Customs officials intercepted Acetanthranil – a substance used or linked to manufacturing Mandrax – estimated at R90-million at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) in the past two days.


14 December 2018 – Extension of SARS Acting Commissioner’s term

Published Date: 14/12/2018

See the Media Statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.


30 November 2018 – Trade Statistics for October 2018

Published Date: 30/11/2018

SARS today releases trade statistics for October 2018 recording a trade deficit of R5.55 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).


29 November 2018 – Penalties for outstanding corporate income tax returns to kick in soon

Published Date: 29/11/2018

SARS will soon impose administrative non-compliance penalties for outstanding Corporate Income Tax (CIT) returns.


23 November 2018 – SARS crushes 26 illegal vehicles in war on non-compliance

Published Date: 23/11/2018

Earlier today, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) destroyed a number of illegal vehicles as part of a clampdown on non-compliance in various Customs sectors.


20 November 2018 – SARS intensifies campaign to reinforce tax compliance

Published Date: 20/11/2018

SARS is once again embarking on a nationwide awareness campaign to remind taxpayers of their obligation to submit outstanding tax returns.


15 November 2018 – SARS achieves 30 fraud convictions involving R65 million in 6 months

Published Date: 15/11/2018

Between April and September this year, SARS has achieved 30 successful convictions in Value-Added Tax (VAT) – and Personal Income Tax (PIT) fraud cases, involving R65 million.


14 November 2018 – R10-million suspected counterfeit goods bust in Western Cape

Published Date: 14/11/2018

SARS Customs officials intercepted suspected counterfeit clothing and shoes valued at approximately R10 722 364 in the Western Cape over the weekend.


1 November 2018 – Tax Season 2018 – Preliminary Results

Published Date: 01/11/2018

The South African Revenue Service received 5.785 million returns by Wednesday, 31 October 2018, which marked the close of tax season for non-provisional taxpayers.  


31 October 2018 – Trade Statistics for September 2018

Published Date: 31/10/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for September 2018 recording a trade deficit of R2.95 billion.


29 October 2018 – SARS sounds the 48-hour call to file

Published Date: 29/10/2018

Individual taxpayers have 48 hours left to file their personal income tax returns before tax season closes on Wednesday, 31 October.


25 October 2018 – 7 days left to file

Published Date: 25/10/2018

Individual taxpayers have 7 days left to file their personal income tax returns before tax season closes on Wednesday, 31 October.


17 October 2018 – SARS eFiling fully operational

Published Date: 17/10/2018

Testimony by SARS Executives at the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by SARS has led to widespread reporting in the media that the eFiling system is on the verge of collapse.


16 October 2018 – Goods valued at R890.6 million bust by Customs in the past three months

Published Date: 16/10/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released its latest Customs busts statistics from 1 July 2018 to 30 September 2018. The total value of all goods confiscated amounts to R890 641 942.


12 October 2018 – Corrupt SARS Customs officers and a SAPS member arrested

Published Date: 12/10/2018

Earlier today, two South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs officers were arrested together with a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Skilpdashek border post during a sting operation. The three officials are to be charged for various offences in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, as well as for corruption.


1 October 2018 – One month to file tax returns

Published Date: 01/10/2018

Individual taxpayers have 30 days left to file their personal income tax returns.


28 September 2018 – Trade Statistics for August 2018

Published Date: 28/09/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for August 2018 recording a trade surplus of R8.79 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).


13 September 2018 – SARS Customs bust female traveller with almost R10-million in US Dollars

Published Date: 13/09/2018

On Tuesday this week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs officers intercepted a Hong Kong bound female student at OR Tambo International Airport, with almost R10-million – 630 000 USD – packed in 50 and 100 dollar bundles in a plastic bag.


31 August 2018 – Trade Statistics for July 2018

Published Date: 31/08/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for July 2018 recording a trade deficit of R4.66 billion.


29 August 2018 – SARS to assist the Deaf taxpayers

Published Date: 29/08/2018

In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month (September), SARS will be assisting the Deaf communities with their tax affairs at specific SARS branches around the country.


28 August 2018 – Two VAT fraudsters handed down lengthy jail sentences

Published Date: 28/08/2018

A prominent Western Cape man and an East Rand bogus tax practitioner who participated in a scam defrauding SARS of R32 million, were sentenced to a combined 26 years direct imprisonment last week.


24 August 2018 – SARS to re-establish the Large Business Unit and Illicit Economy Team

Published Date: 24/08/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to announce that it is re-establishing the Large Business Unit and Illicit Economy Team.


15 August 2018 – SARS, TISA and FITA commit to combatting illicit trade in cigarette and tobacco products

Published Date: 15/08/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS)  met with the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) and the Fair-trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) on 15 August 2018 at the SARS Head Office in order to discuss and agree on collaboration among them to combat illicit trade in cigarette and all tobacco products.


7 August 2018 – Appointment of Mr Johnstone Makhubu as SARS Chief Officer: Finance

Published Date: 07/08/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to announce the appointment of Mr Johnstone Makhubu as its Chief Officer: Finance with immediate effect.


3 August 2018 – SARS customs makes major busts of drugs and currency within days

Published Date: 03/08/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs division made a bust of multiple currency and drugs at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA). This was the latest in a string of illicit/illegal goods busts, valued at close to R15 million.


31 July 2018 – Trade Statistics for June 2018

Published Date: 31/07/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for June 2018 recording a trade balance surplus of R12.00 billion.


27 July 2018 – SARS refutes claims of clearing plane with guns and ammunition

Published Date: 27/07/2018

SARS wishes to clarify media reports that Customs officials discovered R4 and R5 rifles, 7.62mm light machine guns and ammunition on-board an aircraft at Waterkloof Airforce base last Saturday, 23 July 2018.


27 July 2018 – Woman sentenced and company fined for failure to pay taxes

Published Date: 27/07/2018

A Free State business woman was sentenced to four years imprisonment and her company fined R1 million for failure to pay business taxes to SARS. Ms Annelene Elmarie Thomas, currently residing in Bloemfontein, was also ordered to pay back all outstanding taxes and levies due to SARS.


25 July 2018 – Explosives and illicit cigarettes intercepted at Beitbridge border post

Published Date: 25/07/2018

Last week Customs officers made busts of capped fused explosives, as well as illicit cigarettes, at the Beitbridge border post.


13 July 2018 – Goods valued at R1.7 billion bust by Customs in the past six months

Published Date: 13/07/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released its latest statistics of Customs busts for the period 1 January 2018 until 30 June 2018. The total value of all goods confiscated amounts to R1 732 339 421.


9 July 2018 – Ten taxpayers sentenced for failure to submit tax returns

Published Date: 09/07/2018

Ten taxpayers have been convicted and sentenced since April 2018 for failure to submit outstanding tax returns. Fines ranging from R2000 to R20 000, as well as admission of guilt fines have been handed down by the courts.


29 June 2018 – SARS ditches drop boxes and certain printed forms

Published Date: 29/06/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will remove drop boxes for the submission of income tax returns and other paper documents, in its drive to encourage taxpayers to use eFiling for all tax transactions where possible. 


29 June 2018 – Trade Statistics for May 2018

Published Date: 29/06/2018

he South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for May 2018 recording a trade balance surplus of R3.52 billion.


22 June 2018 – SARS reminds VAT vendors to submit outstanding returns or face legal action

Published Date: 22/06/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is reminding Value-Added Tax (VAT) vendors to submit their outstanding returns to avoid administrative penalties and/or criminal prosecution.


31 May 2018 – Trade Statistics for April 2018

Published Date: 15/06/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for April 2018 recording a trade balance surplus of R1.14 billion.


13 June 2018 – SARS to host BRICS Tax Experts and Heads of Tax Administrations

Published Date: 13/06/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will host the tax experts and heads of tax administrations from BRICS member countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India China and South Africa, in Sandton next week.


4 June 2018 – Tax Season 2018

Published Date: 04/06/2018

We have been hard at work taking stock of how we can be more efficient and improve service to taxpayers. This requires that we make better use of our resources and technology, while factoring in feedback from taxpayers on what their pain-points are.


24 May 2018 – Customs requirements for South African travellers

Published Date: 24/05/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) would like to clarify a recent confusion in the media about Customs requirements for travellers returning to South Africa with personal valuables.


18 May 2018 – R30 million worth of Viagra seized at ORTIA

Published Date: 18/05/2018

Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized 437kg of male sexual enhancement pills (Viagra) with a street value of R30-million.


15 May 2018 – North Gauteng High Court granted an order to give effect to a settlement agreement between SARS and senior SARS official Mr Vlok Symington

Published Date: 15/05/2018

On Friday 11 May 2018, the North Gauteng High Court granted an order to give effect to a settlement agreement between the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and senior SARS official Mr Vlok Symington.


12 May 2018 – Currency worth close to R2 million seized at Cape Town International Airport

Published Date: 12/05/2018

SARS Customs officials at Cape Town International Airport confiscated $156 850 (about R1 946 802) which was hidden in the luggage of a South African man en route to Dubai.


30 April 2018 – Trade Statistics for March 2018

Published Date: 30/04/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for March 2018 recording a trade balance surplus of R9.47 billion.


20 April 2018 – New electronic reporting requirements for Customs clients

Published Date: 20/04/2018

This weekend the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will introduce a new electronic cargo reporting system which will be able to track the movement of cargo coming into and leaving the country. 


19 April 2018 – BRICS members to strengthen Customs co-operation

Published Date: 19/04/2018

Delegates from BRICS member countries (that is Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have agreed to strengthen co-operation and mutual assistance to facilitate trade between member countries and other developing countries.


16 April 2018 – SARS, NPA to prosecute taxpayers for outstanding returns

Published Date: 16/04/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has embarked on a new initiative with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prosecute non-compliant taxpayers, including prominent South Africans, who have failed to submit returns.


13 April 2018 – Drugs valued at over R30 million bust at OR Tambo this week

Published Date: 13/04/2018

South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs officials at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) this week confiscated 108kg of drugs which were hidden in boxes and declared as ‘calcium carbonate’.


11 April 2018 – SARS to host BRICS heads of Customs authorities

Published Date: 11/04/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will host the Customs Cooperation Meeting, which is a representation of the heads of customs authorities from BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with a view to enhance relations and further improve co-operation and promote development among BRICS member countries.


6 April 2018 – SARS’s stance on the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies

Published Date: 06/04/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will continue to apply normal income tax rules to cryptocurrencies and will expect affected taxpayers to declare cryptocurrency gains or losses as part of their taxable income.


3 April 2018 – SARS announces R1 216.6 billion preliminary revenue outcome

Published Date: 03/04/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce that it has collected an amount of R1216.6 billion in the financial year 2017/18.


29 March 2018 – Trade Statistics for February 2018

Published Date: 29/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for February 2018 recording a trade balance surplus of R0.43 billion.


28 March 2018 – All systems go for Sugary Beverages Levy

Published Date: 28/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is ready to implement the Sugary Beverages Levy (SBL) which comes into effect on 1 April 2018.


27 March 2018 – SARS ready to implement VAT rate increase

Published Date: 27/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is ready to implement the increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) announced by the Minister of Finance in February.


20 March 2018 – Appointment of Mark Kingon as Acting Commissioner

Published Date: 20/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the appointment of Mr Mark Kingon as acting Commissioner with immediate effect.


19 March 2018 – SARS concerned about the unrelenting media assault on its image

Published Date: 19/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to express its deep concern and disturbance at the ongoing media onslaught that threatens to undermine the integrity of the organization.


16 March 2018 – SARS Commissioner acted within the law

Published Date: 16/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted with some dismay the media reports that allege irregular value-added tax (VAT) payments to Oakbay.


14 March 2018 – Mark Kingon appointed as Acting Chief Officer – BAIT

Published Date: 14/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has appointed Mr Mark Kingon as acting Chief Officer: Business and Individual Taxes (BAIT) following the resignation of Mr Jonas Makwakwa this morning.


14 March 2018 – Resignation of Mr. Jonas Mashudu Makwakwa

Published Date: 14/03/2018

I wish to announce that Mr. Jonas Mashudu Makwakwa has resigned this morning from his employment with the SARS as the Chief Officer: Business and Individual Taxes (BAIT). Mr Makwakwa’s resignation is effective immediately as of 14 March 2018 at 11am.


14 March 2018 – SARS Customs busts goods worth close to R400 million since 1 January

Published Date: 14/03/2018

A currency bust at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) was the latest in a string of busts which have netted the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs division illicit/illegal goods valued at close to R400 million since 1 January.


13 March 2018 – SARS pledges to open Makwakwa reports

Published Date: 13/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service has pledged to submit the Hogan Lovells Report and the Advocate Terry Motau Disciplinary Hearing Report to the Standing Committee on Finance on Friday, 16 March 2018.


9 March 2018 – SARS appoints debt collectors to recover R16.6-billion owed

Published Date: 09/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has appointed eight debt collection agencies to recover as much as possible of the R16.6-billion in debt owed to SARS.


8 March 2018 – SARS reaches R3,3-billion mark in SVDP

Published Date: 08/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce that under the Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme (SVDP), non-compliant taxpayers with unauthorised foreign assets and income have to date entered into agreements with SARS to the value of over R3,3-billion in tax liabilities.


5 March 2018 – SARS search and seizure operations are strictly governed

Published Date: 05/03/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is concerned about recent reports in the media of people purporting to be SARS employees entering premises of taxpayers to seize equipment, allegedly as part of a lifestyle audit.


28 February 2018 – SARS pays over R205-Billion in refunds

Published Date: 28/02/2018

The South African Revenue (SARS) has paid over R205-billion in refunds across all tax types in the past 10 and a half months.


28 February 2018 – Trade Statistics for January 2018

Published Date: 28/02/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for January 2018 recording a trade balance deficit of R27.66 billion.


27 February – SARS welcomes Hon. Nhlanhla Nene as Finance Minister

Published Date: 27/02/2018

SARS Commissioner, Mr Tom Moyane, wishes to welcome and congratulate Mr Nhlanhla Nene in his re-appointment as the new Finance Minister.


26 February 2018 – SARS reaches R1-trillion milestone

Published Date: 26/02/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce that it has crossed the psychological threshold of the one-trillion rand mark in its revenue collection efforts.


23 February 2018 – Illegal abalone worth R2.3-million seized in Durban

Published Date: 23/02/2018

A sting operation at the port of Durban by SARS Customs officials and the Hawks has led to the seizure of 1.6 tons of illegally harvested frozen abalone valued at R2.37 million.


22 February 2018 – SARS commits to increased revenue target

Published Date: 22/02/2018

The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Tom Moyane, has committed the revenue authority to achieving the increased revenue target for the 2017/18 financial year.


20 February 2018 – Over R18 million worth of crystal meth nabbed at ORTIA

Published Date: 20/02/2018

Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) made two drugs busts at OR Tambo International Airport this past week seizing crystal meth valued at over R18 million.


19 February 2018 – SARS welcomes presidential inquiry

Published Date: 19/02/2018

The South African Revenue Service welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation pledge to launch a Commission of Inquiry into tax administration and governance at SARS.


12 February 2018 – SARS to engage industry stakeholders on Sugary Beverages Levy

Published Date: 12/02/2018

Following previous announcements, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will embark on regional roadshows to engage industry stakeholders on the implementation of the Sugary Beverages Levy (SBL) which is being implemented on 1 April 2018.


31 January 2018 – Provisional Taxpayer deadline – Final countdown

Published Date: 31/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reminds individual provisional taxpayers that 31 January 2018 is the deadline for individual provisional taxpayers to submit their annual income tax returns (ITR12) through eFiling.  Late submission could lead to penalties being charged.


31 January 2018 – Trade Statistics for December 2017

Published Date: 31/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for December 2017 recording a trade balance surplus of R15.72 billion.


30 January 2018 – Provisional Taxpayer deadline: 24 hours left

Published Date: 30/01/2018

Provisional taxpayers have until 31 January to file their income tax returns (IRP6) through eFiling. 


30 January 2018 – Resignation of Jed Michaletos

Published Date: 30/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to announce the resignation of Mr Jed Michaletos as Chief Officer:  Customs and Excise.


30 January 2018 – SARS hosts global forum on tax evasion

Published Date: 30/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is this week host to a global seminar on strengthening the fight against tax evasion. 


28 January 2018 – Customs officials intercept R6.7 million to Dubai

Published Date: 28/01/2018

SARS Customs officials have prevented over R6 million worth of undeclared currency from exiting our borders at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, 25 January.


26 January 2018 – International Customs Day 2018

Published Date: 26/01/2018

Customs organisations around the world today honoured the men and women who protect our borders and help facilitate trade. Every year International Customs Day (ICD) is held on January 26 which is the day the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) held its inaugural session in 1953.


26 January 2018 – SARS’ compliance intervention in religious sector

Published Date: 26/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will engage religious institutions with the intention to investigate possible tax non-compliance in this sector.


23 January 2018 – Krugersdorp protests: other SARS channels open to taxpayers

Published Date: 23/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the protest in Krugersdorp affecting residents and businesses in the area.
These incidents affected service delivery to taxpayers at the Krugersdorp branch of SARS.


22 January 2018 – SARS encourages taxpayers to submit outstanding returns

Published Date: 22/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is embarking on a nationwide awareness campaign to remind taxpayers of their obligation to submit outstanding tax returns.


18 January 2018 – Payment deadline for taxpayers

Published Date: 18/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reminds individual taxpayers who filed personal income tax returns last year and were assessed to owe SARS money that they have until 31 January 2018 to make payment.


9 January 2018 – Deadline for Provisional Taxpayers is 31 January 2018

Published Date: 09/01/2018

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) reminds individual provisional taxpayers that the deadline to submit their income tax return (IRP6) through eFiling is 31 January 2018.


4 January 2018 – SARS Lebombo busts 3.6kg of Heroin

Published Date: 04/01/2018

SARS Customs officials with the detector dog unit intercepted a female pedestrian trying to smuggle 3.6kg of heroin, estimated at R3.6-million, into South Africa at Lebombo border on Wednesday, 3 January 2018.


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