Trade Statistics for November 2019
Published Date: 27/12/2019Pretoria, 27 December 2019 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for November 2019 recording a trade surplus of R6.10 billion.
Tax Statistics for 2019
Published Date: 20/12/2019The 2019 edition provides an overview of tax revenue collections and tax return information for the 2015 to 2018 tax years, as well as the 2014/15 to 2018/19 fiscal years.
SARS Customs destroys illegally imported goods valued at over R7-million
Published Date: 29/11/2019Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) began destroying several illegally imported vehicles and clothing valued at over R7-million in Durban earlier today in a bid to clamp down on illegal imports that harm the economy.
Trade Statistics for October 2019
Published Date: 29/11/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for October 2019 recording a trade surplus of R3.09 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN). The year-to-date (01 January to 31 October 2019) trade surplus R5.32 billion is an improvement from the R3.70 billion deficit for the comparable period in 2018. Exports increased by 2.8% year-on-year whilst imports for the same period showed a decrease of 4.3%.
SARS wins R1-billion tax evasion case
Published Date: 28/11/2019SARS welcomes the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal (“the SCA”) that ended the protracted dispute with Africa Cash & Carry.
Media Statement
Published Date: 15/11/2019The SARS Commissioner has made the commitment to restore the integrity of SARS and public trust in the institution.
Three weeks to file electronically for non-provisional individual taxpayers
Published Date: 13/11/2019Tax season for individual taxpayers who want to file at a branch closed on the 31 October 2019.
Tax Administration Act
Published Date: 12/11/2019I am aware that the SARS application to court concerning a subpoena issued by the Public Protector compelling me to divulge taxpayer information has created a lot of speculation in the media and social media.
Customs clamps down on illicit activities in the scrap metal industry
Published Date: 31/10/2019The owner of a Durban-based metal recycling company pleaded guilty last week to several charges relating to the exportation of mixed copper and brass scrap.
Trade Statistics for September 2019
Published Date: 31/10/2019SARS released trade statistics for September 2019 recording a trade surplus of R5.16 billion, attributable to exports of R110.43 billion and imports of R105.27 billion.
SARS launches re-established large business centre
Published Date: 23/10/2019SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter launched the re-established Large Business Centre at its new premises in Woodmead today.
Reminder: Employer Interim Reconciliation deadline fast approaching
Published Date: 22/10/2019Employers are reminded that they have two weeks before the Employer Interim Reconciliation tax period closes on 31 October 2019. The reconciliation period opened on 23 September 2019.
Mr Mokoena resigns
Published Date: 11/10/2019The Commissioner of SARS has committed to the important work of building internal and public confidence in SARS.
Ms Makhekhe-Mokhuane and Mr Lebelo resign
Published Date: 02/10/2019The Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter has committed to the important work of rebuilding internal and public confidence in SARS.
SARS Celebrates 22 Years
Published Date: 01/10/2019The South African Revenue Service will celebrate its 22nd anniversary in October 2019.
SARS branches open on Saturdays in October for assistance with income tax returns
Published Date: 30/09/2019SARS branches will be open on Saturdays in October 2019 to assist taxpayers with the filing of personal income tax returns.
Trade Statistics for August 2019
Published Date: 30/09/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for August 2019 recording a trade surplus of R6.84 billion.
SARS contingency plan for banking strike
Published Date: 24/09/2019Contingency plans are in place to mitigate any negative impact of such protest action.
Taxpayers encouraged to prepare ahead of bank strike
Published Date: 23/09/2019The banking sector has indicated the possibility of a strike on Friday, 27 September 2019.
SARS Commissioner determined to act on Nugent report
Published Date: 17/09/2019SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance (SCOF) that SARS has made substantial progress in implementing the Nugent Commission (Commission) recommendations.
SARS response to gender-based violence and violence in general
Published Date: 13/09/2019In responding to the current state of violence in our country, SARS Commissioner Kieswetter sent out this note to staff.
SARS to help persons with hearing impairments
Published Date: 02/09/2019To celebrate Deaf Awareness Month (September), SARS will work together with different organisations and municipalities that support persons with hearing impairments in South Africa, to assist them with their tax affairs.
Trade Statistics for July 2019
Published Date: 30/08/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for July 2019 recording a trade deficit of R2.88 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
VAT fraudster sentenced to 15 years imprisonment
Published Date: 27/08/2019A Welkom businessman who defrauded SARS by using trust instruments and other legal entities, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday 23rd August 2019.
Joint media statement between SARS & Mr Hlengani Mathebula
Published Date: 26/08/2019Following interactions and information exchange between SARS and Mr. Mathebula, both parties agreed to end the employment relationship.
SARS section 69 confidentiality clause
Published Date: 26/08/2019SARS has noted media reports and speculations on the passing on of Bosasa CEO, Gavin Watson.
Clarification Note on Donations Tax
Published Date: 23/08/2019The purpose of this clarification note is to briefly set out what would constitute a donation and be taxed, as well as the impact of paying an amount without it being a donation.
Further executive placed on precautionary suspension
Published Date: 21/08/2019SARS placed a further executive, Ms. Mmamathe Makheke-Mokhuane on precautionary suspension pending the finalization of a disciplinary process in respect of serious allegations of misconduct.
Burst water pipe at SARS Mbombela branch
Published Date: 19/08/2019SARS wishes to announce that its Mbombela branch in Mpumalanga, has a burst water pipe which is adversely affecting branch operations.
Key executives on precautionary suspension
Published Date: 31/07/2019SARS has placed key executives on precautionary suspension and extended the suspension of another executive today on 31 July, 2019 pending the finalization of a disciplinary process in respect of serious allegations of misconduct.
Trade Statistics for June 2019
Published Date: 31/07/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for June 2019 recording a trade surplus of R4.42 billion.
Update on Filing Season 2019
Published Date: 30/07/2019To date, the response from South Africa has been great, with over 6 million logins, almost 1.3 million returns requested, and over 1 million returns submitted, of which 900 000 are for the 2019 tax year.
R3.5 billion in refunds already paid; taxpayers urged to beat queues and submit online
Published Date: 22/07/2019R3.5 billion in refunds already paid; taxpayers urged to beat queues and submit online
SARS eFiling grows in first two weeks of Tax Season
Published Date: 13/07/2019SARS is pleased to announce that there has been an increase of five percent in the uptake of eFiling in the first two weeks of Tax Season 2019.
Cape Town Customs officers pounce on suspected drug smuggler
Published Date: 12/07/2019SARS Customs officers based at the Cape Town International Airport have confiscated heroin valued at approximately R1 million after receiving a tip-off.
SARS has noted media report
Published Date: 08/07/2019SARS has noted the Sunday Times article about the SARS Commissioner, Mr. Edward Kieswetter in his role as Chair of the Technology Innovation Agency.
SARS is working on a fix to a specific eFiling issue
Published Date: 03/07/2019SARS is aware of a problem that some taxpayers are experiencing.
Tax Season opens for eFilers and users of SARS MobiApp
Published Date: 01/07/2019Deputy Finance Minister, Dr David Masondo, and SARS Commissioner, Mr Edward Kieswetter, have launched Tax Season 2019 for taxpayers who use the updated digital channels, eFiling and the SARS MobiApp.
Trade Statistics for May 2019
Published Date: 28/06/2019Pretoria, 28 June 2019 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for May 2019 recording a trade surplus of R1.74 billion.
Tax Season 2019 opens 1 July for eFilers
Published Date: 25/06/2019SARS is encouraging taxpayers who are required to file income tax returns to use SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to file their returns from 1 July 2019.
Customs officials intercept drugs worth R12 million at ORTIA
Published Date: 14/06/2019Customs officials this week intercepted drugs with a combined value of approximately R12 million in three separate incidents at the Oliver Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).
SARS welcome Mark Lifman court ruling
Published Date: 11/06/2019SARS welcomes the judgement handed down against Mr. Mark Roy Lifman and 35 applicants in the Western Cape High Court.
SARS Customs intercepts drugs from a wheelchair bound 74 year old female traveller
Published Date: 08/06/2019SARS Customs officers intercepted a 74 year old wheelchair bound female traveller with almost R500 000 worth of heroin.
Clarification – Filing threshold and dates
Published Date: 06/06/2019SARS has noted that the criteria for taxpayers who may not be required to file an income tax return has been wrongly interpreted.
TAX SEASON 2019 – SARS takes another step to improve service to taxpayers
Published Date: 04/06/2019SARS has improved online filing and filing at a SARS branch with several exciting innovations for Tax Season 2019
Trade Statistics for April 2019
Published Date: 31/05/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for April 2019 recording a trade deficit of R3.43 billion.
SARS closes Alberton branch due to fire
Published Date: 27/05/2019The South African Revenue Service has closed the Alberton branch following a fire breakout that damaged the 1st floor today, Monday 27 May 2019.
End-May deadline for employer declarations fast approaching
Published Date: 24/05/2019Employers are reminded that all Employer Annual Declarations for the period 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019 must be submitted to SARS by 31 May 2019.
SARS extends Track and Trace tender timelines
Published Date: 24/05/2019SARS wishes to announce the extension of a tender for the provision of a Production Management and a Track and Trace solution for cigarettes.
SARS has noted Public Protectors Report
Published Date: 24/05/2019Pretoria, Friday 24 May 2019 – The South African Revenue Service has noted the Public Protector’s Report published on 24 May 2019.
Former Customs Auditors Jailed for Corruption
Published Date: 14/05/2019Two former SARS Customs auditors were sentenced to three years direct imprisonment for corruption in Durban last week, 9 May 2019.
SARS Beitbridge 198.49 Kg Crystal Meth Bust Estimated at R 2-Million
Published Date: 13/05/2019SARS Customs officers intercepted a female traveller attempting to smuggle 198.49 kg of crystal meth, estimated at R2-million, into South Africa at the Beitbridge port of entry.
SARS welcomes new commissioner, Edward Kieswetter
Published Date: 01/05/20191 May 2019 – Today Edward Kieswetter starts his role as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
SARS seeks technology to curb revenue leakages in illicit tobacco industry
Published Date: 30/04/2019Pretoria, Tuesday, 30 April 2019 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has embarked on a number of strategic initiatives to curb revenue leakages emanating from illegal and unethical practices in the illicit economy.
Trade Statistics for March 2019
Published Date: 30/04/2019SARS today releases trade statistics for March 2019 recording a trade surplus of R5.00 billion.
SARS & Office of the Tax Ombud sign historic agreement
Published Date: 26/04/2019SARS and OTO signed a historic agreement to forge an effective working relationship that will deliver excellent service to the taxpayer.
Customs continues to increase the number of busts year on year: Goods valued at R3.7 billion bust by Customs in the past financial year
Published Date: 18/04/2019SARS has released its latest consolidated Customs busts statistics from 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. The total value of all goods confiscated amounted to R3 694 742 928.
Relocation of electronic services platform for SARS
Published Date: 08/04/2019SARS will be migrating to a new hosting platform for its electronic services in April 2019. This new and reliable platform features the latest technology on the market, and includes a refresh of SARS’ hardware and software.
SARS confirms conclusion of a 3-year wage agreement with NEHAWU and PSA
Published Date: 02/04/2019SARS, NEHAWU and PSA have agreed on a 3-year multi-term agreement with an 8% increase on the Guaranteed Total Packages of employees in the Bargaining Unit for this year, effective 1 April 2019.
SARS announces the preliminary Revenue outcome for 2018-19
Published Date: 01/04/2019For the financial year ending 31 March 2019, SARS collected an amount of R1 287.6 billion, against the 2019 Budget estimate of R1 302.2 billion resulting in a deficit of R14.6 billion (-1.1%).
SARS continues to operate
Published Date: 29/03/2019SARS Customs operations at ports of entry, especially borders, have been without major interruptions.
Trade Statistics for February 2019
Published Date: 29/03/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for February 2019 recording a trade surplus of R3.99 billion.
Treasury announces new SARS Commissioner
Published Date: 28/03/2019President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mr Edward Kieswetter as the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service with effect from 1 May 2019.
Wage negotiations dispute still unresolved
Published Date: 27/03/2019Over the past weekend, SARS had confirmed that it had reached a deadlock in negotiations with the recognised trade unions, PSA and NEHAWU, over salary increases and improvements in conditions of service and benefits for bargaining unit employees.
SARS in wage dispute with organised labour
Published Date: 23/03/2019NEHAWU and PSA have served SARS with a 7 day notice to go on strike from 28 March 2019.
KZN VAT vendor imprisoned for seven years for VAT fraud
Published Date: 12/03/2019KwaZulu-Natal woman who defrauded SARS of approximately R 4 million, was handed down an effective seven-year jail sentence in the Durban Regional Court last Thursday.
Pay outstanding debt by 29 March to avoid penalties and interest
Published Date: 07/03/2019Taxpayers have just over 22 days left to pay outstanding debt by Friday 29 March to avoid paying penalties and interest. Outstanding returns need to be submitted immediately.
SARS invites public comment on excise rewrite document
Published Date: 05/03/2019SARS invites public comment on excise rewrite document
Trade Statistics for January 2019
Published Date: 28/02/2019The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for January 2019 recording a trade deficit of R13.08 billion.
SARS intercepts suspected currency smuggler found with R13.7 million
Published Date: 27/02/2019SARS Customs officers intercepted a suspected currency smuggler in possession of 997 750 US dollars which equates to R13 798 882.00 at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, 25 February.
SARS Customs intercepts luggage containing cocaine worth over R3 million
Published Date: 22/02/2019Following months of intense surveillance and observing various flights, yesterday the SARS Customs officers at ORTIA, successfully profiled a suspected drug smuggler.
Trade Statistics for December 2018
Published Date: 31/01/2019SARS today releases trade statistics for December 2018 recording a trade surplus of R17.17 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
2019 International customs day celebrations
Published Date: 25/01/2019SARS celebrated the International Customs Day (ICD) a day earlier today to honour the men and women who protect the country’s borders and help facilitate trade.
SARS concerned about tax evasion allegations at commissions of inquiry
Published Date: 24/01/2019SARS has noted media reports on allegations of tax evasion at the various commissions of inquiries that are underway.
OECD, SARS and National Treasury continue partnership to strengthen tax co-operation
Published Date: 11/01/2019Today, the OECD, SARS and National Treasury of South Africa signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC), agreeing to continue to work together in the area of taxation.
SARS customs intercepts rhino horn worth over R23 million
Published Date: 10/01/2019Customs officials of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) intercepted a consignment of rhino horns worth over R23 million at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) yesterday.
