Media Releases for 2022 – 2024
For the Media release archive from 2007 to 2021, click here.
The Passing of Former Minister Pravin Gordhan, a Fearless Ambassador for Public Service
Published Date: 13/09/2024Today is a day of profound sadness with the passing of the beloved Former Minister Pravin Gordhan, affectionately known as “PG” to many of us, a remarkable steward leader whose contributions to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and our nation will be remembered for generations to come.
Preliminary amount of R4.1bn applied for in two pot system
Published Date: 11/09/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has received a total 161,607 tax directive applications.
Trade Statistics for July 2024
Published Date: 30/08/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R17.6 billion in July 2024 attributable to exports of R175.0 billion and imports of R157.4 billion.
Media Statement on Profile Hijacking
Published Date: 29/08/2024Tax Implications of Withdrawing from Two-Pot Retirement System
Published Date: 23/08/2024Persons who intend to withdraw from the savings pot of the Two-Pot Retirement System from 1 September 2024 must be registered for tax. Those who are not registered must register before they apply to their relevant fund. If a person is not registered for tax, the request for a tax directive sent from the fund to SARS will be rejected.
Changes to Customs import system
Published Date: 08/08/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) remains committed to providing clarity and certainty in the implementation of its mandate of promoting legitimate trade for the economic development of the country in an era of rapidly expanding e-Commerce. This will be achieved by making it simple and easy to facilitate an increased movement of goods.
Trade Statistics for June 2024
Published Date: 31/07/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R24.2 billion in June 2024. This surplus was attributable to exports of R172.0 billion and imports of R147.7 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Refund reversal resolved
Published Date: 25/07/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the challenges with respect to refund reversal on some of the accounts of taxpayers. Since the beginning of the Filing Season, SARS has paid out in excess of R14 Billion to 1.5 million taxpayers. The information at SARS’ disposal indicate that 30 thousand taxpayers have witnessed reversal of their refunds.
SARS Media statement: Assassination attempt of Advocate Naude
Published Date: 18/07/2024The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter said that “he condemns in the strongest possible terms attempted assassination of Advocate Coreth Naude.
Media Statement: Commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s address on Filing Season 2024
Published Date: 16/07/2024The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter expresses, his sincere gratitude to all taxpayers who interacted with SARS over the past two weeks. This includes those who were part of the Individual Tax Filing Season 2024 that commenced yesterday, 15 July 2024 and will run until 21 October 2024 and 20 January 2025 for non-provisional and provisional taxpayers, respectively.
SARS welcomes Finance leadership
Published Date: 03/07/2024The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr. Edward Kieswetter, warmly welcomes the reappointment of Mr. Enoch Godongwana, as the Minister of Finance and Dr David Masondo as the Deputy Minister of Finance, as well as the appointment of Mr. Ashor Sarupen as the second Deputy Minister of Finance.
World Customs Organisation re-elects SARS Commissioner by Acclamation
Published Date: 30/06/2024The highest decision-making body of the World Customs Organisation, the WCO Council, has re-elected SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter as the WCO Chairperson for a second term, 2024 – 2025.
SARS announces the start of the Filing Season for 2024 tax year
Published Date: 28/06/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announces 15th July 2024 as the start of the Filing Season for provisional and non-provisional taxpayers who are required to file a tax return. Auto-assessments for an expanded pool of taxpayers will run from the 1st to the 14th July 2024.
Trade Statistics for May 2024
Published Date: 28/06/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R20.1 billion in May 2024. This surplus was attributable to exports of R178.4 billion and imports of R158.3 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Media statement on SHL Wholesalers Tax Case in Court
Published Date: 07/06/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that the Gauteng South Regional Division sentenced Suhayle Ballim, the sole member of SHL Wholesalers CC (SHL) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for defrauding the organisation.
Trade Statistics for April 2024
Published Date: 31/05/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R10.5 billion in April 2024 attributable to exports of R169.5 billion and imports of R159.1 billion.
Findings and recommendations of the Time Release Study conducted at the Oshoek port of entry between South Africa and eSwatini
Published Date: 20/05/2024The Customs Division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) today made public the findings of a Time Release Study (TRS) on the flow of trade between Eswatini and South Africa at the Oshoek / Ngwenya border post that the two countries share.
Trade statistics for March 2024
Published Date: 30/04/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R7.3 billion in March 2024. This surplus was attributable to exports of R164.1 billion and imports of R156.8 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Non-profit sector in South Africa assessed for exposure to terrorist financing risk
Published Date: 18/04/2024South African government and private sector partners published a report on the terrorist financing risk assessment on the non-profit organisation (NPO) sector that will result in focused, proportionate, and risk-based measures to mitigate the identified risks.
SARS media statement on constitutional court judgement
Published Date: 15/04/2024The South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to comment briefly on the decision of the Constitutional Court issued on 12 April 2024 in the matter between Capitec Bank Limited v SARS.
Compliance efforts of SARS bear fruit and underpin the positive revenue results despite the tough prevailing economic conditions
Published Date: 02/04/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce its preliminary revenue collection outcome for the 2023/24 fiscal year.
Trade Statistics for February 2024
Published Date: 28/03/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.0 billion in February 2024. This surplus is attributable to exports of R161.8 billion and imports of R147.8 billion.
Taxpayers called to settle tax payments with SARS this week
Published Date: 26/03/2024As the tax revenue financial year draws to a close this week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has labelled March a priority month for taxpayers and traders to settle their tax and customs payments and tax and customs debt on or before the last business day of this month, which is Thursday, 28 March 2024.
SARS welcomes High Court decision on BPSA
Published Date: 04/03/2024The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, welcomed the High Court decision, which dismissed an application for leave to appeal by British Petroleum of South Africa (BPSA) to review the Commissioner’s decision to refuse its refund claims and levy forfeiture under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).
Trade statistics for January 2024
Published Date: 29/02/2024Today, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) releases trade statistics for January 2024, recording a preliminary trade balance deficit of R9.4 billion. The deficit is attributable to exports of R144.3 billion and imports of R153.7 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Commissioner Kieswetter’s term extended
Published Date: 27/02/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that President Cyril Ramaphosa requested the SARS Commissioner Mr. Edward Kieswetter to stay beyond his current term, which was meant to expire on 30 April 2024. Both parties agreed to the extension of his term as Commissioner for a period of two years.
SARS confirms legal action
Published Date: 27/02/2024The Commissioner for South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter hereby confirms that SARS has instituted legal proceedings against Sasfin Bank, as disclosed in the SENS announcement issued by Sasfin Holdings Ltd on 27 February 2024.
SARS is committed to supporting fiscal consolidation though improved tax administration
Published Date: 21/02/2024The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Finance Minister Mr Enoch Godongwana’s strategy for fiscal consolidation over the medium term. “A well-functioning tax administration within a growing economy is the most sustainable path towards improving the country’s fiscal integrity,” said the Commissioner.
Trade Statistics for December 2023
Published Date: 31/01/2024South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R14.1 billion in December 2023. This surplus was attributable to exports of R164.0 billion and imports of R149.9 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN).
Compliance focus for transfer pricing adjustments
Published Date: 19/01/2024The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has today published draft rule amendments for public comment with the view to facilitate transfer pricing adjustments.
Deadline for provisional taxpayers, including trusts, is Wednesday 24 January 2024
Published Date: 18/01/2024The deadline for individual taxpayers and trusts that are provisional taxpayers to file their income tax returns for the 2023 tax year, is Wednesday 24 January 2024. The 2023 year of assessment refers to the period between 01 March 2022 to 28 February 2023.
“Artwork” drugs seized at ORTIA
Published Date: 06/01/2024Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service seized 23 kilogrammes of narcotics disguised as moulded artwork, with an estimated street value of R37-million, at the cargo sheds of the OR Tambo International Airport this week.
Tax Statistics for the year 2023
Published Date: 29/12/2023National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have jointly published the 16th annual edition of the Tax Statistics. The 2023 edition provides an overview of tax-revenue collection and tax-return information for the 2019 to 2023 tax years, as well as for the 2018/19 to 2022/23 fiscal years.
Trade Statistics for November 2023
Published Date: 29/12/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R21.0 billion in November 2023. This surplus was attributable to exports of R185.8 billion and imports of R164.8 billion.
Trade Statistics for October 2023
Published Date: 30/11/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance deficit of R12.7 billion in October 2023 attributable to exports of R170.3 billion and imports of R183.0 billion.
Collective engagement to implement the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework
Published Date: 10/11/2023To keep pace with the rapid development and growth of the crypto-asset market and to ensure that recent gains in global tax transparency will not be gradually eroded, we welcome the new international standard on automatic exchange of information between tax authorities developed by the OECD – the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). The widespread, consistent and timely implementation of the CARF will further improve our ability to ensure tax compliance and clamp down on tax evasion, which reduces public revenues and increases the burden on those who pay their taxes.
SARS thanks millions of compliant taxpayers, whilst cautioning those who are non-compliant
Published Date: 07/11/2023he South African Revenue Service (SARS) thanks all non-provisional taxpayers who have fulfilled their legal obligations by filing their personal income tax (PIT) returns by the end of Filing Season. SARS also thanks taxpayers who made outstanding payments that were due.
SARS welcomes the MTBPS Revenue Announcement
Published Date: 01/11/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled in Parliament today by the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, which revised the 2023 February Budget net tax revenue estimate from R1 787.5 billion to R1 730.4 billion.
Trade Statistics for September 2023
Published Date: 31/10/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R13.1 billion attributable to exports of R174.65 billion and imports of R161.51 billion.
SARS apologises to taxpayers
Published Date: 26/10/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS), strives to always clarify and remind taxpayers of their obligation in law, as well as the potential consequences should they not comply. Notwithstanding the legal mandate of SARS to act against taxpayers who fail to comply, it is generally expected that we first remind, and give the taxpayers the opportunity to comply, ahead of SARS commencing legal action.
SARS welcomes veil of secrecy judgment
Published Date: 20/10/2023The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the judgment handed down this week by the KwaZulu-Natal Local Division, dealing with the insolvent estate of Jubilee Plant Hire SA CC (“Jubilee”).
Reopening of SARS branch at Rissik street Johannesburg
Published Date: 17/10/2023The Rissik Street branch of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Johannesburg that caught fire on 20 September will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday 18 October 2023.
SARS together with law enforcement break the coal syndicates
Published Date: 12/10/2023A massive inter-governmental search and seizure operation across five provinces was carried out today to break the back of a sophisticated criminal syndicate of alleged coal-smugglers, who played a major role in exacerbating the energy crisis and loadshedding.
Court confirms that false returns may attract administrative penalties and criminal prosecution
Published Date: 11/10/2023The Commissioner for South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr. Edward Kieswetter welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to dismiss the appeal of Mr. Ketsise Motloung and Others, with cost.
Constitutional court decision on duty-free purchases
Published Date: 06/10/2023The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, has welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Court in the matter between Nu Africa Duty Free Shops (Pty) Ltd and Others and the Minister of Finance and Others.
Trade statistics for August 2023
Published Date: 29/09/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R13.3 billion in August 2023. This surplus is attributable to exports of R181.3 billion and imports of R168.0 billion.
Fire at Rissik Street office
Published Date: 21/09/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that a fire broke out at its branch in Rissik Street, Johannesburg, yesterday.
Media statement on the detention of vessels by SARS
Published Date: 20/09/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the media report of 17 September 2023 by the Sunday Times concerning the detention of five vessels involved in the fuel bunkering supply chain.
Trade Statistics for July 2023
Published Date: 31/08/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R16.0 billion in July 2023 attributable to exports of R174.0 billion and imports of R158.0 billion.
SARS welcomes constitutional court judgment in Regiments Capital matter
Published Date: 18/08/2023The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, has welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Court delivered yesterday (17 August 2023) in a matter involving Regiments Capital (Pty) Ltd.
SARS media statement
Published Date: 05/08/2023SARS Commissioner Kieswetter has noted the media coverage concerning the liquidation of Tariomix.
SARS media statement
Published Date: 02/08/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the statement made by Mr. Julius Malema at the recently concluded press conference of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The statement purports that there was a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and SARS Commissioner Mr. Edward Kieswetter where President Ramaphosa gave Commissioner Kieswetter an instruction to investigate the tax affairs of those that attended and sponsored the EFF Gala Dinner held on 27 July 2023.
SARS wins court battle against delinquent taxpayer
Published Date: 31/07/2023The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the order handed down on 26 July 2023 by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Local Division, Durban in which the recalcitrant sole member of Tiar Construction CC (in liquidation) (“Tiar Construction”) was ordered to cooperate with the liquidators in the administration of Tiar Construction’s estate.
Trade statistics for June 2023
Published Date: 31/07/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance deficit of R3.5 billion in June 2023, attributable to exports of R167.6 billion and imports of R171.1 billion.
SARS wins court battle against delinquent taxpayer
Published Date: 25/07/2023The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment, which dismissed with costs, two appeals against orders of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria (case no 543/2021); and the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Pietermaritzburg (case no 409/2022).
Africa focuses on Tax Transparency to counter tax evasion and illicit financial flows
Published Date: 06/07/2023The South African Revenue Service is hosting the 13th Meeting of the Africa Initiative over two days, bringing together Commissioners-General of revenue authorities across Africa, high-ranking representatives, experts, as well as regional and international organisations and civil society.
Trade Statistics for May 2023
Published Date: 30/06/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R10.2 billion in May 2023 attributable to exports of R184.2 billion and imports of R174.0 billion.
SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation
Published Date: 26/06/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the election of its Commissioner Mr. Edward Kieswetter as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The election took place on 24 June 2023 at the organisation’s Council session at the WCO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
2023 Filing season for Individuals and Trusts
Published Date: 23/06/2023In line with the strategic objective of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) of making it easy and simple for taxpayers to meet their legal obligations, individuals (provisional and non-provisional taxpayers) as well as trusts may start filing their income tax returns on Friday 7 July 2023 after 8pm.
Destruction of smuggled and illicit cigarettes valued at R43-million
Published Date: 12/06/2023The Customs Division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) today began to destroy illicit and smuggled cigarettes, valued at R43 million, at the Beitbridge border post.
Joint Media statement on current border congestion
Published Date: 06/06/2023Land border posts are currently experiencing congestion and delays in relation to the cross-border processing of trucks and cargo, with the N4 corridor to Maputo through the Lebombo border post being the most affected.
SARS appoints three deputy commissioners to strengthen leadership
Published Date: 02/06/2023SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, today announced the appointment of 3 Deputy Commissioners, to strengthen his executive team within SARS. This follows an extensive executive search which resulted in the appointment of one internal candidate and two from private sector.
SACU members sign mutual recognition arrangement
Published Date: 31/05/2023Accredited traders in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa will benefit from lower trade costs and quicker turn-around times for imports and exports, because of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement signed today by the five Member States of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Trade statistics for April 2023
Published Date: 31/05/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R3.5 billion attributable to exports of R163.8 billion and imports of R160.3 billion, in April 2023.
SARS media statement on the Constitutional Court ruling
Published Date: 30/05/2023Constitutional Court has handed down judgment in the matter involving a request to access certain tax records of the former President of the Republic of South Africa. This request was made in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and was declined by SARS on the basis that legislation prohibited SARS from acting in any other way.
Employers must adhere to the deadline of 31 May 2023
Published Date: 29/05/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) urges all employers to comply with their legal obligations regarding the annual Employers Filing Season by the deadline of 31 May to avoid penalties, interest and / or criminal charges.
Media statement: Smuggling of cigarettes – Beitbridge Border post
Published Date: 20/05/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division intercepted on Saturday 20 May 2023 a truck carrying 440 master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes, with estimated total value of R9 million, which were falsely declared as Cotton Oil Cake.
Media statement on the African Global Holding
Published Date: 19/05/2023The Commissioner of South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Court of 17 May 2023 to dismiss the application for leave to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal verdict by the African Global Holding (Pty) Ltd (AGH).
Media statement on the judgment in the Regiments Capital matter
Published Date: 19/05/2023he Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, said he was pleased to note the decision of the Supreme Court of Appeal on 18 May 2023 in the matter of Commissioner for SARS v Regiments Regiments Capital (Pty) Ltd and Others.
SARS detects unusually high number of suspicious VAT registrations
Published Date: 11/05/2023SARS is committed to paying legitimate refunds to qualifying taxpayers as and when they become due. In line with this commitment in the 2022/23 financial year a record R381bn in refunds were paid of which R319bn were VAT refunds.
SARS conducts raid at an unregistered warehouse
Published Date: 05/05/2023Members of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a raid on an unauthorised warehouse in Vryburg, North-West yesterday, 4 May 2023, confiscating millions of rands worth of illegally manufactured alcohol and bitcoin mining equipment.
SARS media statement – How SARS has changed tax compliance status reporting for transferring funds abroad
Published Date: 03/05/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to provide an update with respect to the matter of Tax Compliance Status. As the previous Tax Compliance Status (TCS) solution had been operational since April 2016 and processed substantial and growing volumes of taxpayers requesting 3rd party verification requests, including Foreign Investment Allowance and Emigration, there was need for an enhancement to the system to rationalise and speed it up.
Media statement on the impounded truck with illicit cigarettes
Published Date: 02/05/2023The law enforcement team comprising of South African Revenue Service, South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metro Police acting on a tip-off intercepted a truck carrying illicit cigarettes at Bronkhorstspruit on the early hours of Monday, 1 May 2023.
Trade Statistics for March 2023
Published Date: 28/04/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R6.9 billion in March 2023. This surplus is attributable to exports of R192.2 billion and imports of R185.3 billion.
SA continues to reap the benefits of improved revenue collection
Published Date: 03/04/2023he South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce its preliminary revenue collection results for the 2022/2023 financial year, which reflects a significant growth trajectory over the past few years.
Trade Statistics for February 2023
Published Date: 31/03/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R16.1 billion in February 2023 attributable to exports of R154.3 billion and imports of R138.2 billion.
Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the Public Officers for Ntaba Nyoni Estate and Ntaba Nyoni feedlot provide consent to SARS to make a public statement on their Tax Compliance Status
Published Date: 07/03/2023Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Ntaba Nyoni Estate and Ntaba Nyoni Feedlot, SARS has received the consent of the Taxpayers in terms of section 69 (6) of the Tax Administration Act no 28 of 2011 (TAA), to make a public statement.
SARS response to PAIA request by Mr John Steenhuisen
Published Date: 06/03/2023SARS confirms that it has responded to the request by the leader of the Democratic Alliance, Mr John Steenhuisen, made in terms of section 18(1) of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) regarding the declaration of a certain traveller.
Release of the 15th Annual Edition of Tax Statistics
Published Date: 03/03/2023National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service have published the 15th annual edition of the Tax Statistics. The 2022 edition provides an overview of tax revenue collections and tax return information for the 2018 to 2022 tax years, as well as the 2017/18 to 2021/22 fiscal years.
Trade Statistics for January 2023
Published Date: 28/02/2023SARS today releases trade statistics for January 2023 recording a preliminary trade balance deficit of R23.05 billion, with exports of R139.4bn and imports of R162.4bn.
Joint operation nets illicit cigarettes worth millions
Published Date: 27/02/2023The South African Revenue Service’s National Customs Enforcement Team working together with the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force over the weekend of 25-26 February intercepted truckloads of illicit cigarettes, based on intelligence received.
New accord further cements collaboration between SAPS/ DPCI and SARS
Published Date: 24/02/2023Enhanced cooperation and collaboration between SAPS/ DPCI (Hawks) and SARS is being bolstered with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding that promotes the exchange of information, joint initiatives and more effective operational arrangements in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.
SARS Customs and SAPS seize 378 kg of cocaine
Published Date: 24/02/2023Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service carried out an early morning raid today on a container ship at the Durban harbour and found 300kg of cocaine in one of the containers on board the ship.
SARS continues to show its mettle in revenue collection
Published Date: 22/02/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) accepted the increased revenue collection estimate announced by Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana. In his 2023 Budget Speech, the Minister increased the revenue estimate to R1.69 trillion, an increase of R93.7 billion from the 2022 February Budget statement.
Trade Statistics released for December 2022
Published Date: 31/01/2023SARS today releases trade statistics for December 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R5.43 billion attributable to exports of R163.27 billion and imports of R157.83 billion.
Transfer pricing: Intra-Group Loans
Published Date: 17/01/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has today released an interpretation note titled “DETERMINATION OF THE TAXABLE INCOME OF CERTAIN PERSONS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS: INTRA-GROUP LOANS” which provides guidance on how SARS will determine arm’s length pricing for intra-group loans. The Note also provides guidance on the consequences for a taxpayer if the amount of debt, the cost of debt or both are not arm’s length.
Trade Statistics for November 2022
Published Date: 30/12/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for November 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R7.98 billion attributable to exports of R172.67 billion and imports of R164.69 billion.
Possible counterfeit shoes bust worth R3-million in total
Published Date: 21/12/2022Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized possible counterfeit shoes (sneakers and sandals) with an estimated value of R3-million this past weekend.
Hair extensions” found to be substance used to manufacture Mandrax
Published Date: 07/12/2022Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized a substance that is used to manufacture the drug Mandrax after inspecting a truck that was entering South Africa from Mozambique.
SARS Head of Technology wins CIO of the Year award
Published Date: 05/12/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to express its heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding recognition of its Head of Technology and Solutions Delivery (TSD), Mr Intikhab Shaik, for receiving the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) President’s Award as the Visionary Chief Information Officer of the Year.
SARS permanent Voluntary Disclosure Programme
Published Date: 30/11/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in terms of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011, has made provision for the Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) to be permanently available to a qualifying individual, company or trust that seeks to voluntarily disclose and regularise their tax affairs.
Trade Statistics for October 2022
Published Date: 30/11/2022SARS today releases trade statistics for October 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance deficit of R4.31 billion attributable to exports of R159.61 billion and imports of R163.92 billion.
SARS settles labour dispute and reinstates former employees
Published Date: 22/11/2022SARS is pleased to announce that it has settled the labour dispute with and reinstated two former employees, Ms Hope Mashilo and Ms Tshebeletso Seremane with effect 1 September 2022. This marks a further milestone in reversing and repairing the adverse effects of the capture of SARS and its journey to rebuilding public confidence and trust.
Media Statement: Greater focus on taking tax transparency and exchange of information to the next level
Published Date: 18/11/2022This past week witnessed the tax world focusing on taking tax transparency and exchange of information to the next level during the annual OECD Global Forum on Tax Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) 15th Plenary held in Seville, Spain from 9-11 November 2022.
Media statement on the direct 7 year sentence for corrupt SARS officer
Published Date: 17/11/2022The South African Revenue Service has welcomed a 7 years direct prison sentence handed to one of our own, Mr Malatse Kolokoto by the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court after being found guilty of corruption. This stems from an incident in which the accused facilitated that a traveller leaves the country with goods without proper declaration.
SARS welcomes the judgment of the High Court (Gauteng Provincial Division) on 11 November 2022
Published Date: 11/11/2022SARS has welcomed the judgment of the High Court to set aside the Report of the Public Protector on the “Investigation into Allegations of Maladministration, Corruption and Procurement Irregularities and Improper Conduct by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Connection with the Handling of a Tender for the Provision of Bespoke Software Development, Maintenance and Support Services for the Benefit of SARS for a period of 7 (seven) years”.
Statement and public apology to current SARS employees who were adversely affected by actions taken by SARS and certain third parties during 2014 – 2018
Published Date: 11/11/2022Statement and public apology to current SARS employees who were adversely affected by actions taken by SARS and certain third parties during 2014 – 2018.
SARS’ public apology to employees adversely affected by its action
Published Date: 10/11/2022Media statement and public apology to former SARS employees who were adversely affected by actions taken by SARS, and certain third parties, during 2014 – 2018.
SARS furthers International Tax Cooperation in Africa and among BRICS countries
Published Date: 04/11/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) participated in two multilateral meetings in the current week to cement international tax co-operation in Africa and among the BRICS Countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
SARS and the dtic start distributing clothing and footwear to KZN flood victims living in shelters
Published Date: 02/11/2022The initiative whereby the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) have joined forces with Business and Labour to donate tons of seized clothing, blankets, and footwear to flood victims in Kwa-Zulu Natal, has entered its second phase. This entails the donation of clothing and footwear to the flood victims.
