TAX OMBUD’S FINAL REPORT ON COMPLAINTS AGAINST SARS RELATING TO ALLEGED UNDUE DELAY IN THE PAYMENT OF REFUNDS

The Tax Ombud Judge Bernard Ngoepe has released the final report on the investigation into alleged delays in payment of refunds by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The final report has findings, comments and recommendations by the Tax Ombud.

MEDIA STATEMENT: TAX OMBUD’S FINAL REPORT ON COMPLAINTS AGAINST SARS RELATING TO ALLEGED UNDUE DELAY IN THE PAYMENT OF REFUNDS

Earlier in the year the Tax Ombud, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, made it known that he had requested and obtained approval from the Minister of Finance to conduct a review in respect of several complaints by taxpayers that South African Revenue Service (SARS) was unduly delaying the payment of refunds due to them.

FAIR PLAY ISSUE 5

Welcome to the fifth issue of the Office of the Tax Ombud’s stakeholder newsletter, Fair Play, a vibrant and informative newsletter which aims to keep stakeholders abreast of important matters affecting the Office and developments in the tax recourse sphere. Click the link below to read the full newsletter or find it on our Publications Page.

MEDIA STATEMENT: TAX OMBUD INTERIM UPDATE ON COMPLAINTS AGAINST SARS RELATING TO ALLEGED UNDUE DELAY IN THE PAYMENT OF REFUNDS

This serves to provide you with an update regarding the Tax Ombud Judge Bernard Ngoepe’s investigation into alleged undue delays in the payments of refunds by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

FAIR PLAY ISSUE 4

Welcome to the fourth issue of the Office of the Tax Ombud’s stakeholder newsletter, Fair Play, a vibrant and informative newsletter which aims to keep stakeholders abreast of important matters affecting the Office and developments in the tax recourse sphere. Click the link below to read the full newsletter or find it on our Publications Page.

MEDIA STATEMENT: TAX OMBUD TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST SARS RELATING TO ALLEGED UNDUE DELAY IN THE PAYMENT OF REFUNDS

The Tax Ombud, Judge B M Ngoepe, confirms that he requested, and obtained, the approval of the Minister of Finance to review the alleged prevalent undue delays by the South African Revenue Service in paying out tax refunds. The Minister’s approval was required in terms of section 16(1)(b) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011. This will be the first such review and follows recent amendments to the Act; the amendments came into operation on 18 January 2017. The review will be on all categories of tax refunds.

OTO APP AND SP TABLED IN PARLIAMENT

Kindly note that the Office of the Tax Ombud Annual Performance Plan 2017/18 and the Strategic Plan 2017-2022 have been tabled in Parliament. Click on the link below to read further.

Minister of Finance 2017 Budget Speech

On Wednesday 22 February, Finance Minister Mr Pravin Gordhan delivered his 2017 national Budget Speech in Parliament.

THE BURDEN OF TAX COLLECTION

Kindly note that Tax Ombud Judge Bernard Ngoepe will discuss an important aspect in the country’s tax administration system, “The burden of tax collection”, on 24 February 2017 at the Winery, USB Main Building, Bellville Park Campus, Tyger Valley business district, northern Cape Town. Judge Ngoepe will also join other experts in unpacking Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech to be delivered on Wednesday, 22 February 2017.

For bookings and more information click on the link below.

MORE INDEPENDENCE AND POWERS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TAX OMBUD

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is pleased with the amendments to the Tax Administration Act, which not only give the Tax Ombud more powers when addressing taxpayers’ complaints but also strengthen its independence from the South African Revenue Service.

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE TAX OMBUD

As we bid farewell to an eventful 2016 and the new year dawns on us with endless possibilities, there seems to be no better time than now to reflect on the journey we have embarked on and to thank you profusely for your support as we traversed unchartered territory..

The Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill 18 of 2016

The Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill 18 of 2016 introduced 26 October 2016, which include inputs from the public, is now available on our website. The section relevant to the Office of the Tax Ombud is on page 27.

Important notice for taxpayers and tax practitioners: COMPLAINTS SYSTEM UPGRADE

Kindly note that the Office of the Tax Ombud is updating its complaints processing system to improve efficiency when dealing with taxpayer complaints. Due to this upgrade, technical glitches might result in some stakeholders receiving a blank automatic email attachment.

For more information please contact us on 0800 662 837 or complaints@taxombud.gov.za.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Office of the Tax Ombud Language Policy has been gazetted

The Office of the Tax Ombud Language Policy has been gazetted. Follow the link below to read the language policy.

Fair Play Newsletter Issue 3

Welcome to the third issue of the Office of the Tax Ombud’s stakeholder newsletter, Fair Play, a vibrant and informative newsletter which aims to keep stakeholders abreast of important matters affecting the Office and developments in the tax recourse sphere. Click the link below to read the full newsletter or find it on our Publications Page.

TAKING OFFICE OF THE TAX OMBUD SERVICES TO THE DOORSTEPS OF POLOKWANE COMMUNITY

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is taking its services to the community of Polokwane from 17 to 20 November 2016 (08h30 to 17h00) at the Mall of the North (food court area next to Pick n Pay). This is part of its nationwide campaign to educate taxpayers and the general public about its mandate, services offered and the processes involved when lodging tax complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The team will be available to answer queries regarding the Office and its services, as well as to assist taxpayers and tax practitioners lodge complaints against SARS. Visit us at the Mall of the North to find out more about our services .