SARS and the OTO note with concern the recent article published by Sowetan regarding the rising number of SARS eFiling profiles reportedly hijacked by cyber-fraud criminals, resulting in significant financial losses for taxpayers. At the time of the article’s publication, the OTO had not yet released the draft report for public comment, and the article […]
Fair Play 37 – Tips for Filing Season
Media Statement: Postponement of the publication of the Draft Report on the Investigation into alleged SARS eFiling Profile Hijacking
2 July 2025: The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) announces the postponement of the publication of the draft report on its investigation into alleged SARS eFiling profile hijacking, initially scheduled for release for public comment on 7 July 2025. This decision follows a formal request from the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service […]
Virtual engagement on eFiling profile hijacking survey feedback
The Office of the Tax Ombud hereby invites you to a virtual engagement where the Tax Ombud, Ms. Yanga Mputa, will share preliminary findings on eFiling Profile Hijacking Survey. The survey was conducted as part of the OTO’s efforts to gather information for ongoing systemic investigation into this matter.
Strategic Plan 2025 – 30
Annual Performance Plan 2025/26
Fair Play 36 – Balancing Fairness and Compliance
Fairness for all: Case 30
Taxpayers often find themselves caught in complex disputes due to administrative errors or delays by SARS in processing their objections. When these issues result in unfair financial burden, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) serves as an independent mediator, ensuring that taxpayers are treated fairly. In this case, the OTO played a crucial role in […]
Invitation to participate in the eFiling profile hijacking taxpayer experience survey
On 15 August 2024, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) announced that it sought and obtained approval from the Minister of Finance to conduct a review of possible systemic and emerging issues related to alleged SARS’s service failures in assisting taxpayers with eFiling profile hijacking timeously in terms of section 16(1)(b) of the Tax […]