What is the Tax Ombud, and what do they do?

The Tax Ombud is an independent office that investigates complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS). We help taxpayers resolve disputes, ensure fair treatment, and promote a just tax system.

How can I lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud?

You can lodge a complaint online through our website, by email, or by post. Our website provides detailed instructions and forms to assist you.

I received a tax assessment I disagree with. What can I do?

You can lodge a formal objection with SARS within a specified timeframe. If you're dissatisfied with SARS's response, you can escalate the matter to the Tax Ombud.

I'm having trouble with SARS's eFiling system. Who can I contact for help?

You can contact SARS directly through their eFiling helpdesk or visit a SARS branch. If you're still experiencing difficulties, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm concerned about a SARS audit. What should I do?

Cooperate with the SARS auditor and provide all necessary documentation. If you believe the audit is unfair or excessive, you can consult with a tax advisor or lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm having trouble with SARS's debt collection process. What are my rights?

SARS must follow specific procedures when collecting debt. If you believe SARS is not following these procedures, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm a small business owner and I'm struggling with SARS compliance. Where can I get help?

Consider consulting with a tax advisor or seeking assistance from SARS's Small Business Support Unit. If you encounter issues with SARS, you can also lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm a foreign national living in South Africa. What are my tax obligations?

Your tax obligations will depend on your specific circumstances. You may need to file a non-resident tax return or a resident tax return. Consult with a tax advisor or contact SARS for more information.

I've received a tax refund that is incorrect. How can I rectify this?

Contact SARS directly to resolve the issue. If you're unable to resolve the matter, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

I'm concerned about data privacy and security with SARS. What can I do?

SARS has strict data privacy and security protocols. If you have concerns about how SARS is handling your personal information, you can lodge a complaint with the Tax Ombud.

Get ready! Get set! And get your documents organised

͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌

Get ready, get set and get your documents organised!

Dear Stakeholder,

The tax season is around the corner, and it is vital to get all your documents for a hassle-free filing process. To help you sail through tax filing season smoothly, here are some handy tips to get your docs in a row.

Why Get Organised?

Avoid last-minute stress: Having your documents ready in advance can save you from the last-minute rush.
Ensure accuracy: Properly organised documents help in accurate tax filing, reducing the risk of errors.
Keeping track of documents: Be on top of all your proof of expenses, ensure that you don't miss out on any deductions permitted in terms of the tax acts such as your business statements (e.g., IRP5), receipts for deductions (e.g., medical expenses and retirement annuity contributions), and investments, to mention a few. Having everything readily available will streamline the filing process when SARS requires such information.

Act now!

With your documents in a row and with accurate information, your chances of having a smooth filing process increase exponentially.

Remember, being organised not only makes the tax filing process easier but also ensures you meet all your obligations as a taxpayer.

Let's make this tax season a breeze!

Tips for Staying Organised:

Create a checklist: List all the documents you need and check them off as you gather them.
Use folders: Keep physical and digital copies of your documents in clearly labelled folders.
Set reminders: Use calendar reminders to ensure you stay on track with your document preparation.

By collating all required documentation and ensuring accuracy and completeness, you can reduce the risk of falling foul with SARS and ensure a smoother tax experience.

The Tax Ombud understands that navigating tax matters can sometimes be complex. If you have a complaint against SARS, don’t hesitate to lodge a formal complaint by completing a Complaint Form or call 0800 662 837 for assistance.

Remember, before reaching out to the Tax Ombud for assistance, make sure to first lodge your complaints with the SARS CMO on 0800 12 12 16.

The information provided in this document is protected by applicable intellectual property laws and may not be copied, distributed or modified for any purpose without the explicit consent of the OTO. The information was correct at the time of publication but may have subsequently changed. This newsletter is for information purposes only and cannot be considered to be a legal reference. The use of this information by any person shall be entirely at that person’s discretion. The Office of the Tax Ombud does not expressly or by implication represent, recommend or propose that services referred to in this document are appropriate to the needs of any particular person. The OTO does not accept any liability due to any loss, damages, costs and expenses, which may be sustained or incurred directly or indirectly as a result of any error or omission contained in this newsletter. The information does not supersede any legislation and readers who are in doubt regarding any aspect of the information displayed in the newsletter should refer to the relevant legislation or seek a formal opinion from a suitably qualified individual.

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Get ready, get set and get your documents organised!

Why Get Organised?

Tips for Staying Organised:

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