SARS:

18 October 2023 – The latest Government Connect Newsletter Issue 14 is available. This issue includes information on the charging of contingency fees, the PAYE monthly submission external BRS, additional functionality for the SARS online query system, expansion of IT3 third party data reporting, enhancements to the tax directive system and Employer Interim Reconciliation Declarations (EMP501).
18 October 2023 – The latest Tax Practitioner Connect Newsletter Issue 47 is available. This issue includes information on the charging of contingency fees, suspensions of licences and registration of SMME traders and clearing agents, the PAYE monthly submission external BRS, additional functionality for the SARS online query system, Turnover Tax, food manufacturers online registration for the Excise diesel refund scheme, expansion of IT3 third party data reporting.
17 October 2023 – The 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.

The office was cleared for reopening by both the Departments of Public Works and of Labour after a thorough-going inspection to ensure that it was safe to be used for its primary purpose.

SARS wishes to apologise for any inconvenience that was experienced by taxpayers and traders because of closure of the office.

For more information contact SarsMedia@sars.gov.za

17 October 2023 – SARS will be interacting with taxpayers on various radio stations.

Click here to view the October 2023 schedule for Free State and Northern Cape.

17 October 2023 – The SARS Rissik branch in Johannesburg will reopen from 18 October 2023, after the building was closed.
16 October 2023 – e@syFile version 7.4.1 was released.
16 October 2023 – The SARS Kariega branch is fully operational again from this morning, Monday 16 October 2023.
13 October 2023 – Investment income received for the year of assessment will be prepopulated on the Individual Income Tax Return (ITR12) with third party data sent to SARS.

The total investment income amount field (e.g. source code 4201 for local interest) will be locked on the ITR12 and is the sum of the amounts received per institution. Although the total amount field is locked on the return, the user can edit the information per institution.

To declare investment income not prepopulated on the return, click on the ‘Add’ button and insert the institution name, account number and amount.

To remove incorrect investment income items on the return (e.g. if it does not belong to the taxpayer or to the taxpayer’s spouse in the case of marriages in community of property), click on the ‘Delete’ icon displayed next to the applicable institution name. Note: If prepopulated investment income data is deleted, the return may be routed for verification.

The external guide has been updated:

IT-AE-36-G05 – Comprehensive Guide to the ITR12 Income Tax Return for Individuals – External Guide

13 October 2023 – RFP14/2023: Appointment of a service provider for the financial analysis tool for a period of three years
13 October 2023 – Income Tax Act, 1962

Guide on the Taxation of Farming Operations

13 October 2023 – Value-Added Tax Act, 1991

Draft Binding General Ruling 16 (Issue 3) – Standard Turnover-based Method of Apportionment

Due date for comment: 3 November 2023

13 October 2023 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964

Draft amendments to rules under sections 64E and 120 – Accreditation of clients

Due date for comment: 3 November 2023

16 October 2023 – The SARS Kariega branch is fully operational again from this morning, Monday 16 October 2023.
13 October 2023 – Investment income received for the year of assessment will be prepopulated on the Individual Income Tax Return (ITR12) with third party data sent to SARS.

To declare investment income not prepopulated on the return, click on the ‘Add’ button and insert the institution name, account number and amount.

The external guide has been updated:

IT-AE-36-G05 – Comprehensive Guide to the ITR12 Income Tax Return for Individuals – External Guide

13 October 2023 – RFP14/2023: Appointment of a service provider for the financial analysis tool for a period of three years
13 October 2023 – Income Tax Act, 1962

Guide on the Taxation of Farming Operations

13 October 2023 – Value-Added Tax Act, 1991

Draft Binding General Ruling 16 (Issue 3) – Standard Turnover-based Method of Apportionment

Due date for comment: 3 November 2023

13 October 2023 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964

Draft amendments to rules under sections 64E and 120 – Accreditation of clients

Due date for comment: 3 November 2023

12 October 2023 – A 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.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) was the lead agency in today’s search and seizure operation because information became available regarding a host of tax crimes allegedly committed by members of the coal-smuggling syndicate.

See the full media statement here.

OECD: