It’s tax return season, and SARS is on everyone’s lips. A flood of submissions caused unexpected technical delays in the revenue service’s online systems.

The overwhelming demand forced SARS to take swift action, announcing an extension to the key filing deadline for employers to file their monthly tax data to July 14.

SARS admitted in a media statement that they experienced higher-than-expected volumes, which caused their systems to respond longer than expected.

Read more: SARS eFiling tips: How to be fully compliant

“We recognise that some employers experienced delays in submitting their monthly EMP201s, and as a result, we will consider not imposing penalties and interest on employers who would otherwise have been compliant.

“This process of payment is governed by paragraphs 2(1) and 14(2) of the Fourth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, which provides for the payment of Pay-As-You-Earn, (PAYE) Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Skills Development Levy (SDL) and the submission of the EMP201 form within seven days after the end of the month during which the amounts that were withheld from remuneration paid to employees.”

Also read: SARS filing season: Understanding payment options and Administrative Penalties

SARS said in terms of section 3 of the Income Tax Act, the Commissioner for SARS has the discretionary power to extend the respective due dates.

“Taxpayers are encouraged to submit their EMP201 returns before 14 July to avoid late penalties.”
For information, please contact SARSMedia@sars.gov.za.

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