SARS refunds will take longer to be paid out this year
SARS has an obligation to both taxpayers as well as to the fiscus to ensure that fraudulent and invalid claims are stopped
TAXPAYERS may have to wait longer for refunds from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) this tax season.
According to SARS it has implemented additional risk processes in the way that it pays out refunds to taxpayers.
“It is important for taxpayers expecting a refund to note that SARS has this year implemented additional risk processes to ensure both the legitimacy and accuracy of the refunds paid. SARS has an obligation to both taxpayers as well as to the fiscus to ensure that fraudulent and invalid claims are stopped,” SARS said in a statement on Thursday.
SARS is committed to ensure that legitimate refunds are paid as soon as possible.
As of 8am on Thursday, SARS had received 341 356 returns. The majority, 243 388, were submitted using eFiling, while 97 968 have submitted at a SARS branch.
The 2017 tax season opened on July 1 for eFilers, while it opened on July 3 for those filing their tax returns at SARS branches.
