MORE than 2.7 million taxpayers have submitted their tax returns since the opening of tax season in July 2017, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) said on Wednesday.

“SARS wishes to thank all 2 794 952 taxpayers who have submitted their returns timeously. This is an increase of 3.6 per cent compared to last year’s figure this time. As at 1pm today, SARS had already received 18 017 tax returns for this morning alone,” said the revenue service.

By Monday, SARS had paid over R62.1 billion in refunds to taxpayers. Of this amount, R49.8 billion in VAT refunds was disbursed and R12.3 billion in Personal Income Tax refunds.

The SARS contact centre to date has handled 1.69 million calls of which 324 651 have been call-back and help-you-eFile requests.

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As at the start of Tax Season to date, 49.28 per cent of taxpayers have used the SARS eFiling channel to file their returns while 50.9 per cent filed at a branch.

SARS Commissioner Tom Moyane also expressed appreciation to taxpayers and the team of over 14 000 SARS employees committed to providing excellent service.

“As SARS we are thankful for the level of compliance amongst taxpayers, who make it possible for the State to carry out its mandate. Also, we are proud of the passion, commitment and dedication displayed by SARS employees to provide excellent service throughout the country,” he said.

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