SARS sorry for threatening SMS to non-complying taxpayers

Earlier this week, the revenue services sent text messages to various taxpayers, warning them of criminal action if they don't submit their income tax returns within 10 days.

The 2023 tax season for non-provisional tax payers closed on 23 October, while provisional taxpayers have until January to file their tax returns.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the tax authority apologised for the messages.

"Notwithstanding the legal mandate of SARS to act against taxpayers who fail to comply, it is generally expected that we first remind, and give the taxpayers the opportunity to comply, ahead of SARS commencing legal action.

"The SMS message that was sent out earlier this week, in relation to outstanding returns, fell short of the high professional standard we seek to uphold," the statement added. 

SARS said the SMS was meant as a genuine and helpful reminder to taxpayers to file tax returns and fulfil their legal filing obligation.

"Most taxpayers are honest and ordinarily appreciate such reminders. Honest taxpayers should not feel threatened by SARS but, unfortunately, the way the message was crafted had this effect.  

"The message regrettably refers to possible prosecution of taxpayers for their failure to file their returns as they are legally obligated to do so.

"While SARS is empowered by law to remind all taxpayers that are still registered with SARS of their legal obligation to file their relevant returns by the due date, SARS does not commence legal action before engaging with taxpayers," it said.

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