Tax Ombudsman to investigate SARS complaints
The Tax Ombudsman will investigate alleged undue delays by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in paying out tax refunds.
Tax Ombud, Judge Bernard Ngoepe has confirms that he requested, and obtained, the approval of the Minister of Finance to do so.
The Minister's approval was required in terms of section 16(1)(b) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011.
Spokesperson Pearl Seopela says this will be the first such review and follows recent amendments to the Act, which came into operation on 18 January 2017.
Seopela says the review will be on all categories of tax refunds.
"The approach to the Minister was prompted by the number of complaints received by the Tax Ombud from taxpayers. Both SARS and external stakeholders have already been notified," says Seopela.
Seopela says SARS has indicated that it will co-operate.
"As it was the taxpayer themselves who pressed for the review, the office of the Tax Ombud also calls on them to co-operate so that the matter is expeditiously dealt with," says Seopela.
She says the Office of the Tax Ombud will be engaging both SARS and concerned taxpayers.
"It is hoped that, as a contribution towards facilitating tax collection, the air will be cleared and/or necessary recommendations made at the end, if need be," says Seopela.