Tax season to kick off in August

The new tax filing season will kick off in two months' time.  If taxpayers submit their returns via e-Filing, SARS says this can be done from the 1st of July.

"The tax filing season starts on 1 August 2019 for all taxpayers who file their tax returns. Taxpayers are encouraged to use one of our online channels to file electronically - either e-filing or mobi app. Taxpayers can make use of the WiFi offering should they want to come in and register for e-filing,” said South African Revenue Service commissioner Edward Kieswetter. 

Kieswetter briefed the media in Pretoria on Tuesday. 

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"For taxpayers that use online e-filing, that's e-filing with the mobi app, the closing date for them is 4 December. Those who go into SARS's branches, can file their returns until the end of October," Kieswetter said. 

Kieswetter says the tax return threshold has been lifted from R350 000 to R500 000 when certain criteria is met. 

He also gave a stern warning to those who don't file their taxes on time, saying it is a criminal offence to not submit any tax returns.