The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has urged all taxpayers to submit outstanding tax returns and pay all tax due by 31 March or face heavy penalties.<\/p>\n
“Taxpayers, both individuals and businesses, are required to fully tax compliant through on-time submission of returns and payments,” the revenue collector said.<\/p>\n
“In instances where taxpayers are not compliant and have outstanding tax debt, the debt management department is committed to assisting businesses and individuals to become fully compliant.”<\/p>\n
SARS said that if you are not currently able to pay your tax debt, it is important to contact it without delay.<\/p>\n
It added that in certain circumstances it may be possible to reach an agreement with you to defer your tax debt for later payment or for payment by instalments.<\/p>\n
What if I don’t pay my tax?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n SARS said it is a criminal offence not to submit a tax return when it is due, and can be a criminal offence not to pay.<\/p>\n It added that it has a number of debt collection options at its disposal, including:<\/p>\n “If you are not in agreement with your tax debt, you may lodge a dispute,” SARS said.<\/p>\n “Even though you are disputing the tax debt you remain under an obligation to pay the debt whilst your dispute is being handled.<\/p>\n “Application for suspension of payment may be requested while the dispute is being dealt with. Interest will accrue on any unpaid debt.”<\/p>\n\n
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