SARS Announces Expanded Auto-Assessment for 2024 Tax Season

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has declared an expanded auto-assessment pool for the upcoming 2024 tax season, aiming to assess approximately 4.8 million taxpayers compared to last year’s 3.8 million. The auto-assessment period for the enlarged taxpayer base is set to run from 1 – 14 July 2024, with a kick-off date of Filing Season slated for 15 July 2024 for both provisional and non-provisional filers.

In an attempt to simplify and streamline the tax compliance process, SARS will auto-assess a higher number of taxpayers this year, allowing individuals to receive their refunds promptly if due. The agency emphasized that taxpayers in agreement with the auto-assessment need not take any further action, ensuring swift processing within 72 hours for refunds and prompt payment for owed taxes by the due date.

If a taxpayer disagrees with the auto-assessment results, they are advised to make necessary adjustments and file their returns conventionally through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before 21 October 2024, the deadline for non-provisional filers. It’s essential for taxpayers to update their contact information and banking details on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to facilitate a seamless Filing Season and prevent potential fraud.

Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of SARS, reassured taxpayers of the agency’s commitment to leveraging big data, machine learning, and algorithms to ensure Filing Season remains a hassle-free experience. Kieswetter highlighted the diminished need for taxpayers to visit physical branches, thanks to the array of digital platforms available for filing.

Transparency and accuracy in tax filings were underscored by the Commissioner, who warned against inflating expenses or under-declaring income to illicitly obtain refunds. Instances of non-compliance, such as excluding rental income, could lead to fraud charges. The use of technology and data analysis enables SARS to identify such cases more efficiently, reinforcing the need for truthful reporting from taxpayers.