Media Releases for 2022/2023
For the Media release archive from 2007 to 2021, click here.
Joint Media statement on current border congestion
Published Date: 06/06/2023Land border posts are currently experiencing congestion and delays in relation to the cross-border processing of trucks and cargo, with the N4 corridor to Maputo through the Lebombo border post being the most affected.
SARS appoints three deputy commissioners to strengthen leadership
Published Date: 02/06/2023SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, today announced the appointment of 3 Deputy Commissioners, to strengthen his executive team within SARS. This follows an extensive executive search which resulted in the appointment of one internal candidate and two from private sector.
SACU members sign mutual recognition arrangement
Published Date: 31/05/2023Accredited traders in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa will benefit from lower trade costs and quicker turn-around times for imports and exports, because of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement signed today by the five Member States of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Trade statistics for April 2023
Published Date: 31/05/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R3.5 billion attributable to exports of R163.8 billion and imports of R160.3 billion, in April 2023.
SARS media statement on the Constitutional Court ruling
Published Date: 30/05/2023Constitutional Court has handed down judgment in the matter involving a request to access certain tax records of the former President of the Republic of South Africa. This request was made in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and was declined by SARS on the basis that legislation prohibited SARS from acting in any other way.
Employers must adhere to the deadline of 31 May 2023
Published Date: 29/05/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) urges all employers to comply with their legal obligations regarding the annual Employers Filing Season by the deadline of 31 May to avoid penalties, interest and / or criminal charges.
Media statement: Smuggling of cigarettes – Beitbridge Border post
Published Date: 20/05/2023Media statement on the African Global Holding
Published Date: 19/05/2023The Commissioner of South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Court of 17 May 2023 to dismiss the application for leave to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal verdict by the African Global Holding (Pty) Ltd (AGH).
Media statement on the judgment in the Regiments Capital matter
Published Date: 19/05/2023he Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, said he was pleased to note the decision of the Supreme Court of Appeal on 18 May 2023 in the matter of Commissioner for SARS v Regiments Regiments Capital (Pty) Ltd and Others.
SARS detects unusually high number of suspicious VAT registrations
Published Date: 11/05/2023SARS is committed to paying legitimate refunds to qualifying taxpayers as and when they become due. In line with this commitment in the 2022/23 financial year a record R381bn in refunds were paid of which R319bn were VAT refunds.
SARS conducts raid at an unregistered warehouse
Published Date: 05/05/2023Members of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a raid on an unauthorised warehouse in Vryburg, North-West yesterday, 4 May 2023, confiscating millions of rands worth of illegally manufactured alcohol and bitcoin mining equipment.
SARS media statement – How SARS has changed tax compliance status reporting for transferring funds abroad
Published Date: 03/05/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to provide an update with respect to the matter of Tax Compliance Status. As the previous Tax Compliance Status (TCS) solution had been operational since April 2016 and processed substantial and growing volumes of taxpayers requesting 3rd party verification requests, including Foreign Investment Allowance and Emigration, there was need for an enhancement to the system to rationalise and speed it up.
Media statement on the impounded truck with illicit cigarettes
Published Date: 02/05/2023The law enforcement team comprising of South African Revenue Service, South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metro Police acting on a tip-off intercepted a truck carrying illicit cigarettes at Bronkhorstspruit on the early hours of Monday, 1 May 2023.
Trade Statistics for March 2023
Published Date: 28/04/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R6.9 billion in March 2023. This surplus is attributable to exports of R192.2 billion and imports of R185.3 billion.
SA continues to reap the benefits of improved revenue collection
Published Date: 03/04/2023he South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce its preliminary revenue collection results for the 2022/2023 financial year, which reflects a significant growth trajectory over the past few years.
Trade Statistics for February 2023
Published Date: 31/03/2023South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R16.1 billion in February 2023 attributable to exports of R154.3 billion and imports of R138.2 billion.
Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the Public Officers for Ntaba Nyoni Estate and Ntaba Nyoni feedlot provide consent to SARS to make a public statement on their Tax Compliance Status
Published Date: 07/03/2023Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Ntaba Nyoni Estate and Ntaba Nyoni Feedlot, SARS has received the consent of the Taxpayers in terms of section 69 (6) of the Tax Administration Act no 28 of 2011 (TAA), to make a public statement.
SARS response to PAIA request by Mr John Steenhuisen
Published Date: 06/03/2023SARS confirms that it has responded to the request by the leader of the Democratic Alliance, Mr John Steenhuisen, made in terms of section 18(1) of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) regarding the declaration of a certain traveller.
Release of the 15th Annual Edition of Tax Statistics
Published Date: 03/03/2023National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service have published the 15th annual edition of the Tax Statistics. The 2022 edition provides an overview of tax revenue collections and tax return information for the 2018 to 2022 tax years, as well as the 2017/18 to 2021/22 fiscal years.
Trade Statistics for January 2023
Published Date: 28/02/2023SARS today releases trade statistics for January 2023 recording a preliminary trade balance deficit of R23.05 billion, with exports of R139.4bn and imports of R162.4bn.
Joint operation nets illicit cigarettes worth millions
Published Date: 27/02/2023The South African Revenue Service’s National Customs Enforcement Team working together with the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force over the weekend of 25-26 February intercepted truckloads of illicit cigarettes, based on intelligence received.
New accord further cements collaboration between SAPS/ DPCI and SARS
Published Date: 24/02/2023Enhanced cooperation and collaboration between SAPS/ DPCI (Hawks) and SARS is being bolstered with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding that promotes the exchange of information, joint initiatives and more effective operational arrangements in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.
SARS Customs and SAPS seize 378 kg of cocaine
Published Date: 24/02/2023Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Police Service carried out an early morning raid today on a container ship at the Durban harbour and found 300kg of cocaine in one of the containers on board the ship.
SARS continues to show its mettle in revenue collection
Published Date: 22/02/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) accepted the increased revenue collection estimate announced by Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana. In his 2023 Budget Speech, the Minister increased the revenue estimate to R1.69 trillion, an increase of R93.7 billion from the 2022 February Budget statement.
Trade Statistics released for December 2022
Published Date: 31/01/2023SARS today releases trade statistics for December 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R5.43 billion attributable to exports of R163.27 billion and imports of R157.83 billion.
Transfer pricing: Intra-Group Loans
Published Date: 17/01/2023The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has today released an interpretation note titled “DETERMINATION OF THE TAXABLE INCOME OF CERTAIN PERSONS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS: INTRA-GROUP LOANS” which provides guidance on how SARS will determine arm’s length pricing for intra-group loans. The Note also provides guidance on the consequences for a taxpayer if the amount of debt, the cost of debt or both are not arm’s length.
Trade Statistics for November 2022
Published Date: 30/12/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for November 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R7.98 billion attributable to exports of R172.67 billion and imports of R164.69 billion.
Possible counterfeit shoes bust worth R3-million in total
Published Date: 21/12/2022Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized possible counterfeit shoes (sneakers and sandals) with an estimated value of R3-million this past weekend.
Hair extensions” found to be substance used to manufacture Mandrax
Published Date: 07/12/2022Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized a substance that is used to manufacture the drug Mandrax after inspecting a truck that was entering South Africa from Mozambique.
SARS Head of Technology wins CIO of the Year award
Published Date: 05/12/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to express its heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding recognition of its Head of Technology and Solutions Delivery (TSD), Mr Intikhab Shaik, for receiving the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) President’s Award as the Visionary Chief Information Officer of the Year.
SARS permanent Voluntary Disclosure Programme
Published Date: 30/11/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in terms of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011, has made provision for the Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) to be permanently available to a qualifying individual, company or trust that seeks to voluntarily disclose and regularise their tax affairs.
Trade Statistics for October 2022
Published Date: 30/11/2022SARS today releases trade statistics for October 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance deficit of R4.31 billion attributable to exports of R159.61 billion and imports of R163.92 billion.
SARS settles labour dispute and reinstates former employees
Published Date: 22/11/2022SARS is pleased to announce that it has settled the labour dispute with and reinstated two former employees, Ms Hope Mashilo and Ms Tshebeletso Seremane with effect 1 September 2022. This marks a further milestone in reversing and repairing the adverse effects of the capture of SARS and its journey to rebuilding public confidence and trust.
Media Statement: Greater focus on taking tax transparency and exchange of information to the next level
Published Date: 18/11/2022This past week witnessed the tax world focusing on taking tax transparency and exchange of information to the next level during the annual OECD Global Forum on Tax Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) 15th Plenary held in Seville, Spain from 9-11 November 2022.
Media statement on the direct 7 year sentence for corrupt SARS officer
Published Date: 17/11/2022The South African Revenue Service has welcomed a 7 years direct prison sentence handed to one of our own, Mr Malatse Kolokoto by the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court after being found guilty of corruption. This stems from an incident in which the accused facilitated that a traveller leaves the country with goods without proper declaration.
SARS welcomes the judgment of the High Court (Gauteng Provincial Division) on 11 November 2022
Published Date: 11/11/2022SARS has welcomed the judgment of the High Court to set aside the Report of the Public Protector on the “Investigation into Allegations of Maladministration, Corruption and Procurement Irregularities and Improper Conduct by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Connection with the Handling of a Tender for the Provision of Bespoke Software Development, Maintenance and Support Services for the Benefit of SARS for a period of 7 (seven) years”.
Statement and public apology to current SARS employees who were adversely affected by actions taken by SARS and certain third parties during 2014 – 2018
Published Date: 11/11/2022Statement and public apology to current SARS employees who were adversely affected by actions taken by SARS and certain third parties during 2014 – 2018.
SARS’ public apology to employees adversely affected by its action
Published Date: 10/11/2022Media statement and public apology to former SARS employees who were adversely affected by actions taken by SARS, and certain third parties, during 2014 – 2018.
SARS furthers International Tax Cooperation in Africa and among BRICS countries
Published Date: 04/11/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) participated in two multilateral meetings in the current week to cement international tax co-operation in Africa and among the BRICS Countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
SARS and the dtic start distributing clothing and footwear to KZN flood victims living in shelters
Published Date: 02/11/2022The initiative whereby the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) have joined forces with Business and Labour to donate tons of seized clothing, blankets, and footwear to flood victims in Kwa-Zulu Natal, has entered its second phase. This entails the donation of clothing and footwear to the flood victims.
Trade Statistics for September 2022
Published Date: 31/10/2022SARS today releases trade statistics for September 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R19.70 billion attributable to exports of R191.56 billion and imports of R171.86 billion.
SARS and law enforcement agencies take action against illegal and illicit goods
Published Date: 27/10/2022Millions of rands worth of illegal or illicit goods were confiscated in several joint operations conducted through coordinated efforts within SARS over the past month.
SARS committed to achieve higher revenue estimate
Published Date: 26/10/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the consistent emphasis by the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, on ensuring that government finances are spent in an equitable, efficient and flexible manner to support South Africa’s development objectives.
SARS takes a further step towards improving the integrity of trade and traveller facilitation as part of implementing Smart Borders
Published Date: 20/10/2022Travelers are required by law to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa. The declaration process is in line with practices around the world and in compliance with the provision of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 which makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the Republic to declare any goods in their possession. Full details of prohibited and restricted goods are available on the SARS website (www.sars.gov.za), and travelers are advised that it is their responsibility to comply.
SARS celebrates its silver jubilee
Published Date: 14/10/2022Today, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will host its 25th anniversary celebration, following its formal establishment on 1 October 1997. The auspicious event will be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Trade Statistics for August 2022
Published Date: 30/09/2022SARS today releases trade statistics for August 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R7.18 billion attributable to exports of R175.37 billion and imports of R168.19 billion.
SARS sharpens its focus on Trusts
Published Date: 28/09/2022SARS is working hard to increase and expand the use of data. Through this process, SARS has identified a significant number of beneficiaries of Trusts who have received distributions but have not submitted income tax returns in line with their legal obligation as per the annual public notice under section 25 of the Tax Administration Act 23 of 2011. These beneficiaries consist of companies, individuals and Trusts who must submit their outstanding income tax returns immediately. Failure to remedy this non-compliance, SARS will invoke the provisions of the law which may include actions such as raising estimated assessments, imposition of interest and penalties as well as civil and criminal sanctions.
SARS clamps down on the illicit rhino industry
Published Date: 22/09/2022In line with its strategy objective of making hard and costly for those who engages in non-compliant activities, several specialised divisions within the South African Revenue Services (SARS) are focussing on tax audit investigations aimed at suspect non-compliant taxpayers, actors and facilitators benefitting directly or indirectly from tax evasion and illicit financial flows stemming from wildlife crime.
Trade Statistics for July 2022
Published Date: 31/08/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for July 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R24.76 billion.
New legislative tool targeting unexplained wealth to be piloted
Published Date: 30/08/2022An initiative, being piloted by a number of government departments and agencies in law enforcement and prosecution, will make it more cost effective, faster and easier to investigate and recover assets acquired through suspected unlawful activities such as corruption, fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.
SARS Customs seizes Crystal Meth at OR Tambo International Airport
Published Date: 28/08/2022The Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) at the OR Tambo Airport, intercepted pelleted cargo that was destined for Australia. The consignment which was declared as Multi-Purpose Anti-Slip Mat was upon physical inspection, found to be have been used to conceal Crystal meth weighing 785 kg with the street value of R236 million.
Media statement on Gold Leaf Tobacco
Published Date: 26/08/2022SARS welcomes an order by the North Gauteng High Court granting a preservation order in terms of section 163 of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011 against Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation and its directors, Messrs Rudland and Adamjee. SARS has been investigating and clamping down on the illicit economy focusing on tobacco, gold and fuel industry over the last year, and this is one of the many enforcement steps executed by SARS.
SARS to appeal judgement
Published Date: 24/08/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the Labour Court judgement of 22 August 2022 on the matter between Mashilo and Seremane v the Commissioner of SARS. The matter relates to an incident that dates back to 2015 during the tenure of the former Commissioner.
Suspension of industrial action at SARS
Published Date: 12/08/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the suspension of the industrial action by two recognized labour unions, PSA and NEHAWU. The PSA was the first officially to suspend the industrial action from 20 July 2022, followed by NEHAWU on 08 August 2022.
Agencies pledge to strengthen collaboration ahead of critical FATF review
Published Date: 11/08/2022South African institutions at the heart of fighting corruption, including state capture, pledged their commitment to strengthen their joint efforts and enhance collaboration to ensure those who abused state resources are brought to book.
Clearing agent in court for defrauding SARS and importers
Published Date: 03/08/2022he South African Revenue Service (SARS) notes the appearance of a clearing agent and his co-accused at the Durban Commercial Crime Court on 28 July 2022, for a customs and excise related fraud matter. The two were charged with defrauding SARS and their clients of more than R2 million.
Trade Statistics for June 2022
Published Date: 29/07/2022SARS today releases trade statistics for June 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R24.23 billion attributable to exports of R184.61 billion and imports of R160.38 billion.
Media update on the ongoing SARS strike
Published Date: 27/07/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) remains committed to resolving the ongoing industrial action with organised labour. As communicated earlier, SARS does not determine its own budget, but relies on funding allocation from National Treasury. It is within this context that SARS commenced negotiations with its partners in labour.
SARS Media Release on the Chinese Railway Rolling Stock Corporation’s (CRRC) matter
Published Date: 21/07/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) welcomes the judgment by the North Gauteng High Court dismissing the Chinese Railway Rolling Stock Corporation’s (CRRC) application to have SARS return money taken from its bank accounts in terms of third party appointments under section 179(6) of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011 as part of SARS efforts to collect outstanding taxes.
SARS Customs puts contingency measures in place at border posts during strike
Published Date: 15/07/2022SARS remains open for further engagement with labour
Published Date: 12/07/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) wishes to confirm that PSA and NEHAWU members have embarked on an industrial action as per the notice given by the union to SARS Management. The resumption of strike follows its temporary suspension by the PSA in May, and union leadership has indicated that they intend to remain on strike until SARS improves its wage offer
Trade Statistics for May 2022
Published Date: 30/06/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for May 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R28.35 billion. The R28.35 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for May 2022 is attributable to exports of R179.46 billion and imports of R151.11 billion.
2022 Tax Filing Season
Published Date: 29/06/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made significant changes to the 2022 Tax Filing Season. This year, over 3 million individual non-provisional taxpayers, have been auto-assessed by SARS and will not have to file a tax return if they are satisfied with the outcome.
SARS media statement
Published Date: 15/06/2022SARS has noted the recent allegation made in the press and social media that the Commissioner for SARS is a director of a company owned by President Ramaphosa. It is insinuated that SARS has therefore remained silent about the tax matters of President Ramaphosa.
SARS sews victory protecting the textile industry
Published Date: 10/06/2022The South African Revenue Service welcomes the unanimous judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal (“the SCA”) which has affirmed its procedure and right to seize goods which have been under-declared when crossing South Africa’s borders.
SARS and DTIC donate tonnes of seized clothing, blankets and footwear to flood victims
Published Date: 08/06/2022SARS and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) have joined forces to donate tonnes of seized clothing, blankets and footwear to flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Eastern Cape, North West, and the Free State provinces.
SARS seizes 11 falsely declared containers
Published Date: 08/06/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) through its Customs & Excise National Rapid Response Team seized eleven (11) falsely declared consignments made up of clothing that were presented as shoes with a total prejudice to the fiscus to the value of R 3-million.
SARS Customs intercepts rhino horn at OR Tambo
Published Date: 03/06/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs unit working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle rhino horn out of the country after receiving information about the suspicious luggage en route to Abu-Dhabi.
Trade Statistics for April 2022
Published Date: 31/05/2022SARS today release trade statistics for April 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R15.49 billion attributable to exports of R151.79 billion and imports of R136.30 billion.
SARS reminds representative taxpayers of trusts of their duty to register trusts for income tax purposes
Published Date: 27/05/2022SARS would like to advise representative taxpayers of trusts of their duty to register trusts for income tax purposes.
Misdeclaration of sugar, textile and tyres
Published Date: 26/05/2022The Illicit Trade Unit (ITU) of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in Durban has clamped down on an importer of 20 containers of sugar that were declared as containing rice, which is duty free.
SARS remains operational despite strike
Published Date: 25/05/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted that organized labour has opted to embark on an industrial action despite concerted efforts by SARS to avert the strike. SARS believes that its offer, to which it has received no response, is the best under the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing the country. SARS is also limited by the resources available to it from the funding grant.
Negotiations between SARS and Organised Labour
Published Date: 22/05/2022The leadership of South African Revenue Service (SARS) met with the Organised Labour represented by the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) and Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) to find resolution to the matters on which the unions declared a dispute.
Rhino horn found in luggage at OR Tambo International Airport
Published Date: 29/04/2022Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), in collaboration with other government departments, intercepted the luggage of a female South African passenger at OR Tambo International Airport which contained twelve (12) pieces of rhino horn weighing 30.7 kilograms.
SARS releases the preliminary trade statistics for March 2022
Published Date: 29/04/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) today releases trade statistics for March 2022 recording a preliminary trade balance surplus of R45.86 billion. These statistics include trade data with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN). The year-to-date (01 January to 31 March 2022) preliminary trade balance surplus of R62.10 billion is a deterioration from the R99.06 billion trade balance surplus for the comparable period in 2021. Exports increased by 9.8% year-on-year whilst imports increased by 21.3% over the same period.
SARS carries out search and seizure operations in various sectors
Published Date: 07/04/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) through its Syndicated Tax & Customs Crime Division, carried out inspections as well as search and seizure operations on entities in the banking sector, tobacco and cigarette sector, alcohol, gold and clothing industries in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng.
Media Release – SARS Collects R1.564 trillion
Published Date: 01/04/2022In its 25th anniversary year, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to announce the 2022 preliminary tax revenue collection outcome after the second year of national COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Trade Statistics for February 2022
Published Date: 31/03/2022The R10.60 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for February 2022 is attributable to exports of R141.15 billion and imports of R130.55 billion. Exports increased by R10.51 billion (8.0%) between January and February 2022 and imports increased by R3.98 billion (3.1%) over the same period.
Preliminary SARS revenue collection outcome for 2021/2022
Published Date: 28/03/2022The SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter will announce the preliminary revenue collection outcome for 2021/2022 on Friday 1 April 2022 at 14:00.
Launch of SARS multilingual tax terminology publication
Published Date: 17/03/2022The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter has committed the organisation to promoting the use of historically marginalised official languages in the tax and customs environment.
Joint operation in KZN yields illicit cigarettes, narcotics
Published Date: 04/03/2022A joint operation involving the South African Revenue Service’s Customs officers, the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the Metro police led to the confiscation of over 2 million cigarettes and narcotics in Durban yesterday.
Scrap metal exporter found guilty of lying to Customs
Published Date: 03/03/2022A Cape Town-based export company and its director were found guilty of mis-declaring a consignment of scrap metal in order to avoid paying the recently introduced export duties on scrap metal.
Trade Statistics for January 2022
Published Date: 28/02/2022The R3.55 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for January 2022 is attributable to exports of R130.12 billion and imports of R126.57 billion.
Assets of diagnostic radiologists attached over tax debt of R52-million
Published Date: 25/02/2022Assets belonging to a practice of two diagnostic radiologists have been attached by the Sheriff of the High Court over outstanding returns and a tax debt of R52-million owed to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
SARS will not tolerate employees who collude with taxpayers
Published Date: 24/02/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted with concern the arrest of two SARS employees on allegations of extortion after the two employees demanded money from a taxpayer in return for reducing or cancelling the taxpayer’s debt.
SARS making illicit tobacco trade hard and costly
Published Date: 23/02/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) through its Criminal and Illicit Economic Activities and Customs Divisions carried out inspections as well as search and seizure operations on cigarette companies and manufacturers in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng.
SARS welcomes the revised Revenue Estimate
Published Date: 23/02/2022SARS welcomes the upwardly revised revenue collection estimate announced by Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana. In his 2022 Budget Review speech, Minister increased the revenue estimate to R1 547.07 billion from the February 2021 budget estimate of R1 365.1billion. The 2021/22 revenue yield is expected to result in the tax-to-GDP ratio reaching 24.7%, which is higher than pre-COVID level and that indicates that the extraction rate is on a positive trajectory.
The cutting of utility services at one of the SARS offices in Pretoria
Published Date: 15/02/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the decision of the City of Tshwane to disconnect the utility services at a SARS office in Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria.
SARS Customs seizes illegal catalytic converters valued at R21-million
Published Date: 02/02/2022The Customs Division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) made three seizures at the OR Tambo International Airport of catalytic converters and crushed powder from the core of a catalytic converter, valued at R21-million. The crushed powder extracted from the core of a catalytic converter is contributing to a new drug craze.
Trade Statistics for December 2021
Published Date: 31/01/2022The R30.14 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for December 2021 is attributable to exports of R156.30 billion and imports of R126.16 billion.
SARS commits to increased use of data for trade efficiency
Published Date: 26/01/2022The Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr Edward Kieswetter, has committed the SARS Customs division to scale up digital transformation and to increase the use of data to improve the facilitation of trade, revenue collection and improve compliance by traders who import and export goods across South Africa’s borders.
Former SARS employee gets 12 years custodial sentence
Published Date: 25/01/2022A former employee of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Bilal Shaik has received a 12-year custodial sentence for fraud, forgery, uttering and money laundering, amounting to R6-million.
Release of Tax Statistics for 2021
Published Date: 25/01/2022National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service have published the 14th annual edition of the Tax Statistics.
The passing of Mr Trevor van Heerden, first Commissioner of SARS
Published Date: 06/01/2022The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is saddened to note the passing yesterday evening of its first Commissioner, Mr Trevor van Heerden. He was a skilled and dedicated civil servant who committed more than forty years of his life to SARS and one of its predecessors, Inland Revenue.
