A total of 7 000 taxi owners across the country have applied for the small-business tax amnesty ahead of the cut-off date of May 31, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) said in a statement on Thursday.
A large number of them only responded from the beginning of this week and Sars is calling on to all others to do the same before the cut-off date, spokesperson Thumida Maistry said.
”Taxi owners are our current focus of attention and despite an initial lukewarm response by this sector to the amnesty, this week has seen significant progress in the applications from them.”
She said a ceremony was even held in Krugersdorp to award certificates to those who had been granted amnesty.
”These individuals inspired others to apply by providing a credible example to those who respect and trust them as people who have benefited from the small-business tax amnesty.”
Maistry said Sars had roped in the assistance of ”big taxi bosses” to help inform other operators of the tax amnesty.
”They had been sceptical but with the help of the bigger taxi operators we hope the whole campaign will be a success.”
She gave as an example the Northdale taxi rank in Pietermaritzburg, where two taxi operators have taken up the task of informing their fellow taxi bosses in their town.
”Two well-known taxi operators in this area — Razaq Khan and Rasta Mamane — have agreed to host members of all 30 associations in the area on Friday at their headquarters in the Moosa Allee building, and lead a call by Sars to taxi owners to apply for amnesty.”
She said Sars officials will be present at the gathering to assist with the application processes and help where there are misunderstandings.
”Sars will be sending a clear message, to other sectors as well, that the chance to come clean is fast running out.”
Failure to apply for amnesty will be held against small business owners, Maistry said. — Sapa