The annual income-tax return filing season begins on Wednesday, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) said.
Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay said taxpayers must hand in their returns by October 31.
”This year Sars has introduced significant changes to simplify and make the filing experience easier for taxpayers. This includes tax returns being reduced to two pages for most taxpayers, the number of different returns have been reduced, and the process of submitting returns and the manner in which Sars will assess returns also changed dramatically.”
He said the majority of taxpayers should have received their tax returns through the post. Sars started issuing about 3,5-million returns on July 16.
”Since then Sars offices have been assisting taxpayers at branch offices to complete the returns.”
To date over 67 000 returns have already been received by Sars.
Lackay said tax returns could be posted to Sars, delivered to drop boxes at Sars offices, or handed in at any post office.
Taxpayers could go to any branch office for free assistance and electronic completion of their forms.
”Taxpayers are reminded to bring supporting documentation with if they use the electronic option.”
As from midday on Wednesday there will be an electronic version of income-tax returns.
Taxpayers can telephone the Sars national call centre for assistance in completing their returns by dialling on 0860-121218. – Sapa