/ 25 August 2008

Sars extends office hours to help taxpayers

Offices of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) will stay open longer from Monday to accommodate the anticipated increase in employers wishing to submit their payroll records ahead of the August 29 deadline.

”This will allow an extra three hours per day during which employers can receive assistance from Sars staff at branches and the national call centre to submit their PAYE reconciliations,” Sars said in a statement.

More than 100 000 employers had submitted their PAYE reconciliation declarations to Sars, along with 5,6-million employee tax certificates on behalf of their employees, Sars said.

”However, many employers have yet to submit their EMP501 reconciliation declaration and copies of employee tax certificates.

”They have until August 29 in order to do so by using the new e@syFile software developed by Sars to assist employers to do this electronically, or by visiting their nearest branch,” SARS said.

The deadline would not be extended and strong penalties would be imposed against defaulting employers. — Sapa