The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed that the start of the 2023 tax season will be Friday, 7 July at 20:00. Image: iStock images
Putting off your 2023 tax return? Here are 12 pointers to help
Let’s help you submit your 2023 tax return in record time and maximise your chance of a refund.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed that the start of the 2023 tax season will be Friday, 7 July at 20:00. Image: iStock images
2023 tax return season started exactly one week ago (7 July 2023) and revenue collection is in full swing. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has taken every opportunity to make submitting your 2023 tax return as quick and easy as possible.
If you haven’t completed yours already, what are you waiting for?
2023 TAX RETURN
No matter how many times you’ve submitted, everyone can benefit from a little bit of help. So, we’ve compiled a quick 12-point list of handy to-knows that should help you through the process this year.
1. HOW DO I FILE A 2023 TAX RETURN?
It’s simple, first you must register on the SARS eFiling website.
The system automatically generates your 2023 income tax return form (ITR12) for you, based off statements of accounts from your employer, bank, medical aid scheme, retirement annuity fund, investment manager and other relevant service providers. It’s all there waiting for you.
2. WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER?
To register on the SARS eFiling website, you will need to upload:
- A copy of your ID, proof of your residential address.
- A bank statement that reflects the name of your bank, your name, account type and account number (not older than three months).
- Your latest IRP5/IT3(a) income tax certificate, which must reflect your income tax reference number.
3. HOW DO I GET AN INCOME TAX REFERENCE NUMBER?
An income tax reference number is a 10-digit number that appears on your IRP5. You get this through SARS eFiling. On the website click on REGISTER and follow the prompts. Then define your role, whether you are an individual or a business. If you have any problems, you can also call SARS on 0800 007 277.
4. WHO NEEDS TO SUBMIT A 2023 TAX RETURN?
You DO NOT need to submit a tax return if you’ve been employed by one employer for the full tax year and you earn less than R500 000 annually.
ALSO READ: Good news: You can track your tax return status HERE
You DO need to submit a tax return, however, if you changed employers during the year or had multiple sources of income (ie. an entrepreneur or freelancer). You must submit if you received remuneration other than salary, e.g. a travelling allowance, and if you have a medical aid or retirement annuity that is not administrated through your employer.
5. WHAT DOCUMENTS MAKE UP A 2023 TAX RETURN?
Everyone’s tax needs differ, but if you have these documents ready when you log onto SARS eFiling, the process should be smooth:
- Your IRP5/IT3(a) tax certificate.
- Medical aid tax certificate.
- Retirement annuity tax certificate.
- Statement of other income earned besides your salary. Ie. business or rental income.
- Full details of your vehicle (If you have a travel allowance/company car) and a logbook specifying business kilometres.
If any IRP5/IT3(a) documents on your tax return are incorrect, you will need to contact the employer/party responsible to resupply to SARS.
6. CAN I SUBMIT MY 2023 TAX RETURN ON MY PHONE?
The SARS MobiApp is one of the great new additions from SARS this year. And you can submit your 2023 tax return on your phone via the app. Download it for the following devices:
- Apple App Store for Apple devices.
- Google Play Store for Android devices.
- Huawei App Gallery for Huawei devices.
Once downloaded, click REGISTER, complete your ITR12, then click SAVE and submit for evaluation.
7. WHAT IF I WANT TO FILE IN PERSON?
If you feel you need in-person assistance, an agent at one of the SARS branches will be able to assist you. Just be sure to bring along all your supporting documentation.
You must call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 first to book an appointment. You can make an online appointment HERE or send an SMS to 47277 (iSARS).
ALSO READ: Need tax return HELP? Here’s where you’ll find all SARS mobile tax units
SARS has also deployed a host of mobile tax units across the country to assist taxpayers who do not have devices or sufficient data to submit their 2023 tax return. Click on the link HERE to see where they’ll be in each province and what the latest schedules are.
8. WHAT SCAMS SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
Unfortunately, as is the case each year, fraudsters are contacting unsuspecting taxpayers pretending to be SARS. The most common phishing scam mimics that of a SARS auto assessment notice.
ALSO READ: 2023 Filing is OPEN: Check these tips to help with your tax return
A reminder that SARS will never ask you to submit your banking details or prompt you to open an unsecure link. We’ve made a list of all the current SARS scams doing the rounds. Click on the link HERE if you’re concerned about a message you’ve received recently.
9. WHAT IF I’M UNHAPPY WITH MY 2023 TAX RETURN?
There is help through the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO). If you are unhappy with your tax return, the complaint process goes as follows:
Email complaints@taxombud.gov.za to receive a complaint form. You can also telephone 0800 662 837. Or visit in person at Menlyn Corner, 2nd Floor, 87 Frikkie de Beer Street, Menlyn, Pretoria.
ALSO READ: WHAT TO DO if you receive a SARS auto assessment in 2023
In your complaint you must document the situation in chronological order including all case numbers relevant to the complaint from SARS and attach all supporting documents. Click HERE for more details.
10. WHAT IF I NEED TAX RELIEF IN 2023?
Thankfully there is help at hand from SARS. It’s called the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) and it assists historically non-compliant taxpayers that require a lifeline. All it requires is the taxpayer comes clean for any past indiscretions.
ALSO READ: TAX RELIEF is at hand for embattled taxpayers in 2023
SARS will then consider waiving any penalties that may have arisen. These are handled on a case-by-case basis and you should have a legal expert assist you before approaching SARS. Click HERE for more details on the SARS VDP.
11. CAN I TRACK THE STATUS OF MY TAX RETURN?
Of course you can. SARS allows you to track your tax return status online. The innovative new feature forms part of SARS’ Online Query System and is called My Tax Status Dashboard.
- Select if you’re an individual, tax practitioner, or registered representative.
- Enter your ID, personal details and income tax number.
- Verify your details with a one-time pin (OTP).
- Then you’ll be able to see the status of your tax return.
12. WHATS THE NUMBER FOR THE SARS HELPDESK?
All queries, including those to receive your individual tax number, the changing of banking details and how to reset your password can be done via the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 (SARS). The centre is open between 08h00-17h00 (excluding weekends and public holidays). Or go to www.sarsefiling.co.za to resolve these issues online.
Individual taxpayers have until October 23 2023, to review and file their income tax return.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax or legal advice. For further details consult the SARS website or get in touch with a tax specialist.
