“Your tax holiday is over” – says Edward Kieswetter on Sars renewal

The new Sars commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, issued out his first warning to tax avoiders on Friday.

As reported by IOL News, Kieswetter revealed that one of his major tasks at the helm of a sinking ship is to bring it back to its former glory.

To achieve that, Kieswetter understands that he will need to win back the public’s trust.

Edward Kieswetter sets the tone for new Sars tenure

His appointment, which was announced on Wednesday, 27 March, came months after his predecessor, Tom Moyane was ousted by the president, at the recommendation of retired Constitutional Court judge, Robert Nugent which was founded on the basis of an intensive inquiry.

The major task at hand, Kieswetter said, was recovering all monies due to the revenue collector.

“What is also important is to immediately address the deficit in revenue and ensure that we accelerate the work (acting commissioner) Mark (Kingon) and his team have already done, so that we give the minister a level of confidence that we will leave no stone untouched to collect every cent due to the fiscus,” he said

Read – SARS strike continues, unions challenge Edward Kieswetter

Kieswetter issues warning to Sars detractors

He warned that the days of slumping behind the veil, avoiding one of the most important civic duties in a democratic society, were over.

“Those who thought they had a tax holiday in the last few years must know their holiday has ended,” he warned.

When is Kieswetter due to start in his new position?

This was, in many ways, also a message to the white-collared criminals who have, for a long time, avoided paying taxes by gaining protection from high-ranking government figures.

For now, Mark Kingon, the acting Sars commissioner will finalise his temporary tenure at the helm of the revenue collector.

He will only give way to Kieswetter on 1 May, who will come to build upon the foundation that was laid by Kingon and his team.