Load-shedding and an avalanche of returns were among the reasons the South African Revenue Service (SARS) moved the deadline for submissions back by a week to 2 December.
SARS said it was pleased with the overwhelming response it has received from taxpayers who have submitted their personal income tax returns since 1 July this year.
“SARS is acutely aware of systemic issues the organisation has experienced, as well as the impact of load-shedding on taxpayers which made it difficult for taxpayers to file their returns,” said the revenue service.
“However, to afford other taxpayers the opportunity to comply with their legal requirements, SARS will extend the filing season deadline for non-provisional individual taxpayers from 23 November 2021 to 2 December 2021.”
As a result, the date for levying penalties on taxpayers that have not filed their return will be extended and implemented in January 2022.
“We urge taxpayers to use our convenient digital channels, namely, eFiling, SARS MobiApp, as well as the SMS service, which has the number 47277,” said SARS.
“By sending an SMS to this number, taxpayers can book an appointment at a SARS branch, check if they need to file a return and other services.
“The SARS website has also been upgraded to allow for more digital services to taxpayers. For more information on these services, visit www.sars.gov.za.“
SARS said it remains committed to make it simple and easy for taxpayers to meet their legal obligations and hopes that the extension of the filing season deadline will encourage greater compliance among taxpayers.
“SARS would like to thank these taxpayers for responding to our strategic intent of promoting a culture of voluntary compliance,” said the tax authority.
