SARS power returns after R838k debt settled

SARS

Cape Town — The South African Revenue Services (SARS) found itself in the dark after the City of Tshwane cut off the tax collector’s power over unpaid bills totalling R838 000.

SARS was briefly left in the dark after it failed to settle an outstanding debt of over R800 000. As a result, the electricity at the its head offices in Pretoria was cut off until the revenue service could settle their bill. The City of Tshwane later confirmed through a series of X posts that SARS paid their debts and the power was later restored.

“When you think we are here for a refund… BOOM, your lights are off. Sars owes us 838 k #TshwaneYaTima,” one post read.

“We can confirm that Sars has settled their account in full this afternoon and power supply has subsequently been restored… Thank you Sars. Payment received, and reconnection done,” said City of Tshwane in another.

According to The Citizen, the City of Tshwane’s Ya Timi revenue collection programme was back in full swing and targeted all non-paying customers, whether businsses, government departments and residential properties.

The city said it capacitated the Tshwane Ya Tima revenue collection programme with more teams to increase the number of daily disconnections. MMC for finance Jacqui Uys said all debtors in the City of Tshwane are treated the same and if there is non-payment power supply is disconnected.

The current drive will see the city collecting R500 million as per the financial rescue plan. The city is also embarking on a process to open criminal cases against owners of properties with illegal connections.

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Picture: X/@sarstax

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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