Cape Town – South Africa’s tax authority – SARS – is making it easier for South African taxpayers to access official tax advice.
In addition to its existing platforms, it has now introduced a dedicated WhatsApp channel to enable taxpayers to interact with it, according to Business Tech.
SARS reports that the channel – on the number 0800 11 7277 – is available on the desktop version of WhatsApp as well as the smart phone version.
To interact with SARS, the taxpayer must use a phone number that is already registered on the SARS database, it says. The WhatsApp service is not available to tax practitioners.
Taxpayers can WhatsApp SARS to ask for their tax reference number; statement of account; tax return refund status; audit status; and notice of assessment.
SARS also has a MobiApp offering a variety of online services, including texting live with an online SARS consultant. Its list of online services can be accessed here.
Taxpayers without internet service or those who use standard mobile devices can still request certain tax services for free, by sending SARS an SMS or SSD (quick code) request.
SARS also offers an online query system on its website.
Got tax questions? Use the SARS Online Query System (SOQS)! You can view your Auto-Assessment status, submit supporting documents, request your tax number, and more. Visit https://t.co/RALnl2ZnW0 and click on the SOQS tab. #YourTaxMatters #SOQS pic.twitter.com/SaP6BsCQ4u
— SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) July 8, 2024
However, BusinessTech points out that taxpayers trying to finalise tax returns five years or older, cannot do so via e-Filing; they will have to make an appointment and tend to the matter in person at their local SARS branch.
Tax season is in full swing and individual non-provisional taxpayers can submit their 2023/24 tax returns from Monday, 15 July 2024 until 21 October 2024. The deadline for provisional taxpayers is 20 January 2025.
SARS began issuing auto-assessment notices on 1 July, which will end on 14 July.
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