SARS Digital Upgrades, New WhatsApp Channel, and Important Deadlines: What Taxpayers Need to Know

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) continues its commitment to improving digital services by performing routine upgrades to its technology infrastructure. These enhancements are part of SARS's larger Vision 2024 initiative, aiming to create a smart, efficient, and trustworthy service that simplifies tax compliance for South Africans. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and recent updates you should know about.

Scheduled Digital Platform Upgrades

To maintain its digital platforms' security and reliability, SARS announced an upgrade period scheduled for Friday, 8 November 2024, from 18:00 to 20:00. During this time, taxpayers and customs clients using SARS’s eFiling, Tax, and Customs Digital Platforms may experience intermittent service interruptions. Transactions submitted during this maintenance window may face delays in receiving CUSRES (Customs Response) messages.

However, SARS confirmed that arrival and exit management services at land border posts will still be available for released declarations and manifests. Stakeholders are urged to submit critical documents, including Goods Declarations (bills of entry) and Road Manifests, by Friday, 8 November at 17:00 to avoid delays.

SARS’s Vision 2024: Enhancing Public Trust Through Digital Transformation

As part of its Vision 2024 goals, SARS is focused on building a modern, secure digital system that reinforces public trust. According to a statement on the SARS website, the organization aims to offer clarity and certainty to taxpayers, making compliance easier while ensuring that its digital assets are robust, secure, and highly available. These upgrades are expected to help SARS continue to deliver dependable services to the public, even during high-traffic periods.

Introducing the SARS WhatsApp Channel

In another push for digital modernization, SARS recently launched a WhatsApp channel for tax-related queries, particularly around personal income tax and tax refunds. This new feature, available on both the mobile and desktop versions of WhatsApp, allows taxpayers to access information and resolve questions faster. This channel is part of SARS’s effort to expand accessibility and provide alternative ways for taxpayers to interact with SARS support services conveniently.

Important Tax Deadlines

For South Africans planning their tax obligations, remember that the deadline for provisional taxpayers is 20 January 2025. Provisional taxpayers, who include freelancers, small business owners, and individuals with additional income sources, should plan to meet this deadline to avoid penalties.

Rate Your SARS Digital Experience

SARS has encouraged users to provide feedback on their experience using the SARS website. This feedback is vital to help SARS continuously improve its user interface, making it easier and more efficient for taxpayers to manage their tax matters.

Final Thoughts

SARS’s ongoing commitment to digital upgrades and new features like the WhatsApp channel are designed to make tax compliance more accessible and secure. The recent upgrades and communication enhancements reflect SARS's dedication to improving service delivery, building public confidence, and aligning with its Vision 2024 goals.