Month: <span>Aug 2023</span>

2 August 2023 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the statement made by Mr. Julius Malema at the recently concluded press conference of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The statement purports that there was a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and SARS Commissioner Mr. Edward Kieswetter where President Ramaphosa gave Commissioner Kieswetter an instruction to investigate the tax affairs of those that attended and sponsored the EFF Gala Dinner held on 27 July 2023.

Today’s statement was preceded by the statement made by Mr. Malema on Saturday at the EFF rally that SARS is “harassing” his family with a view to find anything unlawful against him for nefarious purpose.

See the full media statement here.

Source: SARS Tariffs
SARS media statement

2 August 23 – Be careful of fraudulent email talking about an electronic statement and processed returns.

Please do not click on the phishing link, if in doubt, email phishing@sars.gov.za.

Keep an eye on our Scams examples webpage.

Source: SARS Tariffs
Scam alert – Income Tax return summary and statement 

2 August 2023 – Customs and Excise Act, 1964

• Uganda CMAA Agreement – date of entry into force is 1 September 2023

Source: SARS Tariffs
Legal Counsel – International Treaties & Agreements – MAAs on Customs

2 August 2023 – The Pretoria branch has to unfortunately close for the rest of the day i.e. Wednesday, 2 August from 14:00, due to water maintenance. Staff will assist taxpayers virtually, where possible. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Source: SARS Tariffs
SARS Pretoria CBD branch closed for today

1 August 2023 – The pop-up branch schedule for Gauteng South and Western Cape regions, during August until November, are now available.

Source: SARS Tariffs
Pop-up branch

1 August 2023 – It has been the practice of SARS not to approve the release of funds when resident Trusts make distributions to non-resident Trusts. Following queries in this regard, SARS herewith clarifies its stance on the matter and confirms that it will consider approval for the release of funds/amounts distributed to non-resident Trusts. The process required to obtain the necessary approval is to apply for a manual letter of compliance at SARS by emailing MLCA@sars.gov.za.

SARS has taken note of the fact that the SARB has relaxed certain exchange control requirements but has decided, based on the risks involved, to introduce the above-mentioned requirement to mitigate the risks.

SARS will perform verification processes to ensure that strict interpretation of the relevant sections of the Act are complied with. Note that the non-resident Trust must be a beneficiary of the resident Trust, and the distribution will only be considered by SARS if it complies with the terms and conditions in the Trust instrument of the resident Trust.

SARS will only allow such distributions if the resident Trust demonstrates that all tax liabilities in respect of the distribution were or will be settled.

Also see the Supporting Documents for Approval of International Transfers (AIT) webpage.

Source: SARS Tariffs
Update on the distribution of funds to non-resident Trusts by resident Trusts