29 September 2023 – South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R13.3 billion in August 2023. This surplus is attributable to exports of R181.3 billion and imports of R168.0 billion.
For more information, see the full Media Release.
Or visit the Trade Statistics webpage.
Source: SARS Tariffs
Media release – Trade statistics for August 2023
29 September 2023 – The registration for the Diesel Refunds for Foodstuff Manufacturers Scheme (DRFMS) will open in the evening of 29 September 2023. Completed applications must be submitted digitally using the SARS Online Query System (SOQS). For more information on the refund item click here.
Source: SARS Tariffs
Registration for Diesel Refund for Foodstuff Manufacturers
28 September 2023 – The SARS Alberton branch is currently unable to assist any taxpayers within the office. All walk-in appointment clients will be contacted by the office this morning to assist virtually or if not possible, an alternative arrangement would be made. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Source: SARS Tariffs
Alberton branch closed
26 September 2023 – The SARS branch in Rissik street, Johannesburg CBD, remains closed from this afternoon until further notice. All virtual appointments will still be honoured. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Source: SARS Tariffs
SARS branch in Rissik street, Johannesburg remains closed
26 September 2023 – The SARS pop-up branch schedules for Vrede and Frankfort in the Free State province have been published. These schedules are for the current week ending on Friday, 29 September.
Source: SARS Tariffs
SARS pop-up branches for Vrede and Frankfort
22 September 2023 – This communication is intended to inform you of the extension of the submission date for electronic registration to the Diesel Refund for Food Manufacturers Scheme (DRFMS). Initially scheduled for 26 September 2023, the rollout date has been extended to 29 September 2023. The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has opted to perform additional testing and quality assurance measures to ensure an effective implementation of the digitalised and streamlined electronic registration system for this new refund scheme.
For more information, see our letter to Trade.
Source: SARS Tariffs
Excise – Registration to the Diesel Refund for Food Manufacturers Scheme
22 September 2023 – Achieving our Vision 2024 of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired is of paramount importance. Pivotal to the delivery of our vision are our digital platforms & technology infrastructure. To provide clarity & certainty, make it easy for taxpayers & traders to comply with their obligations and building public trust and confidence, our technology assets have to demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security.
In accordance with our Vision and Strategic Objectives, which include modernising our systems to provide Digital and Streamlined online services, we are hard at work ensuring that our digital platforms & technology infrastructure are available, robust & secure, by performing regular upgrades, enhancements, and maintenance.
Considering the above, SARS Digital platform upgrades are scheduled for Friday, 22 September 2023 from 18:00 to 22:00.
During this time, you may experience intermittent service interruption on our eFiling Platform.
Source: SARS Tariffs
eFiling platform upgrade on 22 September 2023
21 September 2023 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms that a fire broke out at its branch in Rissik Street, Johannesburg, yesterday.
All staff and taxpayers were immediately evacuated and no one incurred any serious injuries. The fire was successfully extinguished due to the prompt and efficient response by fire Rescue services.
As a result of the fire, SARS has suspended its services at the Rissik Street Branch and will provide services virtually. Taxpayers are urged to book an appointment for assistance via the SARS Website at www.sars.gov.za. Those who want to visit our offices, can make an appointment to visit either Randburg or Alberton branches. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter thanked the fire and medical emergency personnel who assisted in containing the damage and treating those affected.
The cause and extent of the fire is unknown at this stage and will be investigated.
For further information please contact SARS at SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
Source: SARS Tariffs
Media release – Fire at Rissik Street office
20 September 2023 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the media report of 17 September 2023 by the Sunday Times concerning the detention of five vessels involved in the fuel bunkering supply chain.
From 2016 SARS has been engaging with the fuel industry to encourage compliance with the legislation concerning the importation, the trading in and other operational activities of vessels engaged in the supply of fuel.
Alongside these engagements, SARS has also been conducting investigations around compliance in fuel bunkering, and the detention of the vessels mentioned in the media article is part of this on-going investigation.
SARS confirms that several vessels were detained in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 91 of 1964. This was done in the normal course of investigating whether the provisions of the Act have been contravened. SARS is of the view that the detention is lawful and, as the investigation is ongoing, no decision to seize such vessels has been taken.
SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter said “SARS is obliged to administer the law fairly, without fear, favour or prejudice and to conduct investigations in a responsible manner in accordance with a fair procedure. SARS has no interest in jeopardising economic growth nor of contributing to the problem of unemployment, poverty and inequality.”
The Commissioner implored taxpayers and traders to comply with their tax and Customs obligations. He emphasised that SARS will not hesitate to act firmly and robustly to ensure that non-compliance is hard and costly for those that wilfully and intentionally ignore their obligations. The clarion call to all taxpayers and traders is: “comply or face the consequences”.
For further information, please contact SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
Source: SARS Tariffs
Media statement on the detention of vessels by SARS
20 September 2023 – The SARS branch in Rissik street, Johannesburg CBD, will be closed from this afternoon until further notice. All virtual appointments will still be honoured. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Source: SARS Tariffs
SARS branch in Rissik street, Johannesburg closed
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