SARS auto-assessment SMS communication

In response to COVID-19, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has tried to simplify the tax filing process for individual taxpayers and remove the need to visit branches.

A significant number of taxpayers will receive an SMS from SARS to confirm that SARS has used third-party data to prepare their tax returns on their behalf and that a draft assessment is available on eFiling for them to review.

Some taxpayers may receive communication from SARS before 1 August 2020 explaining why they have not been auto-assessed, for example, if they have outstanding tax returns that need to be filed.

This is the “auto-assessment” process and it starts on 1 August 2020.

Taxpayers who have not been auto-assessed, or who have not accepted an auto-assessment, can then start to file their tax returns via eFiling from 1 September 2020.

What does it mean to be auto-assessed?

SARS is using data from third parties, such as medical aid schemes, retirement fund administrators, employers and financial institutions to pre-populate your tax return and essentially do the filing for you.

If you are selected to be auto-assessed, you will be directed via SMS to eFiling to view your return.

If you accept the outcome, you do not have to complete a tax return because SARS would have done that for you.

If you want to edit your tax return, you should not accept your auto-assessment and will need to wait to file your return from 1 September 2020.

If you are a client of bdk Auditors we will prepare your financial statements and tax calculation as communicated with you by our client relations manager.

Once these financial statements and tax calculation have been approved by you, we will attend to the submission of your tax return on eFiling.

What do you need to do?

You do not have to act on the sms received from SARS at this stage.

Should you wish to do so you are welcome to forward the sms to 083 312 1327 and bdk Auditors will keep record thereof.

Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact:

Client Relations Manager: Monique du Toit

Email: monique.dt@bdkauditors.co.za

Tel: 028 212 1155

Tax Expert: Madelein Acker

Email: madelein@bdkauditors.co.za

Tel: 028 212 1155

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)