From 1 June, South Africans will be able to submit their tax returns to the SA Revenue Service (SARS) online, via its new e-filing portal.
"For the past couple of years, businesses have been able to file VAT, PAYE, UIF and provisional tax return forms online, but now, for the first time, individuals will be able to file their returns online," says SARS communications manager Marco Granelli.
SARS announced the e-filing portal at finance minister Trevor Manuel's launch of 'filing season' (a campaign designed to encourage and motivate people to submit tax returns on time) in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Granelli explains that, to begin with, taxpayers receiving basic salaries (IT 12S returns) and basic plus allowance salaries (IT 12SS returns) will be able to use the e-filing service.
In time, the portal will support all forms of tax returns, he says. "This is a major evolution in the industry - for the first time you can instantly submit tax returns from the comfort of your home or office."
Taxpayers must first register on the site, a function that is available now.
Benefits for all
SARS expects the online service will speed up the turnaround time for the processing of documents. The online form will also simplify the submission process by asking a few preliminary questions, then presenting a customised form that eliminates irrelevant questions.
Individuals will be able to update their personal details more conveniently, adds Granelli.
The final deadline for tax returns this year is 14 July.
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