Softline Limited, the accounting and payroll software group, has announced its partnership with HICOR Limited, one of the five service providers appointed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to facilitate its new online tax e-filing initiative. The initiative, known as Taxfile.co.za, will make it possible for the 260 000 users of Softline's various accounting and payroll applications throughout South Africa to submit monthly tax and other returns directly with SARS on the Internet.
"In terms of the agreement users of Softline's accounting and payroll software applications including Brilliant Accounting, Pastel Software, VIP Personnel & Payroll Systems and Pilot's point-of-sale software will be able to receive, complete, submit and pay tax returns through a trusted and secure online service," says Steven Cohen, chief operating officer of Softline Limited. "The offering, Taxfile.co.za. will also give users access to online help facilities and guides, thus providing for efficient and convenient tax submission 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
Adds Cohen, "This facility is especially good news for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who want to further streamline their business operations. The secure, encrypted electronic link to SARS means that users will be able to take control of their electronic tax submission and do so at the correct time and format, thus saving their business time and money."
During the first phase of the implementation, effective July 2, 2001, users will be able to submit VAT, PAYE, skills development levy and corporate provisional tax returns online. Phase two will introduce IRP6 online returns in September 2001, while phase three will allow for IT12 and IT14 returns early in 2002. The fourth phase will involve customs and excise submissions.
Cohen adds, "we have made participation easy, users of our software applications simply need to subscribe online and register for e-filing. All subscription information and transaction data of users, who register through a Softline group company website - Pastel Software, Brilliant Business Systems, VIP Payroll and Pilot Software - , will be stored and hosted in a secure environment. " Taxfile.co.za utilises the latest security technology and measures, as prescribed and approved by SARS, to safeguard your transactions and personal information."
Future projects include the seamless integration of the various tax forms with the functionality of Softline's range of accounting and payroll software - Brilliant Accounting, Pastel Software, VIP Personnel & Payroll Systems and Pilot Software.
"A company's accounting and payroll application will be seamlessly integrated into the SARS e-filling system via Softline's Taxfile.co.za. These applications already generate the applicable reports and to be able to submit the relevant tax forms by simply clicking a button on the application interface will definitely improve efficiencies," says Cohen.
"Softline aims to enable its clients do business more efficiently. Through strategic technology alliances with companies such as HICOR, Softline has the opportunity to add real value to the services our clients receive," says Cohen.
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Softline Limited is a global software and services group, focused on the development, implementation and marketing of mission-critical accounting, payroll and e-commerce software applications. Softline is the largest accounting and payroll software vendor in South Africa, the second largest in Canada and of the largest in Australia, with over 335 000 businesses using its applications worldwide. Softline has operations covering South Africa, USA, Canada, Asia and the UK. Research and development is core to Softline's business and a core investment.
The group maintains sole ownership of its software, which is continuously being developed to deliver optimum functionality to the user. For more information about Softline and its operations visit http://www.softline.co.za.