Ignorance is not a defence and non-compliance could cost a company dearly. The issue of compliance with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and changes in legislation that affect the field of payroll administration was explored at a recent seminar hosted by the South African Payroll Association (Sapa).
Members and non-members were presented with a run down of pertinent issues including travel allowances, remuneration, credit facilities, packages, medical aid, pension, independent contractors, audit procedures as well as company and individual rights.
"The bottom line is that companies have to be alert to requirements and procedures in terms of compliance with SARS regulation. It is best to be prepared and know exactly what the procedure is in terms of an audit process, for instance. Many businesses are learning the hard way as far as this situation is concerned. By the same token, businesses are obliged to understand what is required of them in order to gain the maximum benefit from co-operation and compliance," comments Steven Krause, Director, Tax and Audit Division at The Tax Alliance Group (TAG).
"The seminar is our way of keeping payroll administrators up to date with what is happening as far as pending legislation and in terms of all the changes that SARS continually places on payroll administration, particularly in terms of compliance and compliance related to payroll systems and more particularly the company's role in ensuring that they are following legislation correctly," says Steve Howes, Chairman of the South African Payroll Association.
"The message we want to get out as Sapa that will inform payroll administrators nationally of possible changes, and of recent cases where SARS has enforced compliance. Today is a first for Sapa and the turnout is indicative of the need for this kind of seminar and we will certainly host a lot more of these issues," adds Howes.
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The South African Payroll Association is a Section 21 company established to safeguard the interests of payroll administration professionals and member companies within the payroll industry. The organisation was set up primarily to help ensure standards, promote excellence and best practices within this field.
As the recognised representative body for local payroll professionals, the South African Payroll Association provides a mechanism of communication via a neutral body between its colleagues in the payroll profession and government, in particular the South African Revenue Service.
The organisation is affiliated to other worldwide professional payroll associations including:
* The Institute of British Payroll and Pensions Management
* American Payroll Association
* Canadian Payroll Association
* The Association for Payroll Specialists (Australia)
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