Tax season now open for taxpayers to submit it12 returns for 2012

Issued by COPYWISE for Sage HR & Payroll
Johannesburg, 06 Jul 2012

Tax season 2012 has been officially launched. To avoid fines or penalties, individuals need to file their tax returns within the SARS deadlines, for the period 1 March 2011 to 29 February 2012.

Manual returns have to be posted or delivered to local SARS branches by 28 September 2012, while non-provisional taxpayers may use SARS eFiling until 23 November 2012. Provisional taxpayers have more time and may submit electronic returns via eFiling until 31 January next year.

Phil Meyer, technology director of payroll, tax and HR software developer Pastel Payroll, part of the Softline Group and Sage Group, recommends that individuals begin to get their tax documentation in order now.

“It makes sense to gather proof of contributions to retirement annuities or private pensions and medical schemes, investment income, dividends and lump sum payments now. The earlier the return can be finalised and submitted, the better. It is less stressful than the panic last-minute rush.”

Meyer adds that taxpayers can obtain the Tax Season 2012 electronic guide from the SARS Web site: www.sars.gov.za.

“This year, SARS is offering taxpayers assistance with their returns through a number of channels, helping to ensure that tax returns are submitted accurately and on time, with minimal effort. A Help-You-eFile service will also soon be launched by SARS.”

The Help-You-eFile service is an innovation that will provide taxpayers with access to contact centre agents while the taxpayer is online. SARS agents are able to see what taxpayers are doing and assist with the completion of the tax return.

Meyer says SARS has also embraced mobile technology, and this year individuals with mobile devices will also be able to file their returns through the new SARS eFiling mobisite (sarsefiling.mobi) or a soon-to-be-launched new eFiling application for people on the move using smartphones or tablets.

“Taxpayers will also be able to view eFiling videos on YouTube that demonstrate how to register for eFiling, complete and submit the IRT12 tax form, accompanied by supporting documents if these are required. SARS has said that eFilers will receive their ITA34 assessment and statement of account within a few minutes of submitting the return.”

Finally, taxpayers who may have forgotten their eFiling login or password will be able to request their login name and reset their password from the login page.

Pastel Payroll

Pastel Payroll, part of Softline and The Sage Group, is one of the leading developers of payroll and HR software solutions and services in South Africa, as well as the rest of the African continent. Skills, experience and innovation in this field, accumulated over many years in business, confirm Pastel Payroll's leading position in the SME market. Pastel Payroll and HR provides a wide range of software solutions from start-up to medium as well as larger sized enterprises. It offers easy-to-use, feature-rich and flexible payroll and HR software solutions to ensure businesses are kept up to date and fully compliant with changing legislative requirements - its software does it all for you.

Softline

Softline is a leading provider of business software and related services. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the business software industry. While Softline's heritage is in the SME market, the group also offers expertise and solutions that meet the needs of specific industries and larger organisations. In 2003, Softline was acquired by The Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. Softline has a solid track record offering customers local expertise backed by the global Sage brand. The group delivers quality software solutions to make customers' business lives easier.

The Sage Group

The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has more than 6 million customers and more than 13 500 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.

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