With less than three weeks before the Tax season deadline, on 25 November, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) have extended its hours to accommodate taxpayers. Operating hours will now include the next two Saturdays, 12 and 19 November.
The branches that will operate on Saturdays from 8:00 to 13:00 are Alberton, Edenvale, Randburg, Rissik Street, Soweto (Orlando East), Vereeniging, Nelspruit, Witbank, Pretoria North, Rustenburg, Durban, Mthatha, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth, Bellville and Mitchells Plain.
“With an expected increase in the number of taxpayers filing income tax returns, SARS branches opening on Saturdays will exclusively be focusing on assisting taxpayers with the completion of their income tax returns during this period. Taxpayers are advised that branches will operate normal hours during the week. SARS has already received over 4, 7 million income tax returns,” stated SARS.
Avoid queues by e-filing
Taxpayers who are yet to file their returns and want to avoid standing in lengthy lines, are once again encouraged to use SARS eFiling to submit their tax returns as it is the quickest and easiest way to submit a return and is available 24 hours.
To register, visit www.sarsefiling.gov.za or visit www.sars.gov.za for information.
“eFilers requiring assistance can make use of the free Help-You-eFile service by simply clicking on the Help-You-eFile icon on eFiling and following the prompts to get access to a SARS contact centre agent who will help them every step of the way while eFiling,” added SARS.
SARS Contact Centre
Alternatively taxpayers have the option of contacting the SARS contact centre.
“Those who are too busy to be put on hold can request SARS to call them back without losing their place in the queue. By following the voice prompts, a SARS agent will return calls and provide telephonic assistance,” SARS highlighted.
The last minute rush has set in and those who have yet to file their returns are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
“SARS will continue to strive towards providing the best services possible to taxpayers even as Tax Season closes. The ever-increasing SARS footprint now extends to 53 branches nationwide, 21 Mobile Tax Units that service taxpayers in remote areas of the country and increased efficiency at the SARS Contact Centre,” SARS added.
