Record returns filed with Sars

With two weeks to go before the November 25 deadline, the number of tax returns submitted to the South African Revenue Service (Sars) has exceeded the three million mark. Currently the number of income tax returns submitted stands at 3 038 502 which is an improvement of about 15% on the figure for the same time last year (2 591 043). Sars has appealed to taxpayers with outstanding returns to submit them or seek assistance from the Contact Centre as soon as possible to avoid the last minute rush. In order to address the anticipated increase in the number of taxpayers wanting to file returns, Sars branches and the Sars Contact Centre have extended their working hours. Branches will be open from 07h30 to 18h00, Monday to Friday. The Sars Contact Centre will operate from 07h30 to 19h00 from 14 to 18 November and from 07h30 to 20h00 from 21 to 25 November.