Sars puts to rest ‘myth’ of penalty-related incentives for customs officers

SA REVENUE Service has categorically rejected allegations that customs officers are paid incentives based on the cash amount of penalties imposed. “It is not true and, in Sars’ view, has the same mythical urban legend status as the argument that revenue collectors receive bonuses based on the amount of revenue they collect,” Sars spokesman Adrian Lackay told FTW. “If this view continues to persist in the market it demonstrates, at best, disappointing levels of awareness. Sars has established performance measurements to recognise and reward performance of employees like any other modern employer. It may be helpful to refer to any Sars Annual Report of the past three years in order to gain proper understanding of human resource policies – including employee remuneration and performance recognition. “Sars is a transparent public institution.”