For the first time in SA , some 2.7 million individual taxpayers will be able to submit their tax returns through the internet.

This is the first phase of eventually extending the electronic submission (filing) facility to all individuals and businesses.

This initiative to further improve the service offered to individual and business taxpayers by SARS extends the free "e-filing" service being used by increasing numbers of businesses to submit their VAT, PAYE, UIF, SDL, provisional tax returns and payments.

The new internet submission of tax returns of individuals will be available to taxpayers from 1 June 2006.

This new service will be available to individuals who earn a basic salary and allowances such as medical aid and travel. These returns are marked IT 12S or IT 12SS on the front cover of the form.

Taxpayers who want to make use of the electronic submission facility:

• Must have access to the internet ( employers are encouraged to make such internet facilities available to employees),
  
  
• Must first register for the service on the website, www.sarsefiling.co.za
  
  
• Agree to the terms and conditions for use of this service,
  
  
• Be in receipt of an IT 12S or IT 12SS income tax return,
  
  
• Receive income that consists of a basic salary plus allowances.

It should be noted that:

• SARS will under certain circumstances still require the submission of original documents for purposes of verification.
  
  
• SARS will do extensive validation checks on the data submitted to ensure its accuracy, including validations against the electronic IRP5's submitted by employers to SARS.
  
  
• Taxpayers must retain all supporting documents for a period of five years should they be required by SARS for audit purposes
  
  
• SARS will issue these assessments electronically.

What are the benefits to the taxpayers who submit their returns electronically?

• By completing the return online, the taxpayers are assured of data accuracy thereby enhancing the quality of assessments.
  
  
• Personal details of the taxpayer (eg change of address, bank details) can be updated online.
  
  
• Improved turn around time for the processing of assessments.
  
  
• By replying to a few questions upfront, a customised return will be presented for completion thereby eliminating questions that are not relevant to the individual taxpayer.
  
  
• The determination of Travelling expenditure and Capital Gains Tax will be automatically calculated from the taxpayer's information.

SARS will support the introduction of this service with online instructions and a dedicated call centre: 0860 709 709 with effect from 1 June 2006.

Taxpayers can register for this service on www.sarsefiling.co.za

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