#WATCH I  The lunchtime panel discussion between OTO’s Acting CEO, Gert van Heerden and The Tax Faculty’s Technical Advisor, Theo Burrows, will cover how the OTO holds SARS accountable, settles disputes, and collaborates with tax experts and civil society organisations.

Ensuring Fair and Equitable Taxation

Overview

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is required to provide fair and equitable taxation services, and the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) makes sure of this. It provides taxpayers with a cost-free, impartial means of airing their grievances and conducts investigations to arrive at a fair resolution. The OTO examines ongoing and new problems with the tax code and makes suggestions for improvements to ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly. Additionally, it encourages SARS to be transparent and accountable. This webinar is aimed at directing taxpayers and emphasizing the significance of stakeholders in fostering accountability and transparency in tax administration.

Webinar content

• How does the OTO hold SARS accountable for high standards of professional ethics?
• What role does the OTO play in ensuring that SARS makes efficient and effective use of the resources at its disposal to provide fair and equitable taxation?
• The OTO is mandated to ensure that taxpayers receive fair and equitable taxation services from SARS – how to best advise your clients in this regard.

Competencies developed in this webinar

After attending this webinar, you will be able to:

• Advise clients about taxpayers’ right and entitlements.
• Understand importance of fiscal citizenship in an open and democratic society.
• Secure access to information in a fair and unbiased manner.
• Ensure your clients get quality and timely service from SARS.
• Assist clients to access the services of the Office of the Tax Ombud.
• Submit requests, proposals and/or applications to SARS to uphold taxpayer rights.

Presenters

Gert van Heerden

Acting CEO: Office of the Tax Ombud

His position is Senior Manager: Legal Services and Systemic Investigations
BCom, LLB, LLM from NWU

After completing his articles and being admitted as an attorney in 2008, Gert joined SARS as a legal advisor in the Legal Delivery and Support Department for the Gauteng Central Region. In 2010, he was appointed as the dedicated legal specialist for the High Complex Debt Team based at Megawatt Park in Sunninghill. In May 2012, Gert was appointed as manager of the Legal Delivery and Support Department in Gauteng Central.

In 2014, he was appointed as senior manager in the legal department of Afrocentric Health (Pty) Ltd, a position he held until he joined the Office of the Tax Ombud in May 2015. His role is to assist the Office’s internal and external stakeholders with all legal issues, from interpreting legislation to drafting and vetting legal documents.

His main goal is to assist in building the Office into an impartial entity with a reputation as a trustworthy and effective organisation that will inspire taxpayer confidence in the tax system.

Theo Burrows

The Tax Faculty: Technical Advisor

Theo Burrows is a seasoned Tax Practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the corporate, non-profit, and small business sectors. In addition to being a practising independent tax practitioner, he serves the tax community as a technical advisor for The Tax Faculty.

The combination of ongoing tax education and practical experience enables him to competently address more complex tax issues of both individuals and organisations. He draws on all these skills and combines them with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the tax environment to provide tax advisory services to both taxpayers and tax practitioners.

CPD

This event and successful completion of the online assessment will secure 1-hour verifiable output Tax CPD points.

Event Investment

Complimentary access.

Payments and cancellations

• All payments must be made by EFT or by credit card, at least three working days before commencement of an event.
• Kindly note that should payment not be received two days after the event, legal action will be taken.
• Proof of payment will be requested at registration if payment does not reflect in The Tax Faculty’s bank account.
• Only written notice of cancellation will be recognized.
• Conditions:
  • If the cancellation occurs more than four working days prior to the event no cancellation fee will be charged.
  • If the cancellation occurs less than four working days prior to the event, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
• Delegates who book and fail to attend will be liable for the full event fee.
• The Tax Faculty’s liability in the case of an event being cancelled will be limited to a refund or credit of the event fee.
• Please click here for the full terms and conditions.