Overview

The Tax Ombud presentation focused on empowering taxpayers and addressing systemic issues within the tax system. It covered the following key areas:

1. "Be a Smart Taxpayer" Initiative

• Pillars: Empowerment through knowledge, efficient resource utilisation, compliance optimisation, and awareness through accessibility.
• Filing Season Tips: Gather documents early, ensure accurate reporting, file on time, and respond promptly to SARS notices.
• Staying Organised: Emphasis on record-keeping and utilising SARS technology like eFiling, MobiApp, and SOQS.

2. Taxpayer Rights and Obligations

• Rights include access to information, quality service, fairness, privacy, finality in disputes, and the right to representation.
• Obligations include timely tax payments, accurate reporting, updating contact details, and document retention.

3. Systemic Issues and Investigations

• Current Issues: Delayed refunds, non-adherence to dispute resolution timeframes, failure to respond to taxpayer requests, and eFiling profile hijacking.
• Investigations: Address root causes of widespread issues affecting many taxpayers.

4. Common Mistakes by Taxpayers and Practitioners

• Not updating SARS contact details or adhering to agreements.
• Failing to provide supporting documents or follow dispute resolution rules.

5. Mandate and Limitations of the Tax Ombud

• Provides an independent channel for complaints related to service, administrative, and procedural issues.
• Limitations include tax policy, court matters, and unresolved objections or appeals.

6. Insights from Tax Case Studies

• Highlighted cases demonstrating the importance of compliance, procedural integrity, and timely resolution of disputes.

7. Support Offered by the Tax Ombud

• Assistance for systemic and individual complaints against SARS.
• Encouragement to file complaints with necessary documentation and proper adherence to procedures.

Competencies Development

After attending the webinar, participants will be:

• Know how to “Be a Smart Taxpayer”
• Understand the mandate and limitations of the OTO
• Understand systemic issues and systemic investigations
• Have insight into common tax practitioner mistakes
• Understand taxpayer rights and obligations
• Understand the impact of key court rules on taxpayer rights

Presenters

Theo Burrows

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

Attending this webinar and the successful completion of the online assessment will secure a certificate of completion for 1 hour of Tax CPD.

Event Investment

Complimentary access.