Overview

In August 2024, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) launched a systemic investigation into the hijacking of taxpayer eFiling profiles—an escalating threat with real consequences for refunds, practitioner liability, and public trust. 

Triggered by a flood of complaints beginning in 2021 and spiking again in 2023–2024, the OTO identified the hijackings as a systemic problem. In a recent joint statement, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the OTO reaffirmed that protecting taxpayer information remains a top priority. This webinar distills the investigation’s findings and stakeholder insights to show what’s driving profile takeovers, where the control gaps lie, and how taxpayers and practitioners can harden their defenses—without disrupting day-to-day compliance.

Webinar Content

• What the OTO considers a systemic issue
• The importance of investigating and resolving systemic issues
• How potential systemic issues are identified
• The review process for systemic issues
• Monitoring progress on open systemic issues
• Engaging discussions on current open systemic issues

Competencies Developed

• Participated in interactive discussions to clarify potential systemic issues
• Understood what systemic issues are and why they need to be investigated
• Gained insight into the review process of systemic issues
• Stayed informed about current open systemic issues
• Identified potential systemic issues that could be addressed

Presenters

Francois Viljoen

Specialist: Systemic Investigations

Francois Viljoen is a Specialist in Systemic Investigations at the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), where he has served since 2015. His role involves identifying and addressing systemic tax issues to improve efficiency and fairness, as well as providing legal support.

He began his career at Anderson Rochussen van der Bijl Incorporated, completing his articles from 2007 to 2010. He then joined the South African Revenue Service (SARS), where he held roles in auditing and compliance from 2010 to 2015.

Viljoen holds a B. Accounting from the University of the Free State, a postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and an MBA from the University of Pretoria. He has also completed various specialised courses in trusts, customs compliance, and ISO 9001 certification.

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

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.