Overview

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is increasingly tightening enforcement around VAT compliance. Recent court judgments have seen taxpayers and practitioners prosecuted and convicted for deliberate contraventions of VAT legislation. This heightened scrutiny makes it essential for practitioners and finance teams to strengthen their internal VAT compliance frameworks and be prepared for potential SARS challenges.

This webinar is designed to raise awareness of VAT compliance risks and to equip attendees with practical guidance on preparing for and responding to SARS interventions. It begins with an overview of the essential records and documentation that must be in place before VAT returns are submitted. It further addresses the verification process, including what information should – and should not – be provided to SARS.

In the event of a dispute, the session unpacks the objection and appeal processes, relevant timeframes, and circumstances where Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) may be appropriate. It also explores escalation avenues where prescribed remedies do not yield reasonable outcomes.

This session is highly recommended for tax practitioners and finance professionals involved in the VAT function who wish to approach SARS disputes with confidence, structure, and strategic clarity.

Webinar Content

The webinar will cover the following key areas:

1. Introduction to the current VAT compliance landscape
2. VAT compliance best practices
3. SARS verification processes
4. Objection procedures
5. Appeal procedures
6. Alternative dispute resolution and other available remedies

Competencies Developed

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Understand the core elements required in a robust VAT compliance framework.
• Identify the most effective and compliant way to respond to SARS verification requests.
• Navigate objection and appeal processes, including applicable deadlines.
• Determine when the Alternative Dispute Resolution route is appropriate.
• Recognise available remedies where formal dispute mechanisms do not provide satisfactory outcomes.
• Implement structured processes when responding to SARS verifications.
• Accurately lodge objections within prescribed timeframes.
• Properly record and manage appeals.
• Navigate the Alternative Dispute Resolution process.
• Escalate matters appropriately within SARS and to the Office of the Tax Ombud where necessary.

Presenter

Christo Theron

(CA(SA) H Dip Tax (Wits) M Com Tax (UP)

Christo is a recognised specialist in the field of indirect taxes. As a technical expert, he is responsible for overseeing the quality of all VAT as well as Customs and Excise opinions issued by TradeTaxPlus.

He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation from the University of Pretoria.

Christo serves as the chairperson of the SAICA VAT Committee and presents most of SAICA’s VAT seminars. He previously presented all VAT seminars for LexisNexis.

He has been involved in UNISA’s Advanced Course in VAT for many years, contributing significantly to developing the programme into one of South Africa’s leading educational tools. He continues to present the course.

CPD

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

Event Investment

Free for Tax Practitioner, Tax Accountant CPD subscribers and Practice Packages. Not a CPD subscriber yet? Click here to register now.

• Regular price: R230.00
• Group booking discounts available when you register for a group.

Payments & Cancellations

• All payments must be made by EFT or by credit card, at least 3 working days before commencement of an event.
• Kindly note that should payment not be received 2 days after the event, legal action will be taken
• Proof of payment will be requested at registration, if payment does not reflect on Tax Faculty's bank account.
• Cancellations:
  • Only written notice of cancellation will be recognized.
  • If the cancellation occurs more than 4 working days prior to the event no cancellation fee will be charged.
  • If the cancellation occurs less than 4 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.
• 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.