Overview

Established in October 2013, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) provides an avenue for taxpayers to address complaints regarding SARS' application of tax laws and processes. The office strives to assist with fair and transparent tax administration within the legal framework outlined by the Constitution and the Tax Administration Act.

When addressing a taxpayers' complaints, the OTO engages with SARS officials, utilising access to SARS’ systems and taxpayer information, which facilitates the resolution of lodged complaints.

During this complimentary webinar, Theo Burrows and Gert van Heerden will talk about taxpayers' rights, entitlements, and obligations, emphasising the importance of quality and timely service from tax authorities. They will also unpack an interesting VAT case study where SARS failed to finalise verifications within the prescribed turn-around time.

Topics Covered in Case Study

• Once the SARS timeframe was exceeded, the vendor's complaint led to OTO intervention.
• Theo and Gert will explore taxpayers' rights in terms of:
  • Emphasised entitlement to quality service, courteous assistance, and finality in tax audits.
  • Stressed rights to complain without fear of victimisation and access to information on tax laws and services.
  • Impacts of Delays:
    • Delays in verification processes can harm vendors' rights, leading to resource-intensive follow-ups and potential loss of trust in the tax system.
    • Highlighted financial implications, especially for small businesses, due to delayed tax refunds.

Competencies developed in this webinar

• Understanding of the correct procedures to follow when and how to effectively lodge complaints with the OTO.
• Real-life examples of complaint outcomes direct from the Office’s Senior Manager.
• Access to a community of tax professionals experiencing the same frustrations and hold ups.
• The ability to accurately advise your clients and assist them as efficiently as possible.

Presenters

Gert van Heerden

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

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

Free complimentary access.