How can I verify whether SARS has changed my VAT periods for submissions?
Important:
This answer is based on tax law year ending 28 February 2021.
Answer:
SARS is still in the process of changing their system. Once the system has been changed, we presume that SARS will either advise vendors directly of the approval to allow VAT returns to be submitted on a monthly basis, or simply by opening the relevant tax periods on eFiling. No formal communication has been forthcoming from SARS as to the process to follow, except the communication below.
Below is an extract from the notification of the effective date of the temporary relief rule. For Category A VAT vendors the relief would only apply from the May 2020 tax period (the May return may be filed in June 2020). We assume that with regards to Category B vendors, it will apply from the June 2020 tax period (the June return may then be filed in July 2020).
“Fast-tracking of value-added tax (VAT) refunds: Smaller VAT vendors that are in a net refund position will be temporarily permitted to file monthly instead of once every two months, thereby unlocking the input tax refund faster and immediately helping with cash-flow. SARS is working towards having its systems in place to allow this in May 2020 for Category A vendors that would otherwise only file in June 2020.”
Here is a link to the SARS website dealing with the issue: https://www.sars.gov.za/Media/Pages/Tax-Relief-measures.aspx