Lunch Hour Conversation with the Tax Ombud - June 2026
Duration: 1 hour
Price: R0.00
Lunch Hour Conversation with the Tax Ombud - June 2026
Presenters : Frik Pretorius , Yolisa Dyasi
Overview
As the 2026 Tax Filing Season approaches, tax practitioners face increasing pressure to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance from the outset. This video, presented in collaboration with the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), provides practical guidance drawn from real complaint trends, case insights, and recurring administrative challenges experienced during filing periods.
Presented by Mr Frik Pretorius, Senior Manager: Legal Support Services at the OTO, the video equips practitioners with the knowledge and tools to proactively address common issues, resolve matters at SARS level, and avoid unnecessary escalation. Emphasis is placed on getting submissions right the first time, strengthening client processes, and improving overall filing season outcomes.
Video Content
1. Common Filing Season Challenges
- Causes of processing delays and backlogs within SARS systems, and how to minimise turnaround times
- Frequent triggers of incorrect or disputed assessments, including data mismatches and missing documentation
- Communication challenges with SARS and strategies to improve response and follow-up processes
- Common procedural errors and how to ensure full compliance with SARS requirements
2. Insights from the Office of the Tax Ombud
- Key complaint trends observed during previous filing seasons
- Root causes of disputes and practical measures to prevent escalation
- Real-life case examples illustrating how issues develop and how they could have been resolved earlier
3. Best Practices for Practitioners
- Techniques to ensure complete and accurate submissions "first time right"
- Improving client onboarding, verification, and document management processes
- Proactive communication strategies to manage client expectations and engage effectively with SARS
Competencies Developed
- Technical competence: Improved understanding of tax administration processes and SARS system navigation
- Risk management: Ability to identify and mitigate filing risks early in the process
- Compliance and accuracy: Enhanced capability to prepare and submit accurate, compliant tax returns
- Problem-solving and escalation awareness: Structured approaches to resolving issues and knowing when to escalate
- Client advisory skills: Strengthened ability to guide clients and manage expectations effectively
- Professional judgement: Enhanced decision-making in complex and compliance-driven scenarios
Related Webinars
Achieving success with requests for remission/reduction of tax penalties and interest