SARS Operational Meeting: Cape Town 4 September 2013

Author: SAIT Technical

Opening

Willie Viljoen welcomed everybody.  He apologised for Managers that could not attend due to Operational reasons.

Discussion on issue list (issues from tax practitioners)

SARS E-filing Internet Connectivity

• Eugene explained that the time out issue raised a lot of queries. Eugene explained that problems experienced could be explorer related issues. SARS prefers explorer version 8 or higher. The time out session is a security risk. Users also need to keep in mind that the virus software can also  block programmes and websites. 
• You will not be logged off if you continually work on the page. If you do not work continually, save whatever you are busy with.

Verification of bank details

• Willie explained FICA process and that all documents required must be brought to SARS. Tax practitioners and taxpayers must ensure that when submitting returns that last three digits of ID’s are updated. Where bank details changed and the new bank details were verified in the branch office, the new bank details must updated on the returns when submitting after bank verification.

SARS appointments

• Complaint was addressed by Zahir Shaik.

SARS Call Centre

• Call centre explained that they do have an authentication process which they need to follow. There might be a delay in uploading information onto the system.

Submission of returns

• Willie escalated as this is a systems related issue and cannot be addressed locally. Willie did not receive a reply as yet.

Communication with tax practitioners and clients

• Mr Richter will hand example to Willie. By the time that the taxpayer /tax practitioner got the e-mail the 30 days has lapsed.

Tax Practioner Meetings  

• We currently invite the names which are on our list. If you know of controlling who wants to attend you can forward us the details. Next meeting date is 4 December.

Approval of previous meeting minutes 

• Suggestion was made that previous minutes be approved by those who attended the meeting. Minutes of the last meeting was approved. 

General Issues 

Power of attorney’s (POA)

• A question was raised on the different POA’s for different matters. We have a new POA on the website, but tax practitioners have not been informed. Willie will take this issue up with Mark Kingon.
• Colin Wolfsohn suggested that tax practitioners be informed of new changes via e-mail. He also advised that a POA is valid for two years. Benjamin will raise this issue. 
• A suggestion was made that the tax practitioners visit the SARS website once a week.

Expected E@syfile employer release

• The next roll out will take place on 15 September 2013. The E@syfile website can be checked for the latest updates and changes.
• For any queries on e@syfile Eugene can be contacted on Eugenej@sarsefiling.co.za.

Letters to Tax Practitioners

• A general notice was sent to all manual applications.
• Benjamin advised that SARS is currently busy with the controlling bodies to identify member’s details.
• SARS is also busy with a code of conduct for tax practitioners where SARS is in the process of reporting certain tax practitioners to their controlling bodies.
• A concern was raised as to how a tax practitioner would know that he/she is registered with SARS. Benjamin advised that you would receive a notification that you have updated.
• Controlling bodies will also receive forms in which complaints can be laid against another tax practitioner.

Tax Practitioner – nature of queries

• Tracy explained the new process that will be followed when making an appointment at the Bellville office. We will no longer pre-book appointments in advance. We also want to ensure that you have used all other mediums available to practitioners before making appointments. Upon requesting an appointment , tax practitioners need to complete a template in which they have to stipulate the reason or the nature of the appointment.

NOO/NOA process

• When a NOO is invalid this means that another NOO should be submitted. The system will see the NOO as never submitted.
• When the NOO is partially allowed or disallowed this means the next step can be followed by submitting a NOA.
• If the above channels were followed and the system still don’t allow you to do a NOO or NOA, a letter should be submitted to legal to object manually.
• Tax practitioners must keep in mind that we do not follow the NOO process for all cases. For instance to rectify medical expenses a request for correction (RFC) can be used instead of a NOO.
• When an audit was done and the expenses were disallowed, then the NOO process can be followed.

Date for next meeting 

• 4 December 2013.

Other 

• Benjamin spoke on other channels that could be used for queries. We need to look at the nature of the queries. 
• Colin Wolfsohn suggested that a newsletter be sent out communicating what all can be done via PPC mailbox.
• A concerned was raised that when TCC’s are requested via e-filing, the TCC is rejected as payment is not due yet but only at the end of the month. 
• Suggestion was raised for a road show regarding the availability of the PPC mailbox and what can all be requested/done via this mailbox. Willie advised that a road show has already taken place. 
• Tax practitioners requested the availability of someone to contact in the branches telephonically. Siyakha branch offices and processing centres do not deal with telephonic enquiries.
• Tracy advised that we are receiving too many manual applications for TCC’s. Colin suggested that we look at why so many TCC’s are not done online.
• Colin requested why we are servicing tax practitioners who are not registered in terms of the TAA. Benjamin advised that we are in the process and soon we will not service those tax practitioners anymore. 

The meeting was adjourned.