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.
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.