![[File Image]: The Cape Town headquarters of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which collects tax revenue, is seen in this picture.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SABC-News-Sars-Reuters.jpg)
The Head of Strategic Engagement & Compliance at Tax Consulting SA, Jashwin Baijoo, says South Africans who are not complying with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and tax laws may be found guilty of a criminal offence.
This as SARS is intensifying its efforts to address tax non-compliance, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The filing season for the 2024 tax year starts from July 15 until October 21.
The Tax Administration Act of 2011 outlines various criminal offences related to tax non-payment and outstanding returns.
Baijoo says it doesn’t matter who you are, if found guilty of tax offences you will face the consequences.
“Erroneous or incomplete or false submission of statements to SARS is a criminal offence. The non-submission of tax returns [and] not paying your taxes is a criminal offence and the list goes on. Section 2:34 Administration Act literally has the list of criminal offences – your tax evasion, tax fraud, fraudulent claims.”
“This speaks to a commission or omission, either willfully or negligently, all of which are deemed to be a criminal offence and tax payers can face severe penalties or prison sentences,” adds Baijoo.
