Taryn Hill
For South Africans, filing your tax returns has never been easier. Now you can avoid the long queues at the SARS branches and the technical hiccups that were rife with the previous eFiling system. SARS is encouraging all taxpayers to submit income tax returns with the new SARS MobiApp. Here’s how it works.
To get started, you will need to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Devices that are are compatible with the SARS MobiApp include iOS versions 10 and up and Android versions 5.0 and up.
How the SARS MobiApp works
The SARS MobiApp allows you to register, complete, save and submit your tax returns for the current year, as well as those from previous years. The app also allows you to upload and submit any supporting documents, make payments to SARS, set up a Call Back from the SARS Contact Centre, view a notice of assessment, use the tax calculator, view your Income Tax Statement and view the status of the return.
Apart from avoiding all the queues at your local SARS branch, using the SARS MobiApp also has the added benefit of allowing taxpayers a longer period of time to file their returns and, of course, the app is available 24/7.
Now you can seamlessly file your tax return within minutes. The tax season for 2019 will have a deadline on the app of 4 December, while those that require assistance at a SARS branch will only be able to do so from 1 August until 31 October 2019.
Should you submit a tax return?
It’s important to note that not all taxpayers need to file an income tax return. You only have to submit a tax return if you earn more than R500 000 per year before tax, have tax-related deductions to claim back (such as medical and travel expenses) and receive employment income from more than one employer for the year.
You also need to submit a tax return if you receive other forms of income such as rental income or taxable interest. If you have unnecessarily filed a return in the past, the app will send you a notification letting you know that you do not have to submit one.
App users will also receive a simulated outcome from SARS, as if they had filed a return, based on information from employers and other sources that SARS has received.
If you have any other queries you can call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277.
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