S.Africa: Taxpayer wins case against SARS’ failure to issue a Letter of Findings at the conclusion of a tax auditA Tax Audit is a comprehensive review or examination conducted by a government’s tax authority. The primary objective of a tax audit is to verify the accuracy of a taxpayer's financial records, tax returns, and overall tax compliance. This process ensures that the reported income, expenses, and deductions align with the applicable tax laws and regulations. Tax audits serve as...
I am pleased to inform you that a recent tax case I argued in PE (with colleagues Strombeck Pieterse Attorneys) was won with costs against SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently.... The case has been redacted due to it being argued in the Tax Court:
Simply put, the main issue was that
SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... failed to issue a letter of findings at the conclusion of an audit (ss 40 and 42), and so the court set aside the assessment with costs against
SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently....
The assessment was raised based on a high retrenchment package for a CEO,
SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... said was taxable (in excess of R7m), and adding back of substantial farming expenses,
SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... said were not deductible. These issues were not advanced in the judgment due to
SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... failure to adhere to the peremptory administrative procedures prescribed in the
Tax AdministrationTax authorities are fundamental institutions within government frameworks, overseeing tax assessment, collection, and administration. Their operations ensure that tax laws are enforced and public funds are collected efficiently. This article delves into tax authorities' purpose, responsibilities, and structure, offering insights into their essential role in supporting government functions and economic stability. What is a Tax Authority? A tax authority is... Act.
This is thus a significant judgment in administrative/constitutional law as it applies to tax and the raising of assessments.
In South Africa
www.taxrisk.co.za offers low cost insurance to fund the representation of taxpayer’s put into a similar situation by
SARSThe South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the official tax authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s fiscal policy by collecting revenue, administering customs, and ensuring compliance with tax legislation. Established under the South African Revenue Service Act, No. 34 of 1997, SARS functions independently... failing to adhere to administrative rules at the time of an audit.
Regards.
Dr. Daniel N Erasmus
Independent Tax Counsel –
A TPA Global Member
TP and other international & domestic tax litigation; US Tax Court; South Africa; Zimbabwe; Tanzania; and other African countries
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