A list of agencies that SARS appointed to collect debt from you
Sorry to bring on the bad news but the SA Revenue Agency wants you to do your due diligence and report all forms of income, so they can tax you on it.
They are so serious about this that they appointed eight debt collection agencies to recover as much as possible of the R16.6-billion in debt owed to SARS.
According to a statement from SARS, at present, over 2.3 million taxpayers and traders owe SARS just under R150-billion.
And when you are contacted you SHOULD NOT pay money directly to the debt collection agency. All outstanding taxor duties must only be paid directly to SARS via authorised payment channels.
PwC said that South African taxpayers must also beware of the following:
Verify banking details with SARS before making payments. You should also be on high alert as criminals may use this opportunity to scam you as a taxpayer.
If you have any questions or complaints you can contact the SARS Contact Centre at 0800 00 7277 (0800 00 SARS), or visit Owing SARS Money webpage to validate the agencies’ mandate to engage them.
According to a statement from SARS, at present, over 2.3 million taxpayers and traders owe SARS just under R150-billion.
Just in case you get contacted, these are the legit agencies that have been appointed:
- CSS Credit Solution Services (Pty) Ltd,
- ITC Business Administrators (Pty) Ltd,
- Medaco Capital Services (Pty) Ltd,
- New Integrated Credit Solutions (Pty) Ltd,
- Norman Bisset & Associates Group (Pty) Ltd,
- Revenue Consulting (Pty) Ltd,
- Transactional Capital Recoveries (Pty) Ltd
- Van De Venter Mojapelo (Pty) Ltd.
SARS said that taxpayers and traders with outstanding accounts will only be contacted, via electronic channels. The agencies will embark on the traditional debt collection activities, including outbound calls; tracing of taxpayers, sending out notices (can be SMSs, emails or letters/notices).
And when you are contacted you SHOULD NOT pay money directly to the debt collection agency. All outstanding taxor duties must only be paid directly to SARS via authorised payment channels.
PwC said that South African taxpayers must also beware of the following:
- Do not ignore letters of demand from SARS.
- Verify who is calling you – be aware of the independent agent calling you on behalf of SARS and verify that it is listed by SARS as a contractor.
- Other third parties (i.e banks) may also be appointed to recover taxes.
- SARS will insist on the “pay now argue later” rule. However, section 164 of the TAA allows a taxpayer to request a suspension of payment.
- When applying for Suspension of Payment in terms of Section 164, SARS will in all likelihood request a breakdown of “financial hardship” claimed by a taxpayer as well as request security for the outstanding, disputed tax debt.
- Depending on the quantum and nature of the dispute as well as “prospects of success” in court SARS may be amenable to settle (if the matter is disputed) or if the matter is undisputed, to compromise.
As a taxpayer you are entitled to verify who is calling you and refer them to your tax practitioner. Where you feel that section 69 has been contravened you may inform the caller or agent of this.
Ensure that you are satisfied that the debt is owed and the amount is correct.
Ensure that you are satisfied that the debt is owed and the amount is correct.
Verify banking details with SARS before making payments. You should also be on high alert as criminals may use this opportunity to scam you as a taxpayer.
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