{"id":21489,"date":"2018-09-18T14:09:50","date_gmt":"2018-09-18T14:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sarsefilingguide.co.za\/?page_id=14"},"modified":"2018-09-18T14:09:50","modified_gmt":"2018-09-18T14:09:50","slug":"tax-return-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/tax-return-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"TAX Return Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>They say that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. But paying taxes is actually fraught with a great deal of uncertainty. Most people struggle to understand the complexities of the process \u2013 how much they owe, when to submit a return and who to speak to if something goes wrong \u2013 and view taxpaying as a frightening journey.<\/p><div class=\"forms-atf\" style=\"margin-top: 15px;margin-bottom: 20px;\" id=\"forms-656128564\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Responsive ads atf -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"8381596201\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<div id=\"sarse-610174431\" class=\"sarse-content\"><\/div>\n<p>While it\u2019s never fun giving money to the South African Revenue Services (SARS), it can be less painful if you understand the process a little better. Here are ten things that you need to know to file your tax return with confidence.<br \/>\n<em>*Note: this article deals with tax returns for non-provisional taxpayers. Non-provisional taxpayers are those who earn an income from one or more employers. Provisional taxpayers form a much smaller segment of the tax base and are those individuals with other forms of income like investment income, income from business activities, rental income, royalties income or directors of companies.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"sarse-218816605\" class=\"sarse-content_3\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"sub-header\">1.\u00a0<strong>When do I need to start paying tax?<\/strong><\/span>If you are younger than 65 years old, you only need to pay tax if your income is more than R78 150 per year. Remember that your income is the money you earn either at your job or from other activities like renting out a room in your home or working after hours, as well as any interest you\u2019ve earned on investments.<br \/>\nThis starting taxation amount changes each year, so be sure to check what the threshold is on the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS website<\/a>.<br \/>\nIf you are older than 65, the tax threshold increases to R121 000, and if you are older than 75, the threshold is R135 300.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">2.\u00a0<strong>How do I register to pay tax?<\/strong><\/span>If you have never paid taxes before, you will need to go to your nearest\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/Contact\/Branch-Finder\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS branch<\/a>\u00a0with your ID book and proof of residence.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/ClientSegments\/Individuals\/How-Register-Tax\/Pages\/Register-for-tax.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">You will be registered while you wait<\/a>, and will then receive an email notification of your registration and tax number. This tax number is yours for life and will be quoted in any future dealings you have with SARS. Remember that tax season runs from July to November, so it\u2019s best to avoid SARS branches at this time if you possibly can.<br \/>\nIf you are not sure whether you have been registered, you can call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">3.<strong>\u00a0How do I pay my taxes?<\/strong><\/span>Your employer should deduct Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from your salary each month and pay that to SARS on your behalf, in line with\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/Tax-Rates\/Income-Tax\/Pages\/Rates%20of%20Tax%20for%20Individuals.aspx%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">these tax tables<\/a>. If you have any other sources of income \u2013 like rental or interest earned on investments \u2013 you will have to declare those to SARS when you do your tax return. After your return has been assessed, you may have to pay additional tax to SARS, who will then inform you of their banking details, or you may receive a tax refund. This is discussed in greater detail in the next point.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">4.\u00a0<strong>Why must I do a tax return?<\/strong><\/span>Every month, you pay tax on the amount of money that you earned in that month. If the amount that you earn fluctuates \u2013 for instance because of bonuses, travel or commission \u2013 you might pay tax at a higher rate in that month. At the end of the year, you need to make sure that you are paying tax at the correct rate for your annual total \u2013 which means you might have to pay money back to or receive a refund from SARS.<br \/>\nIn addition, there are some expenses that are \u201ctax deductible\u201d, which means that the amount that you spend on them is deducted from your total taxable income. These include medical aid contributions and retirement annuities. A full list of the tax deductible expenses appears below.<br \/>\nIf you earn less than R350 000, you do not have to do a tax return, but remember that you can\u2019t get a tax refund if you don\u2019t.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">5.\u00a0<strong>How do I file a tax return?<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span>There are a number of different ways that you can file your tax return:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You can post your tax return to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/Contact\/Pages\/Contact-SARS-by-e-mail%20or%20fax%20or%20post.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>You can take the documentation listed below to your\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/Contact\/Head-Office\/Pages\/SARS-offices-how-to-call-us-and-how-to-find-us-.aspx%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">nearest SARS branch<\/a>\u00a0for assistance.<\/li>\n<li>You can register to pay your taxes online through the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sarsefiling.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS e-Filing<\/a>\u00a0system.<\/li>\n<li>Some employers provide staff support for completing tax returns.<\/li>\n<li>You can hire an accountant to do your tax return for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are the documents you need to submit:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your IRP5\/IT3 certificate, which you will receive from your employer.<\/li>\n<li>Medical aid certificates as well as details of any other medical expenses that weren\u2019t covered by your medical aid.<\/li>\n<li>Pension and retirement annuity certificates.<\/li>\n<li>Your banking details.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/TaxTypes\/PIT\/Pages\/Travel-e-log-book.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Travel logbook<\/a>\u00a0(if you receive a travel allowance).<\/li>\n<li>Tax certificates that you received in respect of investment income (IT3(b)).<\/li>\n<li>Completed confirmation of diagnosis of disability (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/AllDocs\/OpsDocs\/SARSForms\/ITR-DD%20-%20Confirmation%20of%20Diagnosis%20of%20Disability%20-%20External%20Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ITR-DD<\/a>), where applicable.<\/li>\n<li>Any other documentation relating to income you received or deductions you want to claim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Remember that different methods of filing your tax return have different deadlines, so be sure to check the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/TaxTypes\/PIT\/Tax-Season\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS website<\/a>\u00a0to make sure you know when your return is due each tax season. Pay on time to avoid penalties.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">6.\u00a0<strong>What expenses can I deduct<\/strong>?<\/span>This is a list of costs that are deductible, according to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/ClientSegments\/Individuals\/Need-Help\/Tax-Questions-Answered\/Pages\/Individual-Deductions.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pension fund contributions<\/li>\n<li>Retirement annuity fund contributions<\/li>\n<li>Provident fund contribution (only from 1 March 2016)<\/li>\n<li>Legal costs \u2013 under certain qualifying circumstances<\/li>\n<li>Wear-and-tear \u2013 in respect of certain assets<\/li>\n<li>Donations \u2013 to approved bodies<\/li>\n<li>Repayable amounts \u2013 amount received for services rendered as refunded by that person<\/li>\n<li>Bad and doubtful debts \u2013 employment related<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"sub-header\">7.\u00a0<strong>How soon will I get my refund<\/strong>?<\/span>SARS can pay refunds as quickly as one day later, but there have been increased delays in paying returns in the last couple of years. If you have submitted a return but haven\u2019t heard anything at all from SARS within a few weeks, contact their Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 to find out why.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">8.\u00a0<strong>What if I get audited?<\/strong><\/span>When you fill out your tax return, you provide all the information relating to your income and expenditure over the tax year to SARS. If they are in some way dissatisfied, they can request an audit, which means that you are required to provide them with all original documents that prove the numbers you have quoted.<br \/>\nAlthough an audit is a painful experience to go through because of the admin involved, if you have been honest in your return and kept track of the correct documentation, you should have nothing to worry about.<br \/>\nAnd remember to keep your supporting documentation for FIVE YEARS, because SARS can request it at any time.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">9.\u00a0<strong>What if I think that SARS is wrong?<\/strong><\/span>If you have any concerns about your tax assessment, you can contact the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.taxombud.gov.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tax Ombudsman<\/a>\u00a0for their intervention in the matter.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">10.\u00a0<strong>How do I avoid being scammed?<\/strong><\/span>Unfortunately, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it is now common for taxpayers to receive emails that say they are from SARS, announcing a tax refund, and requesting your banking details to process the payment. You can visit the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/Pages\/default.aspx%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SARS website<\/a>\u00a0for updated information on any new scams, but always remember that SARS will never request your banking details over email or SMS.<br \/>\n<span class=\"sub-header\">Don\u2019t be afraid<\/span>Paying your taxes isn\u2019t fun, but you can take comfort in the fact that you are doing the right thing and contributing to building our nation. Be honest and do your tax return on time.<\/p><div class=\"forms-content\" id=\"forms-1129262589\"><div style=\"width: 300px; padding: 20px; margin: 0 auto; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 8px; background-color: #f9f9f9; text-align: center; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\">\r\n    <p style=\"font-size: 16px; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Need Information or Confused about Something ? <\/p>\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/onlineapplications.co.za\/ask\/\" style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 10px 20px; background-color: #007BFF; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; transition: background-color 0.3s;\">Ask a Question<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><div class=\"forms-btf\" style=\"margin-top: 15px;margin-bottom: 20px;\" id=\"forms-3160987393\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- Responsive ads btf -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9198760278752355\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5513273173\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"forms-cpc\" id=\"forms-3870257119\"><hr>\n<h1>Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms<\/h1>\n\n<ol>\n  <li>\n    <strong>Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:<\/strong>\n    <p>Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. 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Certificates are available for a fee.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <strong>Best Free Online Courses: Alison:<\/strong>\n    <p>Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <strong>Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:<\/strong>\n    <p>Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <strong>Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:<\/strong>\n    <p>UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <strong>Best Free Online Courses  : Google Digital Garage:<\/strong>\n    <p>Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <strong>Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:<\/strong>\n    <p>Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <strong>Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):<\/strong>\n    <p>LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>They say that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. But paying taxes is actually fraught with a great deal of uncertainty. Most people struggle to understand the complexities of the process \u2013 how much they owe, when to submit a return and who to speak to if something goes wrong \u2013 &#8230; <a title=\"TAX Return Guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/tax-return-guide\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about TAX Return Guide\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21489","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21489"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21489\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forms24.co.za\/data\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}