The role of Tax Practitioners as the intermediary with SARS

“Fair Tax” means ensuring the rules prevail and all parties involved are protected against overzealousness.

I am often reminded that a Tax Practitioner must ensure that the Client's rights are protected, that the relationship with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is maintained, and that regulations and the law take precedence.

I have experienced the prevalent animosity when a SARS vs. Taxpayer situation becomes more than just an inquiry. It degenerates into a fight of will for months and even years, ultimately costing both parties a fortune in legal fees that could have been utilized to settle the disputed tax debt if it were due and payable.

That is where the application of the law, the understanding thereof, and the conveyance to the client become paramount.

Our choice of profession must not be taken lightly. We are responsible to our clients and SARS to be ethical, have integrity, and present our clients’ cases correctly without compromise.

Compliance is non-negotiable, but I have also seen how humanity prevails in many South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials. Given the opportunity, their intention is always to assist, to ensure that within the constraints of the Tax Administration Act and the Law, they go out of their way to assist, guide, and advise.

I have discovered that these individuals have so much in common with us. They have the same #aspirations, goals, and desire to achieve the best. For our industry and sector to succeed, we Tax Practitioners must join hands with our SARS counterparts and offer each other mutual professional respect.

South Africans are, by their very nature, a hopeful nation. We have enough honest, integrity-filled individuals to make a difference in how Taxes are managed, and together, we can make a positive change in our sector.

Together, our roles must promote “FAIR TAX” for all.

#Tax

#Taxpractitioners

#taxadministration