SARS seeks to appeal Zuma tax records ruling
The South African Revenue Service will apply for leave to appeal a High Court ruling ordering the release of former president Jacob Zuma’s tax records to two media publications.
The two publications, Financial Mail and Amabhungane, approached the courts in a bid to investigate Zuma’s tax compliance during his term as head of state.
Zuma’s financial affairs have been a topic of discussion in the public domain for several years now, including claims of corruption, undue benefit from state funds and tax evasion.
Some weeks ago, the High Court in Pretoria ruled in favour of the publications, ordering SARS to hand over the records within 10 days.
Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says the institution wants to appeal the ruling.
“SARS is appealing the order and opposing the confirmation by the Constitutional Court of the unconstitutionality of the Promotion to Access to Information Act and Tax Administration Act.
“The judgment as it currently stands, if left unchallenged, would undermine the sacrosanct principle of the confidentiality of taxpayer information, which is the bedrock upon which the work of SARS and other international revenue authorities is based.”
Kieswetter has vowed to defend the tax information of every South African.
“The public can be assured that SARS will defend the principle of confidentiality on behalf of every single taxpayer. Every taxpayer is equal before the law, and we will apply the laws relevant to SARS without fear, favour or prejudice.”
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