Tax filing season to open in September

SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter says taxpayers are being encouraged to use e-filing where possible - because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kieswetter briefed the media in Gauteng on Thursday. 

He says about 3 million individuals will be automatically assessed. 

He says these taxpayers will receive an SMS notifying them of the tax return completed on their behalf.

"Those SMSs will start hitting your phones and it will advise you of an assessment outcome that we have done of your income. 

"If you log on to your mobi app or e-filling, you will have an opportunity to view it and accept it. "

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Kieswetter says they've ramped up their filing system in the wake of the pandemic. 

"We have added more than 30 additional digital functions and will continue to enhance this during the season. During the past 100 days, we have worked hard to provide the provide these functions to expand our offering."

The revenue service says it seized illegal cigarettes worth more than R 77 million, between 1 April and 17 july. 

The figure increased by R15 million, compared to last year. 

Kieswetter says during the same period, 137-kilos of rhino horns with a street value of R115 million, were seized.