SARS tax disputes: What new rules mean for your money

Summary

There is concern in South Africa about how SARS (South African Revenue Service) handles disputes over tax assessments. SARS has been trying to reopen past assessments in ways that some taxpayers believe are unfair. Tax experts want clearer laws to ensure SARS cannot increase tax assessments beyond three years once a taxpayer disputes them. This is important because if SARS were allowed to go back further or increase assessments unexpectedly, taxpayers might face higher tax bills and financial uncertainty. The call for clarity aims to protect taxpayers from unexpected costs and ensure a fair process when challenging tax decisions. This issue affects businesses and individuals who want to confidently challenge tax assessments without fear of larger penalties or longer reassessment periods.