How to Avoid the “Big Stick” if You Owe SARS Money
"Speak softly and carry a big stick” (U.S. President Franklin D Roosevelt)
It’s a frightening prospect owing the Taxman money. SARS may (or may not) “speak softly” but it definitely carries a “big stick” – a very big one. It has extensive debt collection powers, and you could find yourself being sued and blacklisted, having your assets sold in execution, having your bank appointed to pay out of your accounts, sequestration of your estate, travel restrictions, even criminal prosecution.
Do not ignore the problem and hope that it will go away – it won’t!
There is no substitute for specific professional advice here. Apart from anything else, if you just need to ride out a temporary cash flow challenge, we can help you decide whether you should sacrifice any of your investments or look for another solution – ask us first!
To understand your position as regards SARS, read its “Owing SARS Money” webpage under these headings –
- What’s new?
- Manage your tax debt
- How much do I owe?
- How do I make a payment?
- What if I can’t pay the full amount now?
- How do I make payment arrangements?
- What if I don’t agree with the debt?
- What if I don’t pay my taxes?
And if a “SARS” debt collector comes knocking…
Bogus debt collectors have been known to contact taxpayers with threats and demands to pay “tax debts” into accounts that turn out to be fraudulent, so the most important thing is to never pay money direct to debt collectors or self-proclaimed SARS officials. Make payments only as set out in the SARS “Make a Payment” webpage.
If any “authorised debt collector” or “SARS official” wants money to be handed over to them, report them to SARS immediately. Direct queries to the SARS Contact Centre at 0800 00 7277 (0800 00 SARS) and report any suspicious activity to the SARS Anti-Corruption and Fraud Hotline at 0800 00 2870.
Provided by Vaal Triangle Insurance
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