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The 2013 tax season for submission of tax returns has officially opened.
The SA Revenue Service said officials were on the streets early this morning raising awareness about the start of the tax season.
Sars spokesperson, Adrian Lackay, says at the end of the tax season last November, 5.66 million tax returns had been submitted, a 16.4 percent increase from 2011.
He says refunds of 14.5 billion had been paid to taxpayers, which was 14.8 percent more than the previous year.
Lackay said the annual tax season represented one of the biggest, direct engagements between a public institution of the South African government and taxpayers.
"This is the period of the year where most working people can submit their income tax returns to Sars. We have seen much activity at our branch offices across the country. E-filing became available since the weekend and by 10:00 this morning more than 18 000 people have already submitted returns, so we are very happy with the public response so far." says Lackay
Meanwhile, Lackay says they will continue to increase their communication and marketing in the public domain.
"We will also make sure that our offices and other service channels have available resources so that employees are able to assist the public. Any tax payers with queries can approach Sars for assistance thus enabling them to file their returns on time."
