How to Appeal Against SARS Penalties

By Enk Kabng •  Updated: 10/03/24 •  5 min read

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is responsible for collecting taxes in South Africa. SARS may impose penalties and interest to encourage compliance when taxpayers fail to comply with their tax obligations. However, sometimes these penalties may be unwarranted or excessive, and taxpayers may want to appeal against them.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Appealing against SARS penalties can be a daunting task, but it is important to understand the process and the grounds on which penalties can be appealed. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to appeal against SARS penalties in South Africa, as well as tips on how to increase your chances of success. Whether you are a business owner or an individual taxpayer, this guide will help you navigate the appeals process and protect your rights.

How do I appeal against SARS penalties?

If you want to appeal against a penalty imposed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), you can follow the steps below:

Remember that penalties may continue to accrue while the objection and appeal process is underway. Therefore, acting quickly to lodge your objection and provide any necessary information and documents is important.

How do I submit a formal dispute to SARS?
- ADVERTISEMENT -

If you want to submit a formal dispute to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), you can follow the steps below:

It is important to note that the deadline for submitting a dispute is typically within 30 business days from the assessment date. You may lose your right to dispute the assessment if you miss this deadline. 

How do you get tax penalties waived?

In South Africa, tax penalties may be waived if you have a valid reason or grounds for the penalty to be waived. You can request the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to waive the penalty by following the steps below:

How do I get rid of tax penalties?

One can get rid of tax penalties for any valid reason by following the steps described above. However, SARS has strict requirements for granting penalty waivers, and each case is evaluated based on its merits. As a result, be as thorough as possible in your disclosures and consult experts as needed. If you have already paid the penalty, you can apply for a refund if SARS agrees to waive the penalty. Alternatively, you can request SARS to offset the penalty against any tax refunds you may be entitled to.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Attach Supporting Documents to SARS eFiling

How to Attach Supporting Documents to SARS eFiling

How to Register for PAYE on eFiling

How to Register for PAYE on eFiling

By far, the easiest way to pay PAYE and remain compliant is to register for the PAYE tax type on SARS eFiling- and here's how to do that.

How to Report Tax Fraud

How to Report Tax Fraud

You can do this by taking different measures. Read on to learn how to report tax fraud.    

How to Update My SARS Details Online

How to Update My SARS Details Online

Learn how to update SARS details online, upload supporting documents, and change sensitive information on eFiling.

NOA – Notice of Appeal

NOA – Notice of Appeal

NOA – Notice of Appeal. Read on to learn different aspects of the NOA process. How Do I Submit a SARS Notice of Appeal?

How Long Does SARS Take to Review Documents?

How Long Does SARS Take to Review Documents?

How Long Does SARSTake to Review Documents? Read on to learn how long it takes for SARS to review documents.

Income Tax Penalties in South Africa

Income Tax Penalties in South Africa

Penalties do not necessarily mean legal action will follow, it simply means that your tax bill will be higher than necessary.

What Is Customs VAT in South Africa?

What Is Customs VAT in South Africa?

This tax, a bit like a toll gate, is a part of the journey of every item that enters South Africa

How to Declare Foreign Income On Tax Return in South Africa

How to Declare Foreign Income On Tax Return in South Africa

How to Declare Foreign Income On Tax Return. Read on to learn how you declare foreign income from the SARS tax return. 

How to Claim Medical Expenses On Your Tax Return

How to Claim Medical Expenses On Your Tax Return

You can claim back a portion of your medical aid scheme fees from SARS on your annual tax return. Claim Medical Expenses On Your Tax Return

Do You Pay Income Tax on Dividends?

Do You Pay Income Tax on Dividends?

Today we have a handy guide to dividends and taxation in South Africa to help empower your financial knowledge

How to Claim Medical Expenses From SARS

How to Claim Medical Expenses From SARS

In this article, we’ll discuss how to claim medical expenses on your tax return from SARS, including which medical expenses you can claim

How to Request SARS Notice of Registration

How to Request SARS Notice of Registration

You can access your Sars Notice of Registration easily through different platform. Here's everything you need to know

SARS Tax Procedure to Follow When An Employee Dies?

SARS Tax Procedure to Follow When An Employee Dies?

SARS Tax Procedure to Follow When An Employee Dies? When an employee's life journey concludes, there are essential steps regarding their tax matters

How to Recover eFiling Password

How to Recover eFiling Password

If you have forgotten your login password or need to amend or change other details, we've created this guide to help.