Between July and November, South African taxpayers are expected to submit their income tax returns for the previous financial year. SARS then calculates the tax on your income and the tax-deductible expenses for the assessment year – which is currently 1 March 2014 and 28 February 2015 – and sometimes this results in a refund.

Season closes on Friday 27 November and SARS is urging all those liable for tax return to get on it. They have even provided a few tips, because we all know that when the topic of tax comes up, people have a tendency to glaze over.

Tax Tip #1 – Don’t file a tax return if you don’t need to

You don’t need to file if your total salary earned during 1 March 2014 – 28 February 2015 for the 2015 tax year is not more than R350 000 (before tax), provided:

• You only have one employer (but remember if you have two employers or income sources e.g. late spouse / partner pension income, exam markings income, moonlighting income etc you do need to file even if the total is still under R350 000) or
• You have no car allowance or other income (e.g. interest or rent) or
• You are not claiming tax related deductions (e.g. medical expenses, retirement etc) or
• You received interest from a source in South Africa not exceeding –
• R23 800 if you are below the age of 65 years; or
• R34 500 if you aged 65 years or older or
• Dividends were paid to you and you were a non-resident during the 2015 year of assessment.

Tax Tip #2 – Looking for your tax number?
Your income tax reference number is a unique 10-digit number issued by SARS to a taxpayer on registration.

If you are registered, you can find your tax number on your:

• Notice of registration from SARS (only available at a SARS Branch and not via the SARS Contact Centre)
• Employee Tax Certificate (IRP5/IT3(a))
• Income Tax Workpage on eFiling, if you’re a registered eFiler.

Tax Tip #3 – No login details. No problem

Forgot your eFiling username and password? Follow these easy steps:

• Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za
• Click on Login
• Click on the question mark icon
• Request your login details
• We’ll send it to your SARS registered email address or cellphone number

Tax Tip #4 – Make accurate claims

To avoid penalties, make sure you have the correct documentation and proof for every claim you make.

• Only use info and figures that reflect on your supporting documents
• Use ONLY the amounts reflected on your contribution certificates from your retirement annuity fund, income protection scheme, medical aid etc.
• Make sure you keep an accurate logbook and do not fabricate kilometres travelled
• Don’t inflate the value of your vehicle.

Tax Tip #5 – Don’t lie on your tax return

Overstating the number of dependants or expenses for medical claims is a criminal offence.

• Only claim for the actual number of dependants registered on your medical aid
• Don’t overstate your out-of-pocket medical expenses because SARS will ask for your receipts
• Medication that has not been prescribed may not be claimed for.

Tax Tip #6 – Don’t hide it. We’ll find it!

We are closing in on undeclared income and overstated expenses.

• Declare all income you received during the year of assessment like rent, interest and income from your part-time job
• If a deduction does not exist – do not claim for it!

Tax Tip #7 – Be prepared

Have the applicable documents on hand to complete your tax return, such as:

• IRP5 or IT3(a) certificates from your employer or pension fund
• Financial statements (e.g. business income)
• Medical aid certificates and receipts
• Retirement annuity fund contribution certificates
• Tax certificates for investment income (IT3(b))
• Completed confirmation of diagnosis of disability form (ITR-DD)
• Information relating to capital gain transactions
• Travel logbook

Remember, if you’re filing at a SARS branch you must bring all the listed documents applicable to you, plus original proof of identity (ID, temporary ID, passport or driver’s licence).

Tax Tip #8 – Don’t fall for scams

Don’t be fooled by emails asking for your personal info

• SARS will never request your banking details or personal details in any communication that you receive by post, email, phone or SMS
• SARS will also not send you any hyperlinks to other websites – even those of banks
• There are no links to any bank on this website.

Tax Tip #9 – Be ‘tax smart’ and eFile

eFiling is the quickest and easiest way to submit your return

• Visit eFiling to register and submit your return online
• If you’re an eFiler download the eFiling app and submit your return via your smartphone or tablet

Need help? Click on the Help-You-eFile icon on eFiling (when filing from your computer) and follow the prompts to get access to a friendly SARS Contact Centre agent.

Tax Tip #10 – There’s an even simpler way

There are still those we know we can trust and if it’s sound accounting and tax advice you’re after all you need to do is get in touch with the folks over at Galbraith&Rushby. After all, they offer a full range of services to suit both individual and business needs.