How can SARS deduct R2500 from 7yrs ago (after a refund), and a further R2500 after I disputed it?

By Marc Sevitz · Updated 6 November 2014

Hi Tim. I have a major dispute going on with SARS as efiling didn't show that my return for 2007 was done manually. Being a new efiling user I was still learning the process. How can SARS be so inhumane when they have clearly made this service available to the common person and then charge us thousands for making a human error by clicking a wrong button. I submitted a return in error that should never have been submitted from 7 years ago (a year they rightfully refunded me I might add)... SARS came back to me saying I owe them almost over R2500 for that year. I was shocked so immediately tried to rectify this and resubmitted the return, they put me through an audit. After weeks of painful phone calls, I finally got a new assessment stating I owe ANOTHER R2500! The more I dispute owing them, the more they say I we them. The supporting document they asked for, wasn't even in existence as I was not even employed at that point in time. I am devastated and feel robbed. What do I do? A tax practitioner wants to charge me up to R8000 to sort this out, which is ridiculous given that I'm fighting for R5000 which will help me put food on my table end of the month and I need it, and feel it is rightfully mine. Please help.

TaxTim Marc said:
6 November 2014 at 22:18

Rather go into a SARS branch and speak to someone senior there, explain the entire situation, take whatever documents you have and they should be able to help you get the penalty reduced.

Mona said:
7 November 2014 at 10:46

Hi. Thank you for your response. I just want to add that this 2007 return was submitted in error as I didn't realise it was previously submitted manually. It was human error and and resent 4 versions on eFiling trying to rectify this as I panicked and they decided to audit me, then saying I owe money (which was refunded that year), and after submitting my IRP5 again they said I owe them for 2007, so they're not penalties. And all this considering I didn't even work a full year in 2007 is absolutely impossible and unacceptable. How can they send me an even higher bill after I disputed the first one. It is so wrong and has been dragging on for 4 months for a year that was never even meant to be submitted. Its ridiculous! Pls help.

TaxTim Marc said:
8 November 2014 at 16:54

The best way to resolve this would be to either hire a practitioner, but that would be very expensive given the length of your case or to go into a SARS branch yourself and request that the tax or penalty be reversed given the details of the event. Explain the full case and take through all your documents that you have.

Mona said:
10 November 2014 at 0:01

Thank you. I appreciate the answers. At least I don't feel like I'm completely delusional :) Thanks for the insight.

TaxTim Marc said:
10 November 2014 at 9:40

Only a pleasure! Glad we could be here to assist.