How do I correct a mistake that I have made on my tax return that resulted in a penalty by SARS?

By Marc Sevitz · Updated 22 March 2013

I submitted my tax return for the 2012/13 financial year. I was requested to submit supporting documents, which I did. I was informed that I owe a sum of +-R16200 to SARS. It transpired that when I declared my medical expenses I included "cents" on my return. As a result of this I was penalised a sum of +-R162000 which I feel is unfair and unreasonable. How do I correct this?

TaxTim Marc said:
22 March 2013 at 16:02

You would need to lodge a dispute by clicking the dispute button on the ITA34 or your Income Tax Work Page. You then complete a NOO1 and submit a letter with your reasons for the dispute and hope SARS accept your reasoning and reduce the fee.

A tax practitioner could do this for you at a fee, but it can be done by yourself. Just explain the situation carefully.