SARS Letter Decoder
Pick the type of SARS notice you received to get a plain-English explanation, the deadline and what to do.
Sound familiar?
- “A brown envelope from SARS landed and you do not know what it actually means.”
- “You logged into eFiling and saw a notice you cannot decipher.”
- “You are not sure if there is a deadline or what happens if you do nothing.”
What this tool does
Translates the common SARS notices into plain English, tells you the typical deadline, and lists the next step on eFiling. Always cross-check the dates printed on your own letter.
Which notice did you get?
What the law actually says
- •The Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 sets out how SARS issues assessments, levies penalties (Chapter 15), charges interest (section 89) and enforces collection (section 179).
- •Provisional tax is governed by the Fourth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. Paragraph 20 imposes a 20% underestimation penalty; paragraph 27 imposes a 10% late-payment penalty.
- •You can lodge a Request for Remission, Notice of Objection or Notice of Appeal on eFiling within the time limits in the Tax Administration Act and the Dispute Resolution Rules.