The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced it will be closing tax branches temporarily for physical visits from next Thursday due to the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.
The branches will be closed in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
SARS has urged taxpayers to utilize its digital platform.
It further adds that the temporary closure of branches will not affect the start of the filing season on July 1 for individuals who traditionally file via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
In a statement, SARS says it plans to resume physical branch visits from August 16, 2021.
They will continue to review the current situation.
Taxpayers who will require assistance to file online will be assisted telephonically with the support of SARS staff.
All Customs Ports of Entry will be open for frontline customs operations, but not for face-to-face client engagement other than for clearance and inspection purposes.
Media Release: SARS takes a precautionary approach in the midst of rising COVID-19 cases
SARS notes with deep concern the devastating impact of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic… https://t.co/aCwU38fk4V
— SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) June 24, 2021
The temporary closure of the tax branches will not affect the start of Filing Season for individuals who file on eFiling or SARS MobiApp. These taxpayers can continue filing digitally 1 July 2021.
Branch filing will NOT commence on 1 July 2021. https://t.co/aCwU38fk4V
— SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) June 25, 2021
