THE 2019 tax season is upon us again. One would think that a task we are required to perform every year would become old habit at a certain stage but with taxes, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The most pressing question is always, ‘Did I miss the deadline?’

Luckily, you have not. The closing dates for the 2019 Tax season are as follows:

• October 31, 2019, for branch filing;
• December 4, 2019, for non provisional taxpayers who use eFiling and the MobiApp;
• January 31, 2020, for provisional taxpayers who use eFiling.

The 2019 tax season started on August 1 for taxpayers who file their income tax returns at a South African Revenue Services (Sars) branch. However, Sars is trying very hard to reduce the crowd of tax payers at Sars branches by encouraging taxpayers to register as users of eFiling and the Sars MobiApp. Taxpayers at Sars branches will be encouraged to register online with the help of Sars officials.

Sars has engaged their staff to help taxpayers register, and once they are registered for these two online channels Sars employees will demonstrate to taxpayers how to use these online channels to file a simple income tax return. Sars branches will provide Wi-Fi for taxpayers to use eFiling or the MobiApp in all Sars branches.

Taxpayers who are registered for eFiling or have access to the MobiApp could file their income tax returns from July 1, via these channels.

Sars had earlier in the year announced some changes which would come into effect ahead of the start of the 2019 tax season.

The biggest change made is that taxpayers who earn below R500 000 are no longer required to submit returns.

This is an increase from the previous threshold of R350 000.

However, taxpayers will still need to meet all of the following criteria to qualify:

• their total employment income for the year before tax is not more than R500 000;
• they only receive employment income from one employer for the full tax year;
• they have no other form of income (e.g. car allowance, business income, and rental income, taxable interest or income from another job);
• they don’t have any additional allowable tax-related deductions to claim (e.g. medical expenses, retirement annuity contributions and travel expenses).

Simulated outcomes and customised notices In an effort to further reduce unnecessary trips to Sars branches, taxpayers who are not required to file a return will receive a simulated outcome from Sars as if they had filed a return. The taxpayer can either accept this outcome or update the return and file.

Sars has already begun issuing customised notices. These notices will also indicate the specific documents required in the event of an audit or verification and a simulated outcome issued before a taxpayer has filed.

Revamped app

Sars has revamped its MobiApp which is intended to make it even easier than before to use a smartphone to file a simple income tax return. The revamped app includes the following new features:

• simpler navigation; the introduction of biometric authentication; a one-time pin as an added security feature; the ability to reset username and password; security questions; the scanning and uploading of supporting documents.

Sars has warned that the taxman will be especially hard on those who miss their submission deadline so don’t let that happen to you. File now, the earlier the better.

Submitting your annual tax return can be stressful but if you are unable to do it correctly or need help filing then asking for help is the best tip that can be offered.

Contact any one of Nexia SAB&T branches nationally for assistance in your tax affairs.

Please note that the above is for information purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. As each individual’s personal circumstances vary, we recommend they seek advice on the matter. Please note that while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Nexia SAB&T does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors contained herein. If you are in doubt about any information in this article or require any advice on the topical matter, please do not hesitate to contact any Nexia SAB&T office nationally.