SARS does not want my taxes. Why is it that law abiding citizens have to fight to do what is right? My fight is my right to pay taxes, and I actually want to pay, but SARS does not want it! It all started with my sequestration in 2008. Someone at SARS then classified me as deceased and moved my file to the “Estate” Department. Submitting my returns under the e-filling section I received a message in 2010 saying that my submission will be processed within 10 working days. I started my enquiry in 2011 when the message stayed the same. After being sent from one office to the next and phone calls that cannot be financially quantified, I was told in April 2012 to visit the Randburg office of the Revenue Service.
I applied to have my old number removed and a new number to be issued, handed in all the documentation and received an Acknowledgement of Receipt on the 11th of April 2012. The lady that assisted me told me that I would have my new number in 21 working days.
On the 6th of June 2012 I went back to the office after I tried to call and was told that my query cannot be handled over the phone. I went to SARS Randburg and was told that “The system lost the documents” and that I have to re-apply. My second attempt was two days later on the 8th of June 2012 when I submitted ALL the documents again and I once again received my Acknowledgement of Receipt.
My first follow up call was made on the 21st of June and I have a reference number for that call. The lady could not assist me and referred me to the “Deceased Estate” department and gave me their number. The number just rang and I continued to try this number for 2 days and then thought to myself that everyone there is probably deceased.
I called again on the 28th of June and then the response was that I should wait until mid July. My next call was made on the 23rd of July and once again I received a reference number. I was given the same “Estate” number to call.
On the 30th of July I called SARS helpline again and was told that nothing was done to my request and that they do not know how to help me. The agent then told me that he would escalate the matter (something each and every agent told me) and that a manager would call me back. Like with all the other times I called my contact details were confirmed.
We are now in August and I will not go through the whole registration process a third time. I will write an affidavit that I will hand deliver to SAPS and SARS stating that if they want my money, they need to come and get it.
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