Dear Standing Committee on Finance,

I understand that SARS need to collect taxes and ought to receive information on non-compliance to tax laws, to assist them in their task. They do have a weblink where such information can be shared at https://secure.sarsefiling.co.za/AdHocCaseSourcing/Forms/LoadForm.aspx

This link provides for the reporting of Suspected Non-Compliance, creating an RSN01.

The link works but the required information to successfully report tax non-compliance and fraud, makes it near impossible for the person reporting to file a report successfully.

Numerous mandatory fields are required:

INDIVIDUALS
• Surname
• First two names
• ID #
• Date of birth
• Passport number

COMPANIES & TRUSTS
• Name
• Trading name
• CIPC/CC/Trust number

Currently SARS seems to make it then near impossible to report non-compliance, by requiring all mandatory fields to be completed. Very few citizens have access to all these info - especially ID numbers, dates of birth and CIPC and trust numbers...

The impact – neutralizing tax non-compliance reporting - is however unacceptable. It suggests SARS is gatekeeping, do not want these reports and is not serious about receiving information on tax non-compliance.

I would suggest:

Require as much as possible of the following –
• Surname and name
• Age (even approximate)
• Address
• Vehicle registration plate number
• Contact number
• Company/CC/Trust name
• Company/CC/Trust address
• Company/CC/Trust contact details
• Details on directors / trustee(-s)

Thus, allow the reporter to provide as much available info when completing the RSN01.
Skilled SARS officials should be able to trace the suspected culprits with their tools.

It is critical, for the fullest execution of the SARS mandate, that devoted citizens should be able to report tax non-compliance and fraud with ease and speed.

The changes suggested ought to be low hanging fruit which need to be harvested soonest. SARS need to mine this channel of info at speed or risk some reputational damage.

Please address this matter urgently and provide feedback on the changes that have been made – in order for SARS to execute its mandate in full.