Budget Speech 2014

Mister Speaker, there are still great opportunities for the tax system to work for our people.

In the past five years, the tax register of individuals grew from 5.5 million to over 15 million to include all known economically active individuals. Companies on the tax register now stand at more than 2.3 million. The number of employers registered for pay-as-you-earn is nearly 404 000.

In the next fiscal year SARS will implement single registration of taxpayers and traders for the main taxes.

SARS is already working closely with other government agencies to share non-confidential electronic data. Without compromising privacy and confidentiality, this will contribute to reducing identity fraud, lower administration costs and enhance compliance.

New global tax policies are being devised to counter harmful tax practices and treaties are being designed to allow for the automatic exchange of information. SARS currently chairs the 121-country Global Forum for the Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes.

Since the Tax Administration Act came into effect, SARS has recognised 11 bodies to which tax practitioners must belong and 15 000 tax practitioners are now registered with them. Taxpayers are advised to only use tax practitioners that are recognised by SARS.

Over the last two years the Voluntary Disclosure Programme has realised almost R5 billion from income that was not previously declared.

Customs administration

SARS overhauled its customs management system in August 2013. The new system is fully electronic and significantly reduces the administrative burden on importers and exporters while improving our ability to detect high-risk transactions and goods.

Since its introduction, the system has processed goods valued at more than R1.7 trillion.

Border management cooperation that started during the 2010 World Cup has deepened. For example, one of the South African ports of entry is being prepared as a pilot for seamless border management, which will lead to enhanced border control and trade facilitation. The one-stop border post at Lebombo will become operational shortly, once the remaining formalities have been concluded.

During 2013 about R1 billion worth of tobacco and cigarettes was seized from 15 non-compliant entities. Twelve criminal cases are being pursued.

During the same period, SARS detained 400 containers holding suspected counterfeit clothing, footwear and textiles.