28 September 2012
South African taxpayers can now file their tax returns via their mobile phones using the SARS eFiling mobisite application, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) announced on Thursday.
Taxpayers can now use the app to complete and submit their tax returns, which is a first for revenue authorities in Africa.
Using the application, users can submit their individual Income Tax Return (ITR12); view their notice of assessment (ITA34); view their Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA), as well as view their tax calculator.
For taxpayers to be able to submit their tax return using the Sars eFiling mobisite or App, taxpayers must first register for Sars eFiling from an internet-connected computer or laptop at www.sarsefiling.co.za.
Once registered, users can then eFile from their mobile device or tablet.
To access the mobisite, taxpayers can use their cellphone’s internet browser and type in the URL https://sarsefiling.mobi. Apple devices users can visit the App store.
Earlier this month, Sars announced that users of eFiling who require assistance while completing their tax returns online will be able to use the Help-You-eFile service, a new facility which allows them to be in direct contact with a Sars call centre agent while they complete their tax return online.
As of Wednesday, the revenue service had received a total of 2 904 403 tax returns. This is 700 413 (32%) more than at the same time last year.
“Over 99% of these (2 898 605) were filed electronically, either in Sars branches or using Sars eFiling. Only 5 798 were filed manually, either posted or dropped off at a Sars branch. Manual returns have dropped by 64% from the same time last year,” Sars said in a statement.
The deadline for taxpayers who submit their tax returns manually (by post or by dropping it off in a Sars drop box), is 29 September.
The deadline for those submitting their returns electronically at a Sars branch is 23 November.
Non-provisional taxpayers who submit their returns via eFiling also have until 23 November 2012. Provisional taxpayers who submit their returns via eFiling have until 31 January 2013.
Source: SANews.gov.za
