Once your tax return is submitted, SARS may select your tax return for verification. Do not panic. This selection process merely aims to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
As part of the verification, you must provide supporting documentation to substantiate the figures and claims made in your tax return. This documentation may include receipts, invoices, bank statements, or other relevant records. Although you generally have 21 business days to respond to a verification request, it is important that you upload the requested documents promptly and accurately. Therefore, you should be adequately prepared with this information as it aids in having the verification of your tax return finalised sooner. See here what you should be doing in preparation for the upcoming tax filing season commencing Friday, 7 July 2023.
SARS aims to finalise verifications within the first 21 business days after submitting your supporting documents. If your verification remains unresolved after the expiry of 21 business days, it may be necessary to escalate the case. You will have to contact the SARS Call Centre to request an update on the progress of your verification.
In situations where the verification process remains incomplete or unresolved even after escalation, you have the option to submit a formal complaint via eFiling. In this complaint, you must clearly outline your grievances and provide any relevant information or correspondence related to the verification.
Upon conclusion of the verification process, SARS will issue a notice informing you whether they made any adjustments to your tax return, and where applicable, your refund will be paid out to you.
To ensure prompt finalisation of any verification, it is important to follow the instructions given by SARS, submit the required documentation promptly, and regularly check for updates.
[ML1]Link to our point on 23 May 2023