Submit your 2017 Income Tax Return and avoid penalties

Annual Tax season is here, and Income Tax return submissions begin 1 July 2017. We’ve taken the liberty of answering frequently asked questions individuals may have. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has allocated different submission deadlines dependant on the manner of the submission.

What are the submission deadlines for Income Tax Returns?

Please pay careful attention to the deadline applicable to you:

• 22 September 2017 for manually submitted returns;
• 24 November 2017 for returns submitted electronically at a SARS branch or via e-filling; or
• 31 January 2018 for returns submitted by provisional taxpayers via e-filling.

Companies are exempt from the abovementioned dates, as they are required to submit their returns within 12 month their financial year, via e-filing.

Who is required to submit, and who is exempt?

The threshold in respect of individuals required to submit a return is provided below:

• Every individual who is a resident and had capital gains that exceeded R40 000;
• Individuals whose gross income exceeded

1. R116 150 (if older than 65 but under 75 years) or
2. R75 000 (if under 65 years),
3. R129 850 (if older than 75)

A natural person, or a deceased’s estate is exempt from submission if their gross income consists solely of any one or more of the categories below;

• Remuneration does not exceed R350 000 from a single source (including allowances);
• They did not receive a car allowance or other income;
• They received interest income from a source within South Africa that does not exceed:

1. R23 800 (if you are younger than 65 years) or
2. R34 500 (if you are 65 years and older);

• They received dividends and were a non-resident during the 2017 year of assessment; and
• received or accrued an amount from a tax-free investment.

What are the necessary supporting documents? 

• IRP5/IT3(a) certificate(s) from your employer or pension fund;
• IT3(b) and (c) certificates for investment returns; such as interest, dividends and/or capital gains/losses
• Financial statements (if applicable);
• Medical aid contribution certificates and receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses
• ​Completed confirmation of diagnosis of disability form (ITR-DD) (if applicable)
• Retirement fund certificates (pension, provident and retirement annuities);
• Logbook and other documents in support of business travel expenses;
• Bank account details; and
• Any other relevant income and deduction information.

To curb penalties and interest related to late submission, we strongly recommend collating the respective documents in preparation for submission to SARS as soon as possible. Should you require assistance with your Income Tax return, please contact our offices.

For further information regarding South African Taxation, please get in touch with us via the contact information below.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice.  Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)