December 2008 Archives

In a bid to improve customer service, SARS recently amended its VAT registration process to facilitate the issuing of numbers immediately. SARS has now reversed this.

From November, stricter controls have been implemented over VAT registration which are likely to result in more involvement by the taxpayer.

Some of the controls include:

• checking that the application is a valid enterprise
• possible telephonic contract with the applicant to confirm information
• possible site visits to verify the business
• if a practitioner completes the application, SARS requires original letters of authority, and power of attorney