Pretoria, Tuesday, 6 June 2017 – SARS has noted the City Press article, Moyane okays R70m payment to Gupta’s, published on 4 June 2017.

SARS would like to place on record that assessments and refunds are dealt with through a risk engine that utilises tightly governed rules and processes, to ensure impartiality in SARS dealings with taxpayers.

Furthermore, SARS wishes to express its continued concern about the persistent media reporting of taxpayer matters. SARS once again reiterates that SARS is not allowed by Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act (TAA), 2011 to discuss or divulge information on individual taxpayers’ tax affairs. This right to confidentiality applies to all taxpayers irrespective of one’s position, rank or status.

We call on all South Africans, including the media to respect the confidentiality clause of Chapter 6 of the TAA 2011 to keep all taxpayers information private as prescribed by this Act.

SARS wishes to reassure all taxpayers that it does not discuss or divulge taxpayer information.