IGNORE EMAILS WITH “TAX REFUND” IN THE SUBJECT LINE

We have received confirmation from SARS recently to advise us of two scams that have come to SARS’ attention. These scams originate  from an email address This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The first involves emails being sent to unsuspecting taxpayers informing them that they are owed an income tax refund and requesting them to complete a refund form in order to get the fictitious refund. This “refund form” – which copies the SARS eFiling logo and website style - requires taxpayers to provide their debit or credit card number and pin numbers.

The second scam is aimed at VAT vendors and also uses a copied SARS eFiling letterhead. It requests VAT vendors make all VAT payments into a fraudulent bank account.

SARS eFilers are only notified via email or SMS that their income tax assessment has been processed. To access their IT34, the eFiler is required to log in to their unique profile on eFiling using their username and password. The IT34 will then reflect whether the taxpayer is due a refund or additional tax on assessment is payable.

If a refund is due to the taxpayer, SARS automatically pays the refund into the taxpayer’s bank account; provided that the banking details are correct. If banking details are not, correct the taxpayer must visit a SARS branch office with supporting documents to correct the bank account details.

For further information on these scams visit www.sars.co.za