Criminality of Non-Compliance: Legally Writing-off Tax Debts
SARS has significantly ramped up its tax debt recovery initiatives, leveraging AI-driven enforcement strategies and stricter compliance measures to enhance collections. As part of this intensified approach, SARS is scrutinising non-compliant taxpayers more closely, increasing audits, issuing final demands, and, in severe cases, initiating legal proceedings against defaulting individuals and businesses. For tax practitioners, accountants, and legal professionals this evolving enforcement landscape presents both risks and opportunities.Understanding SARS’ latest compliance measures is crucial to effectively advising clients, mitigating legal exposure, and proactively managing tax debt cases. Fortunately, SARS provides structured tax debt relief mechanisms, such as deferral of payment and compromise arrangements, which, when strategically applied, can help taxpayers navigate their financial obligations while minimising penalties. As compliance pressures increase, staying ahead of regulatory changes is essential to providing the highest level of professional service. Key Topic Areas of the presentation: SARS Cracking Down on Tax DebtCriminality of Non-ComplianceSARS’ use of AI and Modernisation of Tax Debt CollectionsTax Debt Relief MechanismsDeferral of PaymentCompromise of Tax Debt Speakers: Jashwin Baijoo, Associate Director, Head of Strategic Engagement & Compliance; Junaid Bhayla, Tax Attorney (LLB).