RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INCORRECT SARS TAX ASSESSMENTS AND CONTINUOUS SALARY DEDUCTIONs

RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INCORRECT SARS TAX ASSESSMENTS AND CONTINUOUS SALARY DEDUCTIONs

I would like to formally lodge a complaint against the South African Revenue Service (SARS) regarding the ongoing discrepancies in my tax assessments and the continuous deductions being made from my salary.

For the past three consecutive years, I have experienced a situation where SARS indicates that I owe approximately R70,000. However, when I submit my tax returns, SARS determines that I am entitled to a refund of approximately R100,000. Instead of receiving the refund, SARS offsets the amount against the outstanding debt, leaving a balance of approximately R30,000. Thereafter, SARS continues to instruct my employer, through PERSAL, to deduct approximately R2,500 from my salary every month.

I do not understand how my tax debt continues to accumulate, particularly given my current financial circumstances. I earn approximately R30,000 per month, and these deductions have placed me under severe financial pressure.

I am a single mother with no maintenance support, and I am responsible for my children's education and other household expenses. The continuous deductions have made it increasingly difficult for me to meet my financial obligations, including my son's university fees.

Furthermore, I have been forced to cancel my medical aid because I can no longer afford the monthly contributions. This has had a serious impact on my ability to manage my chronic health condition, as I am now struggling to afford my medication. My children are also suffering because of financial strain.

I am particularly concerned about the investment income that SARS allegedly attributed to me, amounting to approximately R200,000, which I do not have. I was subsequently informed that an error had been made. However, despite this acknowledgement, I have not received a satisfactory resolution or a refund of the money that was incorrectly deducted from my salary.

I find it deeply concerning that incorrect information can result in substantial deductions from a taxpayer's salary, while the financial consequences are left for the taxpayer to bear. I am requesting a thorough investigation into my tax assessments, the alleged investment income, and all deductions made through PERSAL.

I would appreciate the following:

1. A detailed breakdown of my SARS tax debt for the past three consecutive years. 2. A review and correction of any incorrect tax assessments, particularly the alleged investment income. 3. A reconciliation of all refunds due to me and the amounts deducted from my salary. 4. An explanation of why the monthly deductions of approximately R2,500 continue despite the discrepancies in my assessments. 5. An urgent review of the salary deductions and consideration of appropriate relief, given my financial and medical circumstances. 6. A refund of any amount that were incorrectly deducted from my salary.

This situation has become unbearable. I am currently contemplating leaving my employment because, despite working hard to support my family, my salary is no longer sufficient to meet our basic needs. I am struggling to afford my chronic medication, and my children's education is being affected.

I believe that taxpayers deserve fair treatment, accurate assessments and transparent communication. I cannot continue to suffer financially because of errors that SARS has acknowledged but has not adequately resolved.

I therefore request that this matter be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. I would appreciate a written response outlining the steps that will be taken to resolve this matter.