SARS weighing options on Zuma tax judgment
The Jacob Zuma tax judgment, and SARS options, are ‘being fully deliberated and considered’, reports The Citizen.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter – commenting on the Gauteng High Court (Pretoria) decision to order the release of the former President’s tax records to two media houses – said ‘once the deliberations are concluded, and a final decision is made’, he would communicate with the public.
‘SARS wishes to assure taxpayers, traders and tax professionals that tax confidentiality provisions remain binding. Any unauthorised disclosure of confidential taxpayer information remains a criminal offence.’
The court granted investigative journalist team amaBhungane and Financial Mail’s application to access Zuma’s tax records on Tuesday.
The tax collector said it noted the judgment and while Kieswetter did not mention Zuma by name, he said taxpayer confidentially was not limited to a particular individual but was global tax practice.
‘The essential principle of trust between tax collectors and their taxpaying public is central to our strategic intent to achieve voluntary compliance,’ said Kieswetter.
Both Ministers of Finance and Justice also opposed the application.
‘I have noted the numerous comments on the judgment, both in the formal media and on social platforms, and I fully understand the media, tax and legal professionals, as well as ordinary taxpayers, are eager to understand what SARS’ position is,’ he said.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
