sars sets up procedures to deal with customs disputes 
16 October 2007

SARS has set up internal administrative appeal and alternative dispute resolution processes to help companies resolve customs disputes with the tax man.

The process, under the Customs and Excise Act, will make it easier for companies to settle or resolve such matters cost effectively, according to tax analysts quoted in a Business Day report. ‘The new procedures provide clear formats to follow with appeals and disputes, including timeframes,’ says Jed Michaletos, an associate at Indirect Tax Deloitte.

He says that companies can now request reasons for decisions taken, which SARS must provide. ‘Although we commend this move taken by SARS, it is still questionable why custom and excise needs to be treated differently to other taxes, which are covered under the dispute resolution process contained in the Income Tax Act,’ Michaletos says.

Full Business Day report click here
 
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