SARS Penalty Advice needed: R9k in penalties drawn from my account

[u/AwesomeTrish]

Hey Everyone,

A few years back (2022 tax year) I changed jobs. Somewhere between, my taxes weren't filed properly and my 2022 tax return wasn't filed at all.

I wound up with a R250 penalty, but I had no idea what was happening and where the problem was so I requested and filed a return. But it wasn't for right year, and the penalty kept going up. I tried on various occasions to dispute, but since I honestly didn't know what I was doing with the e-filing, I essentially made zero progress in trying to dispute the penalty.

I am completely compliant and the 2022 return has been filed. I don't owe any taxes.

It reached a point of R9000 and they handed me over to debt collectors. And in April 2026, SARS basically drained my account of the R9000.

I finally reached out to an auditor who has been trying to assist pro-bono, but they sent me a mail the other day stating:

- Please be advised that we have tried to waiver the admin penalties but it was declined by SARS, the reason they keep on declining the matter is because the debt was settled! It relates to the 2022 tax year assessment penalties and three (3) years have lapsed.

I don't know what to do next. I've reached out to the auditor, but since they're assisting me at no cost, they aren't giving me more feedback.

Is my R9k lost? Do I still stand any chance? Does anyone have any suggestions, or experienced anything similar?

Thanks in advance guys!

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[u/CapetonianMTBer]

It sounds like you owed SARS R9k, and you’ve paid them R9k (albeit grudgingly). Likely most sensible to just move on.

[u/Practical-Lemon6993]

Adult school fees I fear. If you owe SARS money best to pay it before it starts building due to compound interest.

[u/ThumperXT]

If you eventually correct the submission, you can try for a correction, but you can't fight late submission fees. Speak to them yourself, they can be very helpful and will call you back if you leave your details. .

[u/SLR_ZA]

The use of the passive voice is a bit confusing for me here.

'Somewhere between my taxes weren't filed properly, ...my return wasn't filed at all'

You did not file them? Someone else didn't and told you they did?

[u/AwesomeTrish → u/SLR_ZA]

I was under the assumption that my employer filed my returns especially since I fell under the bracket at the time.

It was only brought to my attention this year once I enlisted the auditor that my 2022 return was never filed.

I find it funny coz once they filed it, SARS owed me R200 for that return - so I never owed sars anything. (Despite the penalty fees)

I know now I need to file my own returns and keep track of my own taxes and not rely on my employer - tough lesson learnt.

[u/MoistestDuck → u/AwesomeTrish]

You were still obligated to file it. When you have two IRP5's (which sounds like the case) you have to. Unfortunately ignorance isn't an excuse for SARS. You could try to object on grounds of being a first time offender, but it's unlikely they'll reverse the penalties. Best to accept the lesson and move on.

[u/ComprehensivePay5926]

Try submitting a request for remission. You get this option when requesting for admin soa under the returns tab. Type in your reason for this request under grounds and you might just get your money back…

[u/Flaky-Replacement239 → u/ComprehensivePay5926]

Can assist with this, additionally you could send a letter to SARS and they MAYBE will refund you, it’s a maybe tho

[u/Big-Wait-1310]

The frst thing when I don't understand something with SARS, I call SARS. Usually the issue gets resolved.

[u/Herald_of_dooom]

Yeah you fucked around too much and now debt is settled. move on my man. as soon as you realised you were in over your head you should have gone and spoken to someone who knows whats going on.

[u/shortypam]

Yeah I’m dealing with a salary garnishment cos of a mistake on a tax return from 2023. They are very hard to negotiate with or deal with and most of the time they will just take the money somehow - someway. Unfortunately I think that 9k is gone. It’s paid and it’s done. I’m sorry this is happening to you. What infuriates me the most is cool, we have to pay tax - but where the hell does our tax actually go to?

[u/KeepItTidyZA]

Death and taxes.