The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the Office of the Tax Ombudsman’s (OTO) draft report on alleged cases of eFiling profile hijacking, assuring taxpayers that it has already been working on many of the recommendations raised.
The draft report, released for public comment this week, highlights concerns over compromised eFiling profiles and the risks they pose to taxpayers. While acknowledging the findings, SARS emphasised that most of the proposals align with its ongoing modernisation drive.
“SARS remains committed to strengthening the critical areas that have been highlighted. These include enhancing its authentication protocols; improving fraud-risk detection; optimising refund-verification systems; and strengthening collaboration with banks, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), and South African Police Service (SAPS),” the agency said.
SARS further stressed the importance of the Ombud’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the tax system.
“SARS believes that OTO plays a crucial role in the tax ecosystem and safeguarding and promoting tax and fiscal system for the country. Promotion of cooperation between these vital institutions, SARS and OTO, is critical for the functioning of the tax system,” the statement read.
The revenue service added that combating cybercrime remains a top priority, noting that it is an evolving threat requiring continuous investment.
“Many of the recommendations in the OTO report have already begun and will be continually reviewed and enhanced as the goal posts shift. These are intended to strengthen our security layer, and this was occasioned by our concerns about the evolving nature of cybercrime,” SARS said.
The tax authority also urged taxpayers to play their part in protecting their information.
“SARS believes that any compromised profile is one too many. All role players must play their part to prevent criminals from accessing taxpayers’ information. It is worth repeating that taxpayers must keep their confidential details safe and never exposed to unauthorised individuals,” the statement cautioned.
Reassuring the public, SARS reminded taxpayers that it would never send links for accessing its services.
“Taxpayers must use secure internet platforms to access electronic services such as eFiling. SARS will never ask taxpayers to click any link to access its services,” it said.
The draft report is open for public comment, and SARS has confirmed it will make submissions as part of the process.
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