SARS matter support for professional advisers
If a client’s SARS issue needs focused assistance, start with a non-sensitive summary of the matter and the support you are seeking. Tax Relief SA can discuss whether the work falls within its service scope and how it would fit alongside the client’s existing advisers.
Start with the question, not the full file
A useful first conversation identifies the broad issue, the tax type and entity type where appropriate in a direct professional discussion, the stage the matter has reached, and the support being sought. Use this page to scope the broad issue and the support being sought, rather than to share full client case details.
The broad issue
Debt, a disputed assessment, outstanding returns or a delayed refund — in outline, not in full detail.
Tax type and entity
Where relevant, whether the matter is on a personal, company, VAT or PAYE number — discussed, not submitted here.
Stage and support sought
Where the matter sits and the kind of assistance you are asking about, so scope can be considered.
Agree the working arrangements
Before records are shared or representation is discussed, clarify the authorised instructing party, the client’s permission, respective responsibilities, who will communicate with the client and with SARS, the records needed and the agreed scope and fee. This is a scoping invitation, not a promise that a particular arrangement is already offered.
Authority and permission
Confirm who is authorised to instruct the work and that the client has given permission for the matter to be discussed. Without that, records should not be exchanged.
Responsibilities
Agree who communicates with the client, who communicates with SARS, and how the existing adviser remains involved or steps back for the resolution work.
Areas to discuss
These are the matter types within service scope. They do not add trusts, wealth planning, cross-border structuring, court representation rights or regulated expertise not evidenced by the practice.
Debt review and payment arrangements
A client's SARS debt, affordability and the records that support a payment plan or compromise review.
Tax debt relief optionsDisputed assessments and evidence coordination
Where an assessment is disputed, the grounds, the records and the dispute timeline can be coordinated alongside the client's own advisers.
SARS objectionsOutstanding returns
Catching up unfiled returns and reviewing any resulting estimated assessments, penalties or debt.
Outstanding tax returnsDelayed refunds
Identifying the stage a refund is held at and the evidence that explains the delay.
SARS refund assistanceWhat the written scope should settle
These are items to agree before work begins, not a standard promised deliverable or service-level commitment.
- The entity and tax periods the work covers.
- The specific tasks included.
- Work that is explicitly excluded.
- Who is authorised to contact the client and SARS, and how.
- How information will be handed over and returned.
- The agreed fee and when further authorisation is needed if the issue changes.
When the firm’s own tax position is involved
This page is about a client’s matter. If the firm’s own tax affairs are the issue — the practice’s compliance, trust-account queries or the professional’s personal returns — that is a different starting point.
Questions advisers ask
Can the existing adviser remain involved?
The roles and communication arrangements can be discussed as part of scoping. Confirm the client’s authority and permissions before exchanging records.
Should I send a client’s tax file with the first enquiry?
No. Begin with a brief non-sensitive outline. Agree the scope and an appropriate handoff before sharing supporting records.
Is this a referral or white-label programme?
This page is an invitation to discuss a specific matter. Any referral, subcontracting or other working arrangement must be separately agreed; none is created by an enquiry.
Does an enquiry create a mandate?
No. The scope, authority and fees must be agreed before work is undertaken.
Discuss a matter
Start with a brief, non-sensitive outline of the client’s SARS issue and the support you are seeking. Start with a brief outline; our team will advise on what is needed.