How working with Tax Relief SA works
Understand our review process, document requirements and professional engagement framework. Submitting an enquiry is an exploratory request, not an automatic engagement or SARS application.
Important notice on scope and SARS authority
Tax Relief SA operates as an independent tax dispute advisory service. We do not provide consumer debt review or loan consolidation. An initial enquiry allows our team to triage your situation; it does not bind SARS, freeze debt collection automatically, or establish an attorney-client relationship until an engagement letter is signed.
Step-by-step engagement process
We believe in structured transparency. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you get in touch.
Confidential Enquiry & High-Level Triage
Start by providing high-level context about your SARS notice, tax type or refund stopper.
- You provide an overview of your tax situation and any recent SARS notices.
- We verify active SARS notices and response dates to check whether urgent statutory timeframes apply.
- We clarify whether your matter falls within legitimate statutory resolution procedures under South African tax law.
Fact Scoping & Procedural Assessment
We review the factual timeline of SARS communication and assess relevant legal avenues.
- Assessing whether disputing an assessment via Notice of Objection (NOO) is still within statutory timeframes.
- Checking whether an immediate Suspension of Payment application (Section 164) is needed to protect bank accounts.
- Evaluating eligibility for formal Compromise of Tax Debt or structured deferred payment agreements.
Transparent Written Quotation & Scope Agreement
You receive a clear written quotation before any chargeable work commences.
- Clear scope and transparent quotation agreed in writing.
- Fees reflect the complexity of the SARS matter, the number of outstanding tax periods, and the required application procedures.
- You review and approve the written quote before formal engagement begins.
Authorisation & Secure Document Handoff
When progressing your matter, we arrange the necessary authorisations and supporting documents.
- A formal SARS Power of Attorney (POA) form is signed, authorizing our designated tax practitioners to liaise with SARS.
- You provide requested source documents, bank statements, or prior returns via agreed secure channels.
- We conduct a thorough statement of account reconciliation directly on SARS systems.
Formal Submission & SARS Representation
Submissions are compiled in strict compliance with SARS operational guidelines.
- Lodging compliant objection documents, suspension requests, or compromise packs with full evidentiary support.
- Direct tracking and follow-up with SARS Debt Management, Audit, and Escalation units.
- Timely updates provided to you as SARS evaluates the submission.
What to clarify in the scope
These are the items a written scope should set out before chargeable work begins. They are items to agree for the engagement, not a guaranteed standard deliverable package.
Entity and periods
Which taxpayer entity and which tax periods the work covers.
Issues being addressed
The specific SARS notices, assessments or returns the engagement targets.
Records and your responsibilities
What documents you will provide and what you remain responsible for.
Contact and update arrangements
How and when you will receive progress updates during the matter.
Work excluded
What is outside the agreed scope, and how any additional work is quoted.
Fees and further authorisation
The fee, payment terms, and when further authorisation is needed before new work proceeds.
Frequently asked questions about the process
What happens in the first assessment?
In the initial assessment triage, we review the factual status of your tax file: what notices have been issued, whether response deadlines have passed, and which legal remedies (objection, compromise, deferral, or refund escalation) are realistic. This determines whether our service is right for you.
When do I send documents?
Our initial enquiry form captures the primary details of your tax situation. As your matter progresses, our team will advise you on any specific supporting documents or tax records needed and how best to provide them.
When are fees agreed?
Fees are agreed upfront in writing after the initial triage and scoping phase, before any formal engagement letter or SARS representative authorization is signed. You will always know the cost before authorizing work.
Ready to begin Stage 1?
Submit your enquiry in under two minutes. Tell us what you need help with.