Tax refunds delay: SARS explains why some payments might be delayed
While some taxpayers are laughing all the way to the bank after receiving their SARS tax refunds within days, others may still be wondering why their refunds have not yet arrived.
IOL previously reported that the revenue service issued 5.8 million auto-assessments this year, with the majority of refunds processed within 72 hours. SARS has paid out around R10.6 billion in tax refunds.
SARS has also confirmed that, following the successful completion of the auto-assessment period, the filing period is now open for taxpayers who were not auto-assessed or who wish to update their tax returns.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
‘Millions of Assumptions': Wins SARS Fraud Case, Casts Doubt on Blue Lights Trial
Sifiso Mahlangu | Published 3 hours ago The State's long-standing corruption case against businessman Vimpie Phineas Manthata suffered a major blow this week when the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court acquitted him and his co-accused in a R19 million tax fraud case that had formed a central pillar of the broader 'blue lights' procurement scandal. The verdict, delivered by Magistrate Phindi Keswa, saw Manthata, his company Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (ITLE), and bookkeeper Judy Rose cleared of all charges related to alleged violations of the Tax Administration Act during the 2018 and 2019 tax years. Legal experts say the State's inability to prove its SARS case beyond a reasonable doubt will now put additional pressure on the corruption trial, which has already faced years of delays, procedural blunders, and accusations of political motivation. 'The prosecution could not distinguish between clerical mistakes and criminal conduct,' Magistrate Keswa ruled. 'Assumptions and administrative discrepancies cannot be used to build a case without clear evidence of intent.' The SARS prosecution had alleged that Manthata's company manipulated its tax returns to avoid paying nearly R19 million in VAT and other obligations. But defence attorney Pierre du Toit successfully argued that there was no evidence of fraud, deception, or intent to mislead SARS. 'This case is not about millions of rands, it is about millions of assumptions,' Du Toit told the court during closing arguments. 'The burden is on the State to prove guilt, and it has failed to do so in spectacular fashion.' He cited landmark cases including *State versus Prinsloo* and *State versus Futche*, which require a demonstration of clear intent to commit fraud — a standard the court agreed had not been met. SARS officials admitted under cross-examination that they had no direct proof of falsified entries, and Rose testified that all bookkeeping was done using standard software and practices. The collapse of the tax case undermines the State's broader narrative in the so-called blue lights corruption case, in which Manthata, former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane, and ten others face charges linked to the irregular procurement of emergency police equipment worth R191 million. The State had portrayed ITLE as a central vehicle for corrupt payments, with the SARS case meant to illustrate how the company allegedly misrepresented its financial affairs. Now, with the tax fraud allegations discredited, the entire corruption case may be on shaky ground. Last week, the same court postponed the blue lights trial yet again — this time to October 2025 — after severe criticism of the State's inability to produce a coherent charge sheet more than seven years after the case was first opened. Magistrate Ashika Ramalal lambasted the prosecution's handling of the case, saying the delays and repeated administrative errors were unacceptable. Still, she ruled that the trial would go ahead next year, warning that no further postponements would be tolerated. Defence attorneys argued that their clients had suffered severe prejudice and that the continued delays were violating their right to a fair and timely trial. Accused number 9 was even left without legal representation at one point, prompting the State to suggest separating the charges — a proposal strongly opposed by the defence. The situation has been further complicated by the State's repeated failure to serve Phahlane properly and controversy over the dropping and reinstatement of charges against Manthata, a move legal observers say sets a dangerous precedent. But with one major case already dismissed and serious doubts now hanging over the remaining charges, many are questioning whether the blue lights corruption trial will ever result in a conviction, or if it is yet another politically entangled case destined to collapse under the weight of its mismanagement.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Is Black Tax Holding You Back? Experts share strategies for balance
Navigating black tax and balancing family support as well as personal financial goals. Image: Pexels The concept of Black Tax is deeply ingrained in society, where individuals who achieve financial success frequently take on the duty of aiding their extended relatives, which can sometimes put their personal financial objectives at risk. This financial obligation can cover numerous expenses, ranging from tuition fees to everyday living costs and utility bills. At times, the pressure of Black Tax can slow personal financial progress and hinder one's efforts to focus on long-term financial aspirations, like buying a house or planning for retirement. Speaking to IOL, Boniswa Siwundla, a Senior Lecturer, Researcher in Family Financial Socialisation at the University of Johannesburg, said there are practical ways to deal with family members' requests without crippling your budget. "The first step is awareness because knowing exactly what your financial landscape looks like, that is, what comes in, what goes out, and what you are being called to support, gives you something solid to work from. Mapping out a monthly plan that includes both personal goals and family support helps reduce guilt and allows you to act intentionally rather than reactively," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Siwundla added that it's important for individuals to set firm and realistic commitments on both fronts without jeopardising their interests. "Even if you're contributing to family expenses, your future deserves a line item, even if it's R100 a month. It is less about the amount and more about the habit. Small, automated savings build momentum," she said. She added that helping out family members should be made part of the budget so that it doesn't come as a surprise every month because this creates visibility and structure and prevents overshadowing other priorities. "This does not mean your personal goals are less important; it simply acknowledges your full reality and allows you to work within it, not against it." Siwundla added that it's also important for individuals to be transparent and not make commitments they can't fulfill. 'I'm not able to give the full amount, but I can contribute something smaller this month' is one way to stay in a relationship without overextending yourself. The key is consistency. Boundaries are not just about what you cannot do; they are about creating stability so you can continue to show up in a way that can be maintained," she explained. Even though the journey looks different for everyone, as a researcher, Siwundla said it was possible to carry the weight of Black Tax and still be successful. "Many young people I've spoken to described learning to redefine what success means. For some, success is being able to support others and move forward at their own pace. It's not about perfection or comparison; it's about progress with integrity. It may take longer, but it is absolutely possible." To assist individuals with their savings, Siwundla said they can use models like stokvels, or group savings plans, which can be powerful, especially when they have clear goals attached. "For individual saving, tax-free savings accounts or beginner-friendly investment platforms with low fees can offer a starting point. It's less about picking the perfect product and more about building the habit of saving consistently." In conclusion, Siwundla said financial habits are shaped long before people open bank accounts; they are shaped through what they observe, feel, and carry. "Black Tax is part of that inheritance. While it can be heavy, it's also a reflection of love, care, and survival strategies passed down through generations. The goal, in my view, is not to escape it, but to respond to it with more clarity, intention, and balance," she said. Meanwhile, Psychologist DR Nombusa Gama, posted on her TikTok account and explained that Black Tax is not an issue, the issue is people pleasing and lack of boundaries. "Black Tax involves gaslighting, coercion, and family members don't force you to go over and beyond for them, they just manipulate you and guilt trip you into believing that you are the only one that can save them, and you are selfish for saying no,'' she said. Gama further explained that the desire to feel wanted and the fear of being labelled a bad person makes people to give in to demands from their family. "Your yes enables their behaviour, you teach them that it's okay for them to expect you to bend backwards for them. You teach them to run to you as their saviour," she said. According to Gama, buying your parents food and taking care of their basic needs, can't be classified as Black Tax, it's considered as being responsible. "Some people talk about being coerced to build houses at home because they had job. They talk about taking loans to fund those projects because their family didn't listen when they explained that they don't have money. And in order to keep the peace, they took out loans and now they are drowning in debt because of those decisions," she said. Evelinah Nkunah, 30, who works as a clerk, is the only one employed in her family. He salary feeds her two children, two siblings and her elderly mother back in Middleburg, Mpumalanga. Nkuna works at a hospital in Gauteng and sends money to her family every month and she's also building her mom a house. For Nkuna, it's not Black Tax, but she appreciates her mother and the sacrifices she made while raising her and her siblings. "My father left us when we were young, my mom was unemployed. Instead of sitting and doing nothing, she went to Joburg and found a job as a maid. She visited us every month while we were staying with our grandmother and always made sure that we are fed and we had everything we needed for school. She made us her priority and because of that, she neglected herself and didn't even build herself a house "She stopped working because of health issues and I can't neglect her because now I'm in a good position. Me building her a house is how I show my appreciation. Also, sending money every month is not an issue because she's taking care of my children, and my siblings are still trying to get jobs and I understand their position, unemployment is rife is South Africa," she said. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Stokvels hold billions, but are they missing the bigger financial opportunity?
South African stokvel savers are showing resilience and determination as they continue to stash away billions in savings despite the tough economic climate. Image: File Stokvels are traditional community-based savings clubs that have largely been utilised, particularly among lower-income communities, pooling resources towards common or different goals. Last year, IOL reported that South African stokvel savers are showing their resilience and determination as they continue to stash away billions of rand in savings despite the tough economic climate. At the time, FNB revealed that, since November 2019, its customers' stokvel deposits had increased by 42 percent, surpassing the R8,3 billion mark in total member contributions. Across the country, savings through stokvels are estimated to be valued at almost R50 billion a year. On the other hand, Standard Bank, citing data from the National Stokvel Association of South Africa (Nasasa), said there are over 810,000 active stokvels in South Africa, which collect an estimated R50 billion in savings annually from more than 11 million members. Speaking to IOL, chairperson of Sakhisizwe Property Stokvel, Silindile Leseyane, said stokvels have been around for many years, primarily focusing on short-term savings and death benefits for their members. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Chairperson of Sakhisizwe Property Stokvel, Silindile Leseyane, spoke to IOL Image: Supplied 'As the stokvel industry is estimated at R52 billion, the missed opportunities are meaningful investments and opportunities to participate in the economy in a meaningful way,' she said. 'The challenge is most stokvels have a short-term focus and don't have the long-term view that is required to create real impact. They are also mostly informal, and therefore this also has an impact on the longevity of the stokvel.' She suggested stokvels would do better by being formalised, and taking fractions of their savings, ploughing them into meaningful investments. 'This would have a great economic impact for them, their families, and their communities,' she said. On the other hand, a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and stokvel expert, Busi Skenjana, told IOL that the stokvel ecosystem is fraught with challenges and misconceptions, but if done professionally, the venture can be rewarding - and she has the lived experience. Skenjana has penned a book titled: 'Stokvel Voices: The Truth, the Illusions, and the Opportunities'. 'I would say around stokvels, there is a lot of movement, the ground is actually swelling into the future,' she said. 'Being a member of a stokvel myself, I think people could do better. In the book, I have covered about five stokvels, some of which I belong to. I have actually rated the stokvels - there are about two or three which I give a high rating, according to my assessment. There is still a lot that they could do better.' Skenjana told IOL that there is a need for financial education for members of stokvels and a departure from the mindset of consumerism, where all the savings are destined to be devoured at a given time, or when a target figure is reached. 'You find that many stokvels are consumer oriented, as opposed to long-term investments. For me, that is something that is glaringly not right. The emphasis is on consumerism, as opposed to how we can, together, build wealth as a community, and to address the economic imbalances,' she said. 'We all know the origins of stokvels, which was to try and minimise the economic blow that people suffered through the apartheid era. I still find that there is more of the social and quick disposable money - we save R50,000 which we later distribute among members, blow it then we start all over again. That is wrong and an area of concern.' In her lived experience, Skenjana said she has been part of formalised stokvels, which have managed to make meaningful investments into property and other significant undertakings. She insisted that there are opportunities for young people to come together and make considerable investments as groups, which will help them in their twilight years. 'I have become a gogo and still a member of a stokvel. Gogo does not join a stokvel in her advanced years. No, one joins from their 20s and grows like that. People look at the aged people in stokvels and forget that these people became members of the stokvel when they were young. Some people have been in stokvels for more than 50 years, literally. 'I was speaking to a woman who told me that in their stokvel, they were celebrating the 50th anniversary. Personally, I think I was around 25 years old when I joined the stokvel, and I am 68 years old. I am still a member of two stokvels.' Author Busi Skenjana's life experiences have significantly shaped her understanding and advocacy for stokvels. Image: Supplied Skenjana said she is a proud member of stokvel formed around 1998 which is formally referred to as an investment club, a registered company. 'The model was a stokvel. Ten of us came together and we decided to buy a holiday home in Mpumalanga, and we converted the stokvel into a company. We have been owning that property since 1998, and it is what I can call passive income generation,' she told IOL. 'Note that the property we purchased as a stokvel is an inheritance for our children. This is something that I am trying to preach, this is not about me. Two of our fellow members have passed away, but their children are still benefiting from that stokvel. That is how we have structured it.' IOL has previously reported on incidents where members of traditional stokvels have been robbed while gathered in a house to share money, or of unscrupulous members fleeing with other members' savings. Skenjana said in this era, systems are digitalised to avoid the common pitfalls of dealing with cash. 'My advice is, stop handling cash. Even in our personal lives, it is not safe to be walking around with lots of cash in your handbag or in your back pocket. My advice to stokvels is that they must use the banking system. Banking is fairly accessible in South Africa now, unlike the era when stokvels were initially formed. People have to deposit directly into bank accounts. When it is time to share, at the end of their cycle, they should just do transfers,' she said. 'Handling cash is a no no. Unfortunately, it is still happening with the older generation, because some still say it feels good to have to touch the money physically, to see and feel the paper.' Skenjana said commercial banks have a lot of work to do in terms of guiding the stokvel members on investments. 'Quite the bulk of stokvel money is sitting in bank vaults. Members of stokvels save with the four major banks in South Africa. Having been part of the stokvel terrain, I have even established a stokvel academy. I am still to see a bank that says, we are committed to educating these stokvels. They love these stokvels for their databases, and they try and harvest as many stokvels as possible,' she said. 'In terms of financial education, it is still lacking.' In December, IOL reported that the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has warned community members, particularly social clubs or stokvels, against carrying large amounts of money, as they can be targeted by criminals and robbed. The appeal was made by the provincial police commissioner following a house robbery where a mother and daughter were robbed. Provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe Image: SAPS 'A 54-year-old female victim fell victim to a house robbery involving a social club's money at Strydkraal Block A village under the Sekhukhune district on 9 December 2024, at about 10 pm,' Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, narrated. He said preliminary investigations revealed that members of a local social club held a meeting at the victim's residence to discuss how they were going to distribute the money they had saved. That meeting started at around 3 pm. 'The meeting concluded at approximately 7 pm, and the members of the social club departed to their homes and left the victim with her teenage daughter,' said Ledwaba. 'At about 10 pm, three unknown male suspects instantly broke into her house and robbed a substantial amount of cash belonging to the social club and later locked the two victims inside one of the bedrooms before fleeing the scene on foot.' The traumatized mother and daughter were later rescued by a relative. The matter was then reported to the police. IOL News
