The South African Revenue Service SARS and tax experts Tax Consulting SA have issued warnings to taxpayers in the country to be on alert for fake "final demand" letters.
While SARS-branded scam emails and notices are nothing new, with the closing of tax season this week for non-provisional taxpayers, fraudulent activity is picking up.
Taxpayers who missed the window to file their taxes, or those whose tax affairs are not finalises, are being targetted by fake letters from SARS claiming to be final demands and notices of court summons.
According to Tax Consulting, the fake letters closely mimic SARS' official communications are appearing at the same time as SARS' legitimate notices.
A legitimate SARS letter of final demand is issued under the Tax Administration Act and represents a serious escalation in the debt collection process.
