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By Roland Mpofu 
2h ago
Johannesburg – An 80-year-old Ekurhuleni grandmother now lives in fear of losing her home because she allegedly owes money to the South African Revenue Service (Sars) that she suspects comes from more than two decades ago when she was still employed.
Jabulile Ngcobo said his nightmare began in September when he received a demand letter from Sars stating that his account was in arrears with an amount of R11222.01. Ngcobo said that while she was still wondering what might have happened or hoping it might just be a mistake, another letter arrived at the end of the month threatening her with an execution order.
“I don’t know where Sars expects me to get this money, since I survive on a government pension.
“Now they want to take my property that I have worked so hard for over the years. What should I do? This has affected my fragile health. Yesterday my daughter took me to the clinic because this stresses me too much, ”said Ngcobo, who stays in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni.
Part of the final demand letter dated September 29 reads: “According to the records of… Sars, you have not paid your tax debt for one or more tax years and / or tax periods. Amount past due: R11 222.01 last account statement balance … Failure to make the full payment … The Sars can designate any third party who currently or in the future owes you money or withholds money for you to pay your tax debt with this money (or) a sentence is passed against him, in which case an execution order can be issued so that the bailiff of the court seizes and sells his assets “.
Gogo MaNgcobo, as her neighbors affectionately call her, said she retired in 1996 and had never had a problem with the tax collector until recently.
“I’ve never had a problem with Sars. Please talk to them. Tell them that I am willing to pay 200 rand per month of my monthly pension money, ”said a desperate Ngcobo.
He said it was difficult for him to walk, so it was not easy for him to go to the Sars offices. Ngcobo added that her two daughters and grandchildren were unemployed and that they couldn’t help either.
When asked how Sars can help Ngcobo and other retirees who cannot clear their arrears and are now living in fear of losing their assets, Sars spokesman Anton Fisher referred us to his website.
According to the Sars debt management section on the website, “If you are currently unable to pay your tax debt, please contact Sars without delay. In certain circumstances, we can reach an agreement with you to defer your tax debt for a later payment or in installments. “
Pressed harder and asked why it took Sars more than 20 years after Ngcobo retired to follow up on these arrears, Fisher said: “As you may know, the Sars is a creation of the law, which means we have to act within the relevant legal provisions at all times.
“As such, Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act prohibits Sars from disclosing confidential taxpayer information.”
Independent sunday
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