If you have tried to get around paying tax, lied on your tax return, or even simply made honest mistakes, and the amount legally owed and not paid has built up over the years, you will need a lawyer. That’s a given.
But Let’s assume you have been conscientious, and you have done your taxes by the book. To the best of your knowledge. But SARS doesn’t agree with your tax assessment. In this case, you may need tax legal assistance.
You should opt for professional tax legal assistance the minute there’s discrepancy between what you think you owe SARS, and what SARS thinks you owe SARS. You’d be surprised at how quickly your taxation problem can be resolved. It needs to be quick though, because you have a very brief window in which to dispute SARS assessments.
The legal recourse to dispute tax assessments:
If you think you have made a mistake, or that SARS has made a mistake by capturing your data incorrectly, you can submit a Request for Correction. You can do this yourself, but it’s a good idea to get tax assistance services and have tax professionals check your assessment first if the tax return is complicated and/or the amounts involved are large.
If SARS disallows your Request for Correction, you will need to lodge an Objection.
SARS may then disallow your Objection. This is when you really should get tax legal assistance! You have the right to appeal against SARS assessments and verdicts on your taxation, but you need to do it the legally defined, way in the strict time-frames allowed.
Tax Legal Assistance to lodge Tax Appeals:
You’ll need legal assistance to lodge your appeal. This appeal would proceed through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process, or hearings by the Tax Board and/or Tax Court.
Overall, it’s advisable to get tax advice and assistance before you need legal assistance. You’ll have your team in place. It could also save you a lot of money, and a lot of grief.
No need for lawyer fees – as you can get your legal assistance and taxation dispute resolution through your professional accounting team.
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With over 23 years of unwavering expertise, I am a seasoned Chartered Accountant committed to financial excellence. My journey in the realm of finance has been marked by astute strategic insights, meticulous attention to detail, and an unyielding dedication to precision. Over the years, I've navigated the complexities of financial landscapes, providing invaluable counsel to diverse clients. My proficiency extends across auditing, taxation, and financial management, coupled with a profound understanding of regulatory frameworks. As a registered professional, I have consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethics, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor in the dynamic world of finance.
