27 February 2024 – The Commissioner for South African Revenue Service (SARS) Mr Edward Kieswetter hereby confirms that SARS has instituted legal proceedings against Sasfin Bank, as disclosed in the SENS announcement issued by Sasfin Holdings Ltd on 27 February 2024.
SARS conducted a thorough investigation into various South African taxpayers who had not made true and accurate tax disclosures to SARS. The investigation revealed that the taxpayers had colluded to expatriate funds offshore in a manner that obscured tracing the expatriated payments and jeopardises the recovery of tax in South Africa.
The Commissioner’s position is that it is inappropriate to comment on the question of liability and compensation for the fiscus’ loss, as these are legal issues that are now before the South African judicial system. Given this development, SARS will not be making any further comment.
The Commissioner wishes to affirm his commitment to pursue the enforcement and recovery of taxes without fear, favour or prejudice in the interest of upholding the fiscal integrity of the South African tax system.
For further information, please contact SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
