Tax Practitioners Vote Against SARS AI - CPD Consortium

Tax Practitioners Vote Against SARS AI

SARS has proudly introduced taxpayers to “AI Assistant”, its Artificial Intelligence (AI) conversational platform, to answer real time questions from taxpayers, traders, and travellers, but apparently tax practitioners are not so sure about dealing with SARS AI yet.

The majority of tax practitioners attending a webinar on Ethics in Taxation, presented by Catherine Fourie and Roxshanna du Toit of CPD Consortium this past week, indicated in an online poll that they are not ready to engage with AI when it comes to tax issues, or that they have to think about such an option a lot more.

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The webinar took place two days prior to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) making a short announcement on Thursday, 12 December, about its “AI Assistant” which allows taxpayers to interact online with SARS 24/7.

Du Toit said they asked attendees if they would in a hypothetical future world, be willing to engage with a SARS official who was AI rather than human. A total of 33% gave an outright no, while another 42% said it depends and that they will have to give it some thought. 17% of attendees are willing to engage with AI, with the rest unsure.

The question was asked as AI is now a commonly used tool in the business world, but it comes with important ethical considerations including the use of sensitive, confidential or private information in AI learning and responses.

It seems that the majority of tax practitioners are still weary of dealing with AI compared to humans.

According to SARS’ announcement the first phase of the new AI Assistant provides responses in real time to questions based on published information, user guides, and other SARS systems which are publicly available on the website.

Putting AI Assistant to the test

AI Assistant, nicely dressed in the blue-ish shades of SARS and accessible on the bottom right side of the SARS webpage, is quite polite when it engages. It starts off by asking: “How can I help you today?” The user can choose between options such as “How do I submit my tax return?”, “How to make payment arrangements?” or “How do I pay my taxes?” or you can type your question in your own words.

The answers are quite snappy.

This is AI Assistant’s answer on the options available to the taxpayer to make payment arrangements:  

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. SARS eFiling:
    • You can request payment arrangements through SARS eFiling. This platform has been enhanced to allow taxpayers to make deferral payment arrangements without needing to visit a SARS branch or contact the SARS Contact Centre.
    • For detailed steps on how to make payment arrangements on eFiling, you can refer to the official guide provided by SARS: Enhancements to the eFiling payment arrangement process
  2. SARS MobiApp:
  3. Contact Centre:
    • You can also request payment arrangements by contacting the SARS Contact Centre at 0800 00 7277.
  4. Other Methods:
    • If you are unable to use eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, you can request payment arrangements through an external debt collector.

For more information and step-by-step videos on how to use these services, you can visit the SARS Taxpayer and Trader Education page: Step-by-step videos | South African Revenue Service – SARS

By using these methods, you can manage your outstanding tax debt efficiently and avoid penalties and interest charges.

What about typing your own question

On the question “What do I do when I have been living outside of South Africa and not paid tax for two years?” AI Assistant once again gave a detailed answer including information on determining your tax residency status, referring to tax relief for non-residents etc. It goes on to say: “If you need further personalized advice, it is recommended to consult with a tax professional or contact SARS directly for assistance.”

There is also a button to click should you want to read the Privacy Policy on taxpayer information.

AI Assistant is easily accessible via the SARS MobiApp or on the SARS website’s landing page, but it seems tax practitioners and AI Assistant still need to warm up to each other.

Conclusion

The SARS 2023/2024 Annual Report emphasises that AI is already being used extensively for fraud detection and verification.  Although the notion of an AI SARS official may be a more distant prospect, this new development shows the commitment of the tax man to use the most advanced available tools, and the importance for tax practitioners and taxpayers to keep informed and prepared, in every step of this unfolding adventure.

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Professor Deborah Tickle

FROM THE DAVIS TAX COMMITEE
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Keitumetse Sesana

TAX TECHNICAL SPECIALIST AT SAIT

Keitumetse Sesana is a registered SARS practitioner who also holds the designation of Master Tax Practitioner from the South African Institute of Taxation. With a solid background in international corporate tax matters from her previous roles at KPMG South Africa, she contributes important insights to the development of tax policy across various areas.  

As a Tax Technical Specialist, Keitumetse currently specialises in tax legislative policy engagement across the various areas of taxation and also manages stakeholder relations and facilitates engagement with key government departments. She leads and is responsible for the strategic oversight and positioning of the SAIT Tax Technical workgroups, as well as other strategic engagements related to legislation. Her collaborative efforts and strategic engagement with the various industry tax specialists that are members of the SAIT Tax Technical workgroups is vital for drafting and submitting proposals to entities such as the Parliament of South Africa, National Treasury, SARS, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Office of the Tax Ombud with the aim of influencing and shaping the tax legislative framework. 

In addition to her legislative work, Keitumetse curates and manages content for tax practitioners as part of their Continuous Professional Development requirements. This includes hosting webinars and drafting content for various SAIT publications, helping professionals stay informed in the evolving tax landscape. 

Keitumetse holds a Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in Tax Law, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Law degree. Keitumetse is passionate about contributing to and transforming the tax legislative landscape. 

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Micaela Paschini

Admitted Attorney, BA (Law), LLB, LLM at Tax Consulting SA

Micaela is a skilled attorney specializing in tax law, and a member of the legal team at Tax Consulting SA. She holds an LLB Degree from the University of Pretoria, is an admitted attorney and has 4 years of experience in various fields of law, including estate planning and trust administration. In her role at Tax Consulting SA, Micaela focuses on complex tax matters, ensuring optimal tax efficiency and compliance. She is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet her clients’ unique needs and objectives, navigating them through the intricate landscape of tax law with precision and care.

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Delano Abdoll

Admitted Attorney, BA (Law), LLB, LLM at Tax Consulting SA

Delano is a highly skilled attorney admitted to the High Court of South Africa, with extensive knowledge and expertise in tax law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Laws degree in Procedural Law, all obtained from the University of Pretoria. Delano has a strong focus on expatriate tax and individual cross-border taxation, making him an expert in dealing with complex tax issues faced by individuals who work or reside across international borders. With his comprehensive understanding of tax laws and regulations, he is able to provide exceptional advice and support to clients in need of expert tax planning and management.

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Tertius du Plessis

Professional Accountant and Crypto Taxpert

Tertius is a seasoned expert in the fields of finance and taxation, with a specialised focus on the realm of cryptocurrencies. His portfolio includes accounting services for a diverse range of clients, including individuals, private companies (Pty) Ltd’s, trusts, and deceased estates. He boasts a Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) degree and has spent eight enriching years in the blockchain/cryptocurrency sector. In his role as a CryptoTaxpert, Tertius skillfully navigates clients through the intricacies of transitioning between fiat currency and cryptocurrency. His extensive knowledge of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, trading, and HODLing, positions him as a reliable interpreter and manager of crypto data. Tertius’ profound understanding of South African cryptocurrency tax regulations equips him to deliver SARS-compliant, optimised crypto tax reports. He is dedicated to helping clients manage their crypto assets and ensuring a seamless flow of funds. He lives by the philosophy, “My compensation is not for the hours I put in, but for the value I deliver in those hours.” He believes that “What you pay is the price, what you gain is the value.” As a #CryptoTaxpert, his mission is to deliver unparalleled value to his clients.

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Piet Nel

CA (SA) Specialising in taxation

Piet Nel is a CA (SA) who specializes in taxation. He was previously the Project Director of professional development (tax) at SAICA, and the project director for tax at SAICA.  Before joining SAICA again, he was involved in tax consulting and tax dispute resolution. 

He is an accounting member of the Tax Court, second term. He is a visiting adjunct professor at Wits and was previously a lecturer in tax at the University of Pretoria to students doing a Master’s degree and at UNISA at postgraduate level.

He was a member of SAICA’s national tax committee and is still quite active in the development of tax legislation in South Africa by commenting on proposed legislation. Over a period of more than three decades, he presented numerous tax seminars and workshops to tax practitioners.

He regularly speaks on radio and TV and publishes tax related articles.He is involved, as a member of the SAICA’s Examination Committee, in setting the examination to test initial competence for prospective CA (SAs).

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Sophia Steyn

Admitted Attorney and legal advisor

Sophia Steyn is an experienced attorney with a strong background in will drafting, trust administration, and estate administration. With ten years of legal practice experience, including owning and managing her own practice, Sophia brings valuable management skills and a client-focused approach to her work. Currently employed at Rauch Gertenbach Inc., she specialises in drafting wills, establishing trusts, administering estates. Sophia’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to exceptional client service make her a trusted legal practitioner in her field.

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Jerry Botha

Managing Partner
at Tax Consulting SA

Jerry Botha commenced his tax career in United Kingdom / United States Tax and served articles at McCorkindale & Holton’s London office. After being with the Big-4 accounting firms, in 2005 he started his own niche tax practice.

Tax Consulting South Africa has grown over the years to the largest independent tax practice in South Africa, which specialises in the most complex areas of tax planning and compliance. The firm is SARS recognised as a top 6 tax practice and a leading advisor to large multinational corporates, globally mobile individuals, high net worth professionals and families; but also fellow professionals on complex areas of South African and international tax.

Tax Consulting South Africa authored LexisNexis’ “Expatriate Tax” textbook, as critically acclaimed by the esteemed Judge Dennis Davis. The textbook is now in its 2nd edition.

Jerry enjoys a collaborative approach with fellow professionals, continuous professional development, commenting on legal development and growing the next generation of professionals.

 

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Darren Britz

Partner and Head of Tax Legal
at Tax Consulting SA

Darren Britz is a Partner and the Head of Tax Legal at Tax Consulting SA. He is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, specializing in South African tax with a focus on cross-border tax advisory and implementation for multi-national companies and high-net worth individuals.

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Catherine Fourie

HEAD OF CPD CONSORTIUM

Catherine is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and tax practitioner who completed her articles at Deloitte in 2003. After three secondments to the United States of America and Canada, she rejoined Deloitte as audit manager for four years, whereafter she has been a lecturer on the BCom Accounting programme with the Nelson Mandela University for 15 years until early 2024. Her main subjects were Taxation, Auditing and Ethics and Corporate Governance, as well as lecturing on the MCom (Taxation) program. She has a deep passion for teaching to which she has dedicated most of her professional career, especially fundamental principles. She implemented innovative learning and teaching practices, both online and hybrid/flexible; always ensuring impactful learning. As a member of the SAICA Digital Acumen Working Group she has always been passionate about innovation and resilience, which are both essential for the sustainability and growth of the modern professional. With the many students which have been through her lectures, she is excited to now bring digital innovation to the upskilling of professionals who work in the ever-changing landscape of tax and accounting. Her approach and style is one of ensuring a sound technical base, from where she quickly makes tax and accounting highly practical and relevant; delivering immediate value for anyone attending her training sessions.

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Sidney Fletcher

Senior Manager of Trust and Deceased Estate Compliance at Tax Consulting SA

Sidney is a versatile and results-driven qualified Senior Tax Practitioner. He has more than 20 years of experience working for SARS and was responsible for Taxpayer Education for a big part of that period. He is a dedicated professional with extensive knowledge and his affinity for Individual Taxes makes him an excellent tax planner and skilled at tax optimisation. Committed to the best care for clients through transparent communication. Skilled in negotiation with a strong ability to problem solve to assist clients with tax problems.

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Roxshanna du Toit

Independent Trust and Fiduciary Services Expert & CPD Project Coordinator

Roxshanna is a seasoned tax professional and was until February 2024 the Head of Tax, Standard Trust Limited. As one of the market’s largest leading fiduciary services providers, she worked daily on complex matters pertaining to tax and accounting for trusts, deceased estates and the commercial and family interests which necessarily comes therewith. She has a BCom (Taxation Honours) and also served as a lead representative for the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) in providing input to SARS directly as impacts the fiduciary arena. Her interest sphere is streamlined solutions to overcome the administrative and operational challenges of trustees, accountants, tax practitioners and executors. She considers herself as a practical generalist who excels in getting the job done, and she has been involved in untangling, resolving and ensuring compliance of some of the largest and most complex South African and international trusts, estates and family structures. Her decision to start her own practice allows her to expand her professional horizon as well as spend more quality time with her son.