🎄Why The Taxman Is Not Taking a Holiday This Festive Season

If you thought only your in-laws arrive uninvited during December, think again — the SARS Debt Collection Drive is officially here, and unlike Father Christmas, SARS does not operate on a “nice list.” According to a recent Moneyweb article, SARS has doubled down on its commitment to collect outstanding tax this festive season, tightening compliance efforts and warning taxpayers that the holiday period does not delay debt enforcement.

Before you panic-Google “how to hide from SARS,” take a breath. Let’s break down what this means in simple, friendly language — with a dash of humour to soften the blow.

🎁 What If You Can’t Afford to Pay SARS?

Good news first: SARS doesn’t expect you to magically produce money you don’t have (even if the timing feels festive-season-cruel). If you genuinely can’t afford to pay, there are options:

✔️ 1. Payment Arrangements

You can request an instalment payment plan. SARS will review your financial situation and may allow you to settle the debt over time.

✔️ 2. Compromise Agreement

If your financial hardship is severe and provable, SARS may consider writing off a portion of the debt — but only after a very thorough assessment.

✔️ 3. Suspension of Payment

If you are disputing an assessment, you can apply to suspend collection while your objection/appeal is being reviewed.

Just note: ignoring SARS is not an option. According to the Moneyweb article, their December collection drive includes automated reminders, SMS notices, final demands, and even third-party appointments (where they take funds directly from your bank or employer). Basically, if you ghost SARS, they will not ghost you back.

🎄 What Are the Stages of the SARS Debt Collection Process?

The collection cycle is surprisingly simple — and extremely effective:

1️⃣ Friendly Reminder (the “soft nudge”)

SMSes, emails, and eFiling notifications. This is SARS being polite.

2️⃣ Final Demand (the “we’re not playing anymore” letter)

You’ll receive a final warning giving you a last chance to pay or make arrangements.

3️⃣ Third-Party Appointment

If you don’t respond, SARS can legally instruct your bank, employer, or customers to pay your debt directly to SARS.

4️⃣ Debt Collection Agencies

SARS may outsource your debt to registered collectors.

5️⃣ Legal Action

Judgments, asset attachments, and more. This is the “we tried to be nice” phase.

According to Moneyweb, this stepped-up strategy is exactly what SARS is intensifying over Christmas — because apparently, festive compliance is a thing now.

🎅 Can SARS Debt Be Written Off?

Short answer: Yes — but only in very specific circumstances.

SARS may write off debt when:

  • The taxpayer is insolvent

  • The cost of recovery exceeds the benefit

  • The debt is legally irrecoverable

  • A formal compromise agreement is approved

Important: SARS does not write off debt simply because you “forgot,” “were busy,” or “didn’t feel like it.” They’ve heard every excuse under the sun — yours won’t be new.

📞 How Do I Contact the SARS Collection Department?

SARS doesn’t have a dedicated debt-line call centre, but you can reach the collections team through:

✔️ SARS Contact Centre: 0800 00 7277

✔️ eFiling: “Request Payment Arrangement”

✔️ SARS Branch Appointment: via the SARS website

✔️ Send Supporting Docs: through eFiling secure channels

If you’re already in collections, the notice you received normally lists the specific SARS officer handling your case.

🎄 Final Thoughts: Stay Off the Naughty List

SARS’ festive-season crackdown is real. But compliance doesn’t need to be scary — especially if you act early, communicate honestly, and don’t ignore those “gentle” reminders that pop up at 6am.

If the SARS Debt Collection Drive is knocking at your door this December, the smartest move is to respond before they help themselves to your bank account like an overly-confident Christmas guest.

Don’t panic, get and keep your taxes on the right track with the Go2 Accountants by your side for the right advise for to suit your requirements.