Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) Marks 10 Years of Service Excellence

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating a successful decade of operations. Established on October 1, 2013, the OTO has become a stalwart organisation known for effectively resolving taxpayer complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS), according to SANews.

Reflecting on this achievement, Tax Ombud Yanga Mputa expressed satisfaction with SARS’s 98% implementation rate of the OTO’s nonbinding recommendations. Furthermore, the OTO has resolved 80% of the complaints it received in favour of taxpayers over the past decade, with only 20% favouring SARS.

Mputa attributed the OTO’s success to its dedicated staff support from stakeholders such as Finance Ministers, the National Treasury, SARS, and other influential entities in the tax sphere. The OTO has been pivotal in improving the country’s tax administration system and advocating for taxpayer rights.

Also read: SARS Commissioner Advocates Exempting Tax Administrators from Budget Cuts

The OTO’s mission revolves around promoting a harmonious balance between taxpayer rights and obligations and the powers and duties of SARS. Their ongoing “Making Taxpayers’ Rights Matter” educational campaign has extended its reach to communities nationwide, emphasising the importance of taxpayers utilising the free and impartial services offered by the OTO for resolving complaints against SARS.

To further its mandate, the OTO has published the first-ever “Compilation of Taxpayers’ Rights, Entitlements, and Obligations.” This comprehensive document highlights taxpayers’ rights and obligations as outlined in various laws, including the South African Constitution 1996 and the Tax Administration Act of 2011. It is a valuable reference tool to assist taxpayers in accessing essential information.

Looking ahead, Mputa outlined the OTO’s priorities for the next decade, which include raising awareness about the OTO’s services across the nation and sharing their expertise with other government institutions in South Africa and beyond. The OTO’s commitment to enhancing taxpayer rights and fostering a fair and efficient tax system remains unwavering.

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Picture: Facebook / Office of the Tax Ombud

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