VAT - to be submitted on the 25th ie 23rd this month?

[dellatjie]

Good afternoon,

I am sure everyone is busy enough with submitting IT12's, but I had to ask.

We receive a letter from SAICA every month, and this is what they had to say last month:

VAT 201 RETURNS – “BUSINESS AS USUAL”

Following the implementation of the new Tax Administration Act (TAA) on 1 October, there was widespread concern that VAT 201 returns submitted via eFiling could no longer be submitted on the last business day of the applicable month as was previously the case. The fear was that returns would in future have to be lodged on or before the 25th of each month, and panic set in when many taxpayers were told only on 19 October that the change would be effective immediately, i.e. that returns due in October would have to be lodged by 25 October.

Fortunately SARS announced at the last minute that, pending an amendment to the TAA, it will continue to accept returns and payments “submitted via eFiling (or EFT) on or before the last business day of the month.”

So relax, it’s “business as usual” with your VAT 201s. Remember that manual returns still have to be in by the last business day prior to the 25th of each month.


I have spoken to some SAIPA members as well, and it seems as if they got the same message more or less.

Has anything happened in the meantime?

[Christel]

Nope, all is still as per SAICA = "business as usual".

[Dave A]

No further news that I've heard of either, but I've filed my return today anyway.

Of course payment is only loaded for 30th November

[dellatjie]

Allright guys, submitted one of my client's VAT returns today, loaded payment for 30th, and guess what... They charged penalties!

Submitted AND paid via e-filing... HELP PLEASE!

[Dave A]

If you're looking at the unpaids page, it has always done that. When you pay, it clears just fine. I hope you just loaded to pay the amount due and not the penalties.

[dellatjie]

I hope you just loaded to pay the amount due and not the penalties.

If you're looking at the unpaids page, it has always done that. When you pay, it clears just fine.

No, I haven't paid any penalties as of yet. I just paid the VAT payable and set it to be paid on the 30th.


I requested a VAT statement of account, and that is where I saw the penalties.

[Dave A]

No, I haven't paid any penalties as of yet. I just paid the VAT payable and set it to be paid on the 30th.

You should be fine then.