Is anyone else having issues with VAT audits on periods in which they are due a refund?

We are still owed a refund from the 2016-06 period. SARS as audited the period 3 times, then put through an assessment reversing all input VAT, and then imposed a massive output VAT penalty.

From the notes on the SARS system from the auditor I can see that SARS made a mistake when auditing our return (tried to test an output invoice as an input invoice) and so subsequently I've had to lodge a NOO.

You are supposed to do this online now, but the new form doesnt allow you to put in a net amount less than zero (i.e. like you are owed a refund). I went into the branch to do it (just 7 hours over two visits) and now I've received a notice saying the NOO has been rejected. The reason given isn't clear at all.

So I guess I'm back into the branch on Monday.....frustrating to put it mildly!