Has anyone had a SARS refund reversed recently?

Novoca1ne said:
No assessment? Did you you hit the calculate button before submitting and did it give you an error?

If your assessment was selected for manual intervention then you will have to wait 60 business days.

If it's another reason then phone SARS.

60 business days from this past week ends in March next year. (16 Dec to 15 Jan counts as 0 business days FYI)

I urge everyone to make use of the call centre to find out exactly what is happening with their taxes. Be kind to the call centre staff, some of them can perform some serious tax magic that can benefit anyone greatly. Also, if the operator really sucked, rate them after your call. That goes for the staff that did a good job too.

If SARS exceeds their turnaround time with anything, lay a complaint on eFiling. The more complaints we have, the better.

Complaints only work if SARS didn't do what they had to do. So make sure they have breached the provisions in the TAA. Otherwise your time will be wasted.
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Calculate button did not work, gave an error code.

Nothing works with SARS, and there is no ability to communicate with them, no written communication via eFiling (only if they contact you first, then you can reply), no e-mails, nothing. Can't get through on phone calls.

Just hopeless.

BTW, my tax return is really trivial, there is no reason for any issues or manual intervention.
 
Generally they have become much more incapable in terms of solving very elementary issues so I would imagine that complex matters would require extraordinary efforts from taxpayers.
 
supersunbird said:
Obviously did call them, because SARS denies that a reversal was done
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He could have called SARS using another, validated number, which was my point. Nothing is obvious except to those like yourself that depend on assumptions.
 
zerocool2009 said:
Let me explain what happened to me. I completed mine. Did my calculation, result a nice refund. Then I got a message “manual intervention required from Sars side”. So I called them, it means I need to submit all my docs for audit. I did that.

8 weeks later, no change in my status.

Mmmm
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Manual intervention doesn't necessarily indicate that supporting documents is required. It could also mean that there is a directive outstanding on a lump sum.

It's good that they told you to send supporting documents when you called them.

It does speed up the process to submit supporting documents though. However, it's not always a silver bullet.

Unfortunately, 8 weeks <> 60 business days turnaround time for manual intervention.

I cannot stress enough that you need to submit complaints for anything where SARS breaches their own rules. Albeit due to incompetence or negligence. A complaint will only be processed if they haven't followed their operating procedures. So check out what the turnaround times are etc before you submit a complaint and get a rejection letter.

Count the business days from the date of submission to the 60 day mark and mark on your calendar. Submit a complaint on day 61. The day of submission is day 1.

Edit: I see you already submitted supporting documents. I am assuming this is via the upload channel on eFiling.

2020 YoA has 21 day turnaround time. Anything before they can take their time with. This will only count for you if you aren't subject to the manual intervention.

Submit a complaint if it's for 2020. 8 weeks is way over their 21 day. If they did extend the period and didn't inform you, submit a complaint.

Jola said:
Calculate button did not work, gave an error code.

Nothing works with SARS, and there is no ability to communicate with them, no written communication via eFiling (only if they contact you first, then you can reply), no e-mails, nothing. Can't get through on phone calls.

Just hopeless.

BTW, my tax return is really trivial, there is no reason for any issues or manual intervention.
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Same answer as above. Their system has also been funny by using old Unique ID's on business/rental income and sending those returns for manual intervention.

Do you perhaps mean that your tax return isn't trivial? Because if it is trivial then manual intervention may be needed.

System bugs may result in a manual intervention as well. So a manual assessment. Go check your tax status to see if the assessment is still due.

For everybody else, here are some links which may assist.

SARS Online Query (4.2.0.0 (PROD))

SARS Booking System

If you select video appointment, they will still phone you. They do not have video calling functionality yet. There are different options under the video appointment selection so check out all the options under Telephone/Video Appointment.

I hope this helps somebody at least.
 
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zerocool2009 said:
Go online... make a booking to call you, and hear their story out...
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After reading your replies I have a better idea of what's going on with your things.

You've been assessed, right? Received an ITA34 and selected for review and they opened a link on your relevant YoA and you uploaded there? This review is for 2020, yes? If it's for 2019 and prior the 21 working days don't apply and they can take as much time as they want.

If the above is true then you're not subject to the manual intervention story.

Check the following on eFiling.

SARS Correspondence - look for a recent completion letter.

Draw a statement of account (Request Historic IT Notices) and select your date range - past 6 months is the best. A larger range if you have no idea what the amounts are for.

Check to see if there was a refund reversal. If there is. Appointment as above to lift stopper. Check what docs you need and upload via the query tool. Bank Statement is not proof of address for SARS btw.

No reversal? And no completion letter?

Phone the SARS call centre for clarity. If the agent confirms that the review is overdue, reference your case number for the call in your complaint on eFiling. The agent can then also make notes on your case number.

You can use the case number on your verification letter in your complaint.


Select the call back option when you call the SARS Centre. Don't expect them to call back instantly. It takes an hour or more sometimes. Have your details ready for when the agent confirms your stuff.

If all else fails, make an appointment to go to the branch. If you do that, take the correct documents with otherwise you will waste your time.

The calls do drop and lose connection. They are still working from home. They won't phone you back if it drops so you will have to restart the process, unfortunately. It counts for missing the call as well. If you miss the first call they usually call back within a minute or two. If not, restart.

Be patient and friendly with the staff. They are really trying to help. They're people like you and me. Most of them really know what they are doing. My interactions with them of late has been nothing but excellent. Except the one dropped call :p

SARS is actually very accommodating. They have issues, yes, I don't disagree with that. If they didn't then this thread would not have existed :D

It's all a bit time consuming, but just do it. It's a hassle most of the time, I understand.

None of the above constitutes as advice.
 
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My refund was reversed.
I was told to do exactly what @Novoca1ne suggested by a clued-up SARS call centre agent My refund was reversed because SARS wanted supporting documents (basically original and certified fica stuff). I couldn't figure out how to make an appointment to go to my local branch so I made a telephone booking for next month and I'll ul my docs to SARs itm.

I'll let you know how it goes.
 
sandwitch said:
My refund was reversed.
I was told to do exactly what @Novoca1ne suggested by a clued-up SARS call centre agent My refund was reversed because SARS wanted supporting documents (basically original and certified fica stuff). I couldn't figure out how to make an appointment to go to my local branch so I made a telephone booking for next month and I'll ul my docs to SARs itm.

I'll let you know how it goes.
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Check these links if you don't know the docs required:

Documents needed


Photo Requirements


Upload everything with the case number for your appointment with the SARS query tool.

5 working days after your appointment you should have your refund.

Hope you come right!
 
This happened to me as well. My initial assessment went smoothly, all refunded within a week. I then spotted a medical aid issue and submitted an amendment, which generated a second refund. 2 days after this was paid out, SARS reversed it. The first agent I spoke to claimed I'd paid SARS the money back. The next person then said they shouldn't have reversed the refund, but that I need to request that stopper on the repayment be removed.

This meant emailing a letter along with bank statements. Their mailbox bounced of course. I'll probably have to go to a SARS branch, which is a big pain.
 
flarkit said:
This happened to me as well. My initial assessment went smoothly, all refunded within a week. I then spotted a medical aid issue and submitted an amendment, which generated a second refund. 2 days after this was paid out, SARS reversed it. The first agent I spoke to claimed I'd paid SARS the money back. The next person then said they shouldn't have reversed the refund, but that I need to request that stopper on the repayment be removed.

This meant emailing a letter along with bank statements. Their mailbox bounced of course. I'll probably have to go to a SARS branch, which is a big pain.
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Make use of the online appointment function. Get case number. You'll get it via email too. Bank Stopper is under the video appointment menu. They won't Skype you or whatever though.

Upload your supporting documents via the SARS query tool with the appointment case number above.

You'll get an email for receipt.

When SARS phones you, they'll have all the documents already and just verify what you need done. Saves a lot of time.

You still need to make an appointment for branch visits. You may be lucky with a walk in. I haven't tried it recently though. It's up to you to decide.

Use the links I provided in previous posts for appointment, upload and to see what documents you need.

Have fun with your selfie whilst holding your ID :p
 
RonSwanson said:
He could have called SARS using another, validated number, which was my point. Nothing is obvious except to those like yourself that depend on assumptions.
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Oh, now I get you, one must obviously validate the number given by FNB employee to make sure it's not part of a scam.
 
Francis bacon said:
My wife has had a SARS refund reversed within 2 days if it being paid, FNB says it was logged as being paid in error by SARS and reverse paid back into a SARS account so as far as they are concerned its SARS problem, but they don`t want to supply any paperwork to that effect and have only referred us to a SARS tel no. to contact. SARS denies that a reversal was done and as far as they are concerned my wifes TAX has a clean bill of health as is reflected on their system...! They have suggested it may be fraud but FNB are adamant that it`s a SARS issue....! It`s quiet a substantial amount of money for us so we are trying to see if this is happening to others as was implied by the call centre operator........Anyone have any advise or similar experience lately ?
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Hi ! i have had the exact same thing happen. Have you had any resolution ?
 
Hi there, thank you for all the replies. Yes we have apparently got a resolution after lots of run around and apparent obfuscation by the bank our threats and phone calls paid off and they admitted that a number of reversals had been done by SARS on the refund transactions of the 25th of November,apparently at the behest of a higher level instruction from SARS, hence there was no reflection on the SARS e-filing records, the bank did not want to supply any written confirmation but eventually managed to get a kind lady from SARS to call my wife and confirm this, she also assured us that SARS was working on the problem and that the money would be repaid within approx 7-10 days. She is from the SARS Corruption division.
 
Francis bacon said:
Hi there, thank you for all the replies. Yes we have apparently got a resolution after lots of run around and apparent obfuscation by the bank our threats and phone calls paid off and they admitted that a number of reversals had been done by SARS on the refund transactions of the 25th of November,apparently at the behest of a higher level instruction from SARS, hence there was no reflection on the SARS e-filing records, the bank did not want to supply any written confirmation but eventually managed to get a kind lady from SARS to call my wife and confirm this, she also assured us that SARS was working on the problem and that the money would be repaid within approx 7-10 days. She is from the SARS Corruption division.
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Interesting. That is quite hectic! Thanks for the feedback. I learned something new today!

Bank stopper/verification wasn't your issue at all.

Glad you got it sorted.
 
Francis bacon said:
My wife has had a SARS refund reversed within 2 days if it being paid, FNB says it was logged as being paid in error by SARS and reverse paid back into a SARS account so as far as they are concerned its SARS problem, but they don`t want to supply any paperwork to that effect and have only referred us to a SARS tel no. to contact. SARS denies that a reversal was done and as far as they are concerned my wifes TAX has a clean bill of health as is reflected on their system...! They have suggested it may be fraud but FNB are adamant that it`s a SARS issue....! It`s quiet a substantial amount of money for us so we are trying to see if this is happening to others as was implied by the call centre operator........Anyone have any advise or similar experience lately ?
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I am also banking with FNB and the same happened with me. Two days after the substantial amount was paid into my account the money was reversed. SARS denies that the fault is theirs, stating that the State of Accounts is zero. FNB states that the fault is due to the following, "funds reversed on account 628 xxxxxxxx on behalf of eft due to ABSA duplication of SARS funds". FNB has phoned me today and said that apparently the same happened to 200 odd customers of them and SARS is busy fixing it. I really hope this is the case.
 
Francis bacon said:
Hi there, thank you for all the replies. Yes we have apparently got a resolution after lots of run around and apparent obfuscation by the bank our threats and phone calls paid off and they admitted that a number of reversals had been done by SARS on the refund transactions of the 25th of November,apparently at the behest of a higher level instruction from SARS, hence there was no reflection on the SARS e-filing records, the bank did not want to supply any written confirmation but eventually managed to get a kind lady from SARS to call my wife and confirm this, she also assured us that SARS was working on the problem and that the money would be repaid within approx 7-10 days. She is from the SARS Corruption
Click to expand...

Francis bacon said:
Hi there, thank you for all the replies. Yes we have apparently got a resolution after lots of run around and apparent obfuscation by the bank our threats and phone calls paid off and they admitted that a number of reversals had been done by SARS on the refund transactions of the 25th of November,apparently at the behest of a higher level instruction from SARS, hence there was no reflection on the SARS e-filing records, the bank did not want to supply any written confirmation but eventually managed to get a kind lady from SARS to call my wife and confirm this, she also assured us that SARS was working on the problem and that the money would be repaid within approx 7-10 days. She is from the SARS Corruption division.
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Thanks to your post i was able to get a better response from the bank. The potential for something like this to go unresolved is real ! Lets hope the funds re-appear soon .
 
Anyone’s status : “we need to do manual intervention....”

I submitted all my docs. Its now week 9

I really think sars is broke!
 
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