SARS does not respect essential workers
A few weeks ago, I received an sms from SARS saying I owed them a penalty. I got an accountant to help me sort out what needed sorting out, as I am working as a registered nurse everyday for 11 hours a day as this country is in dire need of healthcare workers at this time. I was asked for ALL my documents, including bank statements and my marriage certificate (I have been married for 17 years). The outcome was that SARS owes me around R80000, which was meant to be paid today (02/04/20). The payment was made and then reversed so my accountant told me to call them. I did so and was told I need to come in personally to verify the information, and resubmit ALL the documents I submitted. I am a registered nurse, an essential worker during the lockdown. I am working overtime during this pandemic, and not getting any special compensation for the overtime. I am doing my work to honour my hippicratic oath. This was explained to them via a letter from my accountant, to justify why the money needs to be paid today. I cannot possibly get to a SARS branch right now and I don't understand why I am being made to wait for a payment due to me when I have completed everything on my side. Why was the payment made and then reversed? Was that just an afterthought? Does the revenue service understand that I am literally risking my life and that of my family's, to serve people during this time, with minimal pay? I cannot accept that I am required to come in with the same documents I submitted for verification. I honestly believe I am being treated unfairly, and also being undermined, especially in light of the work I am doing for humanity. I do believe that there should be a reconsideration of the payment due to me, without requiring me to physically hand in my documents. What is the e-filing system there for then? In addition, we are encouraging social distancing, and this will be required for several months, so why is it a necessity for me to come in to a SARS branch? Please can somebody senior take note of this ridiculous treatment and rethink the reason behind reversing the payment. I am so disapointed, as a human being and as a healthcare worker. 