This after SARS appointed eight debt collectors to recover R16.6 billion worth of debt owed to the revenue service. 

Taxpayers and traders with outstanding accounts will only be contacted via electronic channels. 

All outstanding tax or duties must only be paid directly to SARS via authorised payment channels. 

Agencies can be validated at sars.gov.za.

The agencies appointed are CSS Credit Solution Services (Pty)Ltd, ITC Business Administrators (Pty) Ltd, Medaco Capital Services (Pty) Ltd, New Integrated Credit Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Norman Bisset & Associates Group (Pty) Ltd, Revenue Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Transactional Capital Recoveries (Pty) Ltd and Van De Venter Mojapelo (Pty) Ltd.

The agencies will embark on the traditional debt collection activities, including outbound calls; tracing of taxpayers, sending out notices (can be SMSs, emails or letters/notices).

SARS invites all taxpayers to please co-operate with the service providers above. Failure to do this could result in criminal prosecution. The revenue it collects is vital for fuelling the growth and development of our country and assisting SARS to achieve its tough target of R1.217 trillion.”

It said that compliant taxpayers, who pay their dues, should be proud that they contribute to this national agenda as responsible citizens.

SAnews.gov.za