Overview

Participants join Carmen for an in-depth discussion on the latest SARS challenges affecting tax practitioners in 2026. Each session provides practical, up-to-date guidance to help professionals resolve complex taxpayer issues with confidence.

Webinar Content

This webinar explored a range of important tax topics, including:

• eFiling System Instability: Frequent service disruptions, "Request for Reasons" failing to save, and bugs in saving Trust IT14 returns.
• Section 95 Estimated Assessments: Challenges with objecting to estimates and the system failing to update Statements of Account after tax returns are filed.
• Deceased Estate Delays: Significant administrative backlogs (21+ days) in SARS coding estates and issuing second tax numbers.
• Crypto Assets: Technical disputes over proving a "change of intention" from trading (revenue) to long-term holding (capital).
• Payment Reallocation (SOQS): Difficulty navigating the renamed "Account Related Query" tool to fix payments made with incorrect references.
• Final demand Notifications: PAYE debt demanded when EMPSA reflect as compliant.
• Section 6quat & Foreign Income: Complexities in applying the Double Taxation Agreements for residents earning worldwide income.
• Registered Representative Backlogs: Long turnaround times for appointments, with digital submissions often being "lost" or rejected by the system.
• Debt Deferral Inconsistencies: Contradictory information between eFiling (allowing 36 months) and SARS call center offering less than 12 months.
• Incorrect Penalties Levied: "Ghost" penalties and demands cause significant client distress and unnecessary administrative work for practitioners.

Competencies Developed

After attending this discussion forum, participants are:

• Equipped with practical solutions to resolve current taxpayer issues
• Competent to address and manage practice-related tax challenges proactively
• Able to guide staff effectively in supporting clients with systemic SARS issues
• Informed about current SARS resources and tools available to practitioners
• Directed to relevant guides, FAQs, and updates to stay compliant and responsive in 2026

Presenter

Carmen Westermeyer

Com(Honours Accounting) [UND] CA(SA)

Carmen Westermeyer graduated in 2001 from the University of Natal, Durban (now UKZN), with a BCom Honours degree in Accounting and completed her articles with PwC, where she remained until 2006. She has been a member of SAICA since then.

In 2008, she started her academic career at UKZN, where she performed a number of functions, taking on the role of Academic Leader for Taxation. On leaving academia in 2013, Carmen has been providing training and consulting services to the profession. She has presented on behalf of various professional bodies, such as SAICA, FASSET, CSSA as well as providing in-house training to numerous accounting firms. The topics covered include all aspects of income tax, VAT, estate duty as well as the health levy (sugar tax). In addition, she regularly consults on tax matters as well as assisting with SARS disputes.

She is also the Chair of the SAICA Eastern Region Tax Committee, a member of the SAICA National Tax Operations Committee and is an Accounting Member of the Tax Court.

CPD

Attending this webinar and the successful completion of the online assessment will secure a certificate of completion for 2 hours of Tax CPD.

Event Investment

Free for Tax Technician, Tax Practitioner, Tax Accountant CPD subscribers and Practice Packages. Not a CPD subscriber yet? Click here to register now.

• Regular price:  R460.00
• Group booking discounts available when you register for a group.

Payments & Cancellations

• All payments must be made by EFT or by credit card, at least 3 working days before commencement of an event.
• Kindly note that should payment not be received 2 days after the event, legal action will be taken
• Proof of payment will be requested at registration, if payment does not reflect on Tax Faculty's bank account.
• Cancellations:
  • Only written notice of cancellation will be recognized.
  • If the cancellation occurs more than 4 working days prior to the event no cancellation fee will be charged.
  • If the cancellation occurs less than 4 working days prior to the event a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
• Delegates who book and fail to attend will be liable for the full event fee.
• Tax Faculty`s liability in the case of an event being cancelled will be limited to a refund or credit of the event fee.
• Please click here for the full terms and conditions.