Disputes arise between a taxpayer and SARS because the facts are misunderstood, or evidence is incomplete. There may be disagreement as to the correct application of legislation or perhaps entrenched positions on both sides which lead to mistrust and stalemates.
You should always consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a formal mediation process for tax, as a potential mechanism to accelerate resolution. ADR can be considered at any point provided that the dispute in question is sufficiently mature i.e. the facts, to the extent they are available, have been fully communicated to SARS. In our experience, ADR is a cost-effective and efficient route to dispute resolution.
We bring our extensive experience and expertise in handling tax disputes to minimise the stress, disruption, and costs. We will guide you through the process of reaching a solution with SARS as effectively as possible.
BDO’s Tax Dispute Resolution team partners with clients on all types of tax enquiries, tax disputes, and tax disclosures. We work with individuals, sole traders, business owners, partnerships, large corporate groups, trustees, and executors.
Our team includes accredited mediators who can support clients and their professional advisors to determine whether ADR is a viable option. Whilst ADR does not guarantee resolution it can accelerate the process.
If you are a professional services firm working with us will help you get the best possible outcome and enhance your relationship with your client. We appreciate the importance of the client relationship. We also understand that bringing another advisor on board can be sensitive. We have extensive experience working with other professionals including accountancy firms, lawyers, banks, and trusts on tax disputes. We will deliver for you and your client while respecting your relationship with them. We can provide you with technical support in respect of SARS powers, penalties, and other aspects of tax disputes. We can also manage an ad-hoc project on your behalf.
We can help you with:
- Resolving all types of tax disputes and tax enquiries
- Serious tax investigations
- Voluntary disclosures to SARS including offshore assets and foreign income
- Alternative Dispute Resolution