How to ensure your tax consultant is registered with SARS

The Tax Administration Act (TAA) states that tax practitioners must register with SARS to be compliant.

Since you're the one SARS will hold liable should anything go wrong with your tax return, it's your responsibility to ensure your tax practitioner is registered with the relevant authorities.

Do the following to ensure your tax consultant is registered

When the TAA says tax practitioners must register with SARS to be compliant, it means your tax consultant must be a member of a SARS-recognised controlling body.

Recognised bodies include:

• The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA);
• The Institute of Accounting and Commerce (IAC);
• The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA);
• The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA); and
• The South African Institute of Tax Practitioners (SAIT).

Dirk Kotze, Tax Partner at global audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars says that to avoid risks, costs and to ensure that your tax practitioner is both compliant as a taxpayer and your practitioner, request that he provides you with proof of his updated registration with a controlling body.

It's crucial that you inquire about the registration status of your tax practitioner before next year's tax season. Do it while you still have plenty of time.

Remember, the buck stops with you when it comes to your tax affairs! So don't entrust your tax affairs to non-compliant practitioner, make sure he's registered with a SARS-recognised controlling body.