How to protect yourself from SARS removing funds from your bank account without your consent

As you know, SARS can deduct money from your bank account to settle another person's tax debt.

But what happens when SARS does this without your consent? Can you take action?

Here's what to do when SARS deducts money from your account without your permission

Step #1: Get all the supporting documents together and write a detailed explanation of what the facts are. Enquire from the bank and ask them to send you the request from SARS (IT88) to deduct the taxes.

Step #2: Go to a SARS branch to see a SARS official. Get as many details as possible on what the situation is.

Remember to always write down date, time and who you spoke to regarding your issue. If you phone the call centre, take down the case number. This'll help you when you need to go to the SARS service monitoring division or the tax ombudsman.

Step #3: The SARS official will help you complete the relevant form to launch your objection.

Please note that if you want to object to a tax liability, you must ask for a suspension of payment in terms of Section 10.6 of the Tax Administration Act. You must apply for suspension of payment before you lodge the objection, says the Practical Tax Loose Leaf Service.

For more information on how to suspend your tax debt phone the SARS contact centre at or go to your nearest SARS office.