Judge Dennis Davis will be joining SARS on a more permanent basis, as it puts a larger focus on wealthy South Africans.
In a media briefing this week, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said that Davis will help SARS with the implementation of its strategies, specifically those which are directed at closing the tax gap and the wealthy.
Davis most recently was the chairperson of the Davis Tax Committee, which was aimed at reviewing South Africa’s tax policy framework and its role in supporting the objectives of inclusive growth, employment, development and fiscal sustainability.
Kieswetter noted at the media briefing that they have plenty of recommendations on how to fix things, but now they have someone in their team who can actually implement them.
Davis has been vocal about wealthy taxpayers who under-declare their income and has advocated strongly for lifestyle audits.
Taxpayers should heed the Commissioner’s call to come and speak to them on friendly terms through the Voluntary Disclosure Programme.
At the end of March SARS said it was launching a major recruitment drive, targeting highly skilled workers to help build a data-driven ‘smart tax authority’ – which experts say is the first salvo into tackling wealthy taxpayers who may be avoiding their tax obligations.
SARS said that it was hoping to hire 370 highly skilled specialists and 200 finance graduates to reinforce its capabilities, with a particular focus on technology.
“SARS is preparing for a future where increasingly our work will be informed by data driven insights, self-learning computers, artificial intelligence and interconnectivity of people and devices,” it said.