SARS warns tax collection will be lower

JOHANNESBURG - Tax collection will be lower this fiscal year.

That's the warning from SARS as the revenue collector grapples with the impact of load-shedding.

SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter says the constant power cuts, the rising cost of living and the shrinking tax base are partly to blame.

READ: SARS annual report | Taxman recovers billions from crime

He says the increased likelihood that people and businesses will try to avoid paying taxes will mean that government's kitty will fall a few millions short.

He was speaking at a PSG Konsult webinar.

Consumers have also had lower disposable income due to higher interest rates and have been spending less, indicating that VAT collection is also set to decrease.