Africa-Press – South-Africa. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) have warned SARS eFiling users about significant threats arising from escalating cybersecurity risks.
The OTO said it has been investigating cases of profile compromise for over a year, following numerous complaints from taxpayers and tax practitioners.
It found that in today’s digitally interconnected environment, cybersecurity risks have escalated dramatically, posing significant threats to individuals, businesses, and institutions.
As personal and financial transactions increasingly migrate online, malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in authentication protocols.
They also target data-sharing mechanisms and user behaviour to perpetrate identity theft, fraud, and unauthorised system access.
“Even routine activities, such as accessing tax platforms or updating banking details, have become potential gateways for exploitation,” it said.
The Office of the Tax Ombud said that within the South African tax administration context, these risks are particularly acute.
“SARS, as the custodian of revenue collection and refund payments, is a prime target for those with nefarious intent,” it said.
It added that it maintains a strong and cooperative relationship with SARS and is aligned in their objective to protect taxpayers and restore confidence in the eFiling system.
SARS said it is continuously enhances security protocols to mitigate risks and prevent unauthorised access.
“We encourage taxpayers to exercise vigilance by safeguarding their login details and promptly reporting suspicious activity,” SARS said.
Both SARS and the OTO reiterated their unwavering commitment to enabling taxpayers to comply with their obligations safely and confidently.
“We urge taxpayers to remain cautious and report any irregularities through official SARS channels,” they said.
The Office of the Tax Ombud will release a draft report
SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter
The Office of the Tax Ombud is scheduled to release its draft report for public comment on 1 October 2025.
The release of the OTO’s draft report has been delayed, allowing SARS to provide detailed input on preliminary findings, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced analysis.
“Whilst consultations have been extensive between the parties, parts of the draft may still carry areas of difference, which is to be expected in any review of this nature,” the OTO said.
“This cooperative approach aims to strengthen the report’s recommendations and foster meaningful improvements.”
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said they respect that the final report by the OTO will be made public soon.
“The public must be assured, though, that SARS continue to work with diligence to ensure the highest level of integrity and protection to taxpayers who use the digital platform,” he said.
The Tax Ombud said that it takes the hijacking of taxpayer eFiling profiles by cyber criminals very seriously.
“As an independent institution, the OTO ensures objective oversight and the fair treatment of taxpayers,” it said.
“The OTO upcoming draft report reflects extensive engagement with all stakeholders and is aimed at driving real, practical solutions.”
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