Africa-Press – South-Africa. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has warned taxpayers about the growing threat of cyber criminals hijacking SARS eFiling profiles, resulting in significant financial losses.
Both SARS and the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. They stressed that protecting taxpayers and maintaining the tax system’s integrity remain their highest priorities.
The warning follows a report in the Sowetan highlighting the rise in cases where cyber-fraudsters gain unauthorised access to taxpayer profiles.
SARS and the OTO noted that while the article underscored a genuine problem, it contained several factual inaccuracies and was published before the OTO’s draft report was released.
That report, reflecting more than a year of investigations into compromised eFiling profiles, will be published on 1 October 2025.
Both institutions said the rise in profile hijacking is part of a broader surge in cybercrime, particularly in environments where personal and financial information is increasingly stored and transacted online.
“In today’s digitally interconnected environment, cybersecurity risks have escalated dramatically, posing significant threats to individuals, businesses, and institutions,” the institutions said in a joint statement.
Even routine tasks like updating banking details or accessing tax platforms can create opportunities for exploitation by malicious actors.
As the custodian of South Africa’s revenue collection, SARS has become a prime target for cybercriminals.
Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the organisation has been working tirelessly to strengthen its systems and ensure taxpayers’ safety.
“We respect that the final report by the OTO will be made public soon, and SARS remain committed to continuing its engagement with the public on its substance,” he said.
“The public must be assured, though, that SARS continues to work with diligence to ensure the highest level of integrity and protection to taxpayers who use the SARS digital platform.”
The OTO confirmed that it has been investigating profile hijackings for more than a year after receiving numerous complaints from taxpayers and practitioners.
Remain vigilant
Its upcoming draft report, which follows extensive consultation with stakeholders, will aim to provide practical solutions to combat the problem.
“The OTO takes the hijacking of taxpayer eFiling profiles very seriously. As an independent institution, the OTO ensures objective oversight and the fair treatment of taxpayers,” the Ombud said.
“The OTO’s upcoming draft report reflects extensive engagement with all stakeholders and is aimed at driving real, practical solutions.”
Both organisations emphasised their collaborative approach in tackling the issue, despite their distinct mandates.
SARS views the OTO as an indispensable partner in ensuring that South Africa’s tax system operates fairly and beyond reproach.
Although there may be differences in the details of their findings, both agreed that their cooperative engagement is crucial for strengthening the system and restoring confidence in eFiling.
In the meantime, SARS has encouraged taxpayers to remain vigilant by safeguarding their login details, avoiding suspicious links, and promptly reporting any irregularities through official channels.
The revenue service said it continues to upgrade its security protocols to reduce risks and prevent unauthorised access.
While the OTO’s report will provide greater clarity on the scope and causes of profile hijackings, SARS and the Ombud stressed that their joint priority is to protect taxpayers and uphold the fiscal integrity of the system.
“Both institutions are the cornerstone for the fiscal integrity of South Africa’s tax ecosystem,” they said, adding that their shared responsibility is to ensure taxpayers can comply with their obligations safely and with confidence.
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