Question:
Hi, my mother passed away last year. We've just recently submitted the SACCAWU Provident Fund claim forms this year (July 2013). She did not complete the tax returns as she was on disability and was unable to do such things. From what I have read, issues with SARS tend to delay pay-outs. What can we do on our side to ensure that such delays are minimised?
Answer:
Andiswa, The critical thing is to ensure that your late mother was registered for tax. Without a tax number, things get difficult as SARS cannot issue a tax directive on a lump sum payment. Your late mother's records (old payslips, HR department of her former employer) may indicate this tax number. Once you have a tax number, you should contact SARS and - with the necessary authority - establish what her tax affairs look like (when last she submitted her returns, and whether any tax is owing). You can then follow up on any outstanding matters SARS needs to resolve.
