Expand economy and boost enforcement over new taxes: SAIT
Keith Engel says better enforcement and job creation are critical to increasing revenue.
The South African Institute of Taxation emphasizes the need for expanding the tax base instead of imposing significant new tax increases, according to its CEO, Professor Keith Engel. Engel asserts that improved enforcement and job creation are vital for revenue growth. He highlights that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is targeting undisclosed wealth and leveraging digitalization and third-party information to enhance tax collection efforts.
Engel addressed these concerns ahead of the institute's annual Tax Indaba, scheduled for September 14th to 16th in Johannesburg. He explained that the main challenge has long been the expansion of the tax base, which can only be achieved through enhanced enforcement rather than legislative measures. While SARS focuses on collection, Engel believes the broader issue is reviving the economy, a matter requiring political intervention.
He also pointed out that government involvement often leads to increased spending on job creation, regulation, and other political pursuits, rather than directly addressing the tax base expansion.
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