PRETORIA, 18 MARCH 2010 - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and National Treasury today release the 2009 Tax Statistics publication which builds and expands on the first publication in 2008. The objectives that guided the development of the first edition were to make available comprehensive tax revenue data to all interested parties. These objectives remain valid and underpin the contents of this publication. SARS and the National Treasury are committed to providing and publishing data obtained from taxpayers through their compliance with tax legislation.
The 2009 Tax Statistics publication provides an analytical framework that compliments other published economic and demographic data. It provides data on trends in the tax base and is meant to contribute to an understanding of the socioeconomic profile of our country. The data has been used for strategic and policy decisions, not only by government but also by the private sector, academia and non-governmental organisations.
Comments on the first Tax Statistics published in 2008 were in general very positive and included a broad range of requests for additional data and information. Given the magnitude of data provided and recent administrative reforms implemented to enhance the quality of the data captured on the systems, this will be an evolving process aimed at increasing the availability of further and improved taxpayer data. Following comments received, more regular updates may be made available electronically throughout the year.
ï· Chapter 5 provides information on the customs value of imported goods by product type as well as VAT, customs duties, and ad valorem excise duty revenues on imported goods.
ï· For ease of reference, all tables are included in Annexure A at the back of the publication.
Both the National Treasury and SARS hope to continually improve on subsequent publications and would welcome comments on the types of data that should be included in future editions. Such improvement in the quality of data, and its availability, will also enhance the tax policy reform process. The publication also promotes greater transparency in the tax policy reform process and tax administration.
An electronic version of this publication as well as the excel tables are available on the websites of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) (www.sars.gov.za) and that of the National Treasury (www.treasury.gov.za). Comments, queries and suggestions are welcome and can be emailed to taxstatistics@sars.gov.za.
Look out for the 2010 Tax Statistics that will be released towards the end of 2010.
Click here to see the 2009 Tax Statistics Bulletin on the www.sars.gov.za website.
Total < 0 taxable income 34.7% 37.
Total = 0 taxable income 38.5% 18.
Total > 0 taxable income 26.8% 44.
Total 100.0% 100.