SARS Commissioner Underlines That Taxpayer’s Records Remains Confidential

Riyaz Patel

Taxpayer information is confidential and the revenue service cannot be compelled to divulge such information, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has assured.

He said SARS is legally compelled to uphold the confidentiality of taxpayer’s information, except under specific legal circumstances.

Kieswetter’s comments were prompted by reports that the High Court has held off the issuing of a Public Protector subpoena forcing SARS to release tax information relating to a “certain individual,” who it has since emerged is former president Jacob Zuma.

“If a court orders that SARS is required to release taxpayer information then I shall comply promptly with the order,” he said.

SARS, he added, would only release taxpayer’s information at the consent of the taxpayer(s) or when ordered by the court.

Kieswetter said he is aware