Should I pay SARS from my statement of account or from the ITA34?

Direct answer

The current SARS Payment Rules distinguish payment initiated from a statement of account from payment initiated from an ITA34. A statement-of-account route can allow the taxpayer to specify the amount, while the ITA34 route presents the amount associated with that assessment.

Before paying, reconcile the ITA34 to the later statement of account. The statement may include payments, credits, interest or other assessments posted after the assessment notice.

What this means in practice

Use the latest dated account information and identify exactly which period and transaction the payment should settle.

If you cannot pay the full balance, a partial payment does not create an approved instalment arrangement. Consider the formal debt process promptly.

Step-by-step

1. Download the ITA34 and the latest income-tax statement of account.
2. Reconcile the assessed amount to later transactions and the current balance.
3. Decide whether the full assessment or a specific account amount is being paid.
4. Initiate the payment from the appropriate SARS document or function.
5. Check the tax type, period, amount and reference.
6. Approve the payment at the bank.
7. Review the updated statement after processing.
8. Address any unpaid balance, interest or arrangement separately.

Documents and records to keep

• ITA34 assessment.
• Latest statement of account.
• Reconciliation of differences.
• Payment confirmation.
• Updated account and any debt arrangement.

Important limits and exceptions

A negative or positive figure can be misunderstood if read without the statement labels and transaction context.

Paying from one document does not correct an assessment that should instead be disputed.

When to get tailored advice

Get advice if the assessment appears wrong, the statement includes unfamiliar entries or you need a formal payment arrangement.

Related TaxProof guides

• How do I check my SARS assessment and amount payable?
• How do I download a SARS statement of account?

Sources

• SARS, SARS Payment Rules
• SARS, SARS How Do I Pay SARS?