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SARS will now use artificial intelligence to make ‘it hard and costly’ to dodge tax

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Article by: James de Villiers

Sars said it would, therefore, hire several executives in data-driven positions to harness the advances in big data and artificial intelligence for the tax collector. 

It is also in the process of modernising its systems to provide digital and streamlined services to the public, and rebuild trust and confidence in the tax collector. 

“SARS’ strategic objectives include, amongst others, providing clarity and certainty of tax obligations, making it easier for taxpayers and traders to comply, detecting those who do not comply and making it hard and costly for them,” Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said. 

Kieswetter said the SARS of the future, therefore, must be able to respond to a new data-driven global environment while fulfilling its higher purpose of enabling the government to build a capable state. 

To achieve its goal of being a future-orientated and respected institution, SARS said it is hiring a new chief data scientist, chief technology innovation officer, chief financial officer, chief procurement officer, director business segment: large & international taxpayers (formerly large business centre), director individual segment: wealthy and complex taxpayers, nine regional directors and a director: taxpayer engagement. 

Kieswetter said the organisation is looking forward to recruiting internal staff for some of these positions, but also wants to enrich the current “gene pool” with future-orientated skills and fresh perspectives. 

“This recruitment process will reaffirm SARS’ commitment to the transformation agenda of our country and the advancement of employment equity and diversity in the workplace.” 

 “Our Vision 2024 is to build a smart modern SARS, with unquestionable integrity, trusted by government, the public and our international peers.”

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Dimension Transfer Pricing International Taxation South African Tax Law
Jurisdictional audience Global audience, covers all jurisdictions Global audience, covers all jurisdictions South Africa specific, relevant to SADC region
Ideal for TP managers, advisors, in-house tax teams, analysts moving into TP Advisors and managers dealing with cross-border rules, treaties, planning Practitioners working with the SA Income Tax Act, cases, compliance
Core focus Methods, comparables, DEMPE, documentation, audits, dispute defence Treaties, source vs residence, anti-avoidance, PE, relief from double tax Statutory interpretation, case law, assessments, objections, local practice
Primary tools OECD TP Guidelines, UN Manual, BEPS Actions 8–10, 13, case law OECD and UN Models, MLI, BEPS 1.0 and 2.0, domestic rules, cases Income Tax Act, SARS practice notes, Tax Administration Act, SA cases
Assessment style Case-based assignments, file reviews, short written defences Problem questions, treaty interpretation, position papers Problem questions, statutory analysis, case commentary
Typical outcomes Build defensible TP files and strategies, improve audit readiness Design cross-border structures within rules, mitigate double tax Apply SA tax law accurately, manage reviews and disputes
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Dimension Conducting a Transfer Pricing Trial Effectively Managing Tax Teams Indirect Taxation Tax Risk Management
Jurisdictional audience Global audience Global audience Global audience, with local adaptation Global audience
Ideal for In-house tax, TP managers, litigators, advisors preparing for audits, ADR, trial Heads of tax, managers, team leads, controllers, emerging leaders VAT, GST, customs, finance managers, AP, AR, compliance specialists Tax managers, risk officers, controllers, advisors building governance
Core focus Case theory, evidence files, expert reports, witness prep, courtroom strategy Operating models, KPIs, workflows, stakeholder management, coaching VAT design, place of supply, input credits, exemptions, WHT interactions Risk identification, controls, documentation, audit readiness, dispute playbooks
Delivery mode Online, live sessions plus guided self-study Online, live sessions plus guided self-study Online, live sessions plus guided self-study Online, live sessions plus guided self-study
Duration 16 weeks, part-time 16 weeks, part-time 16 weeks, part-time 16 weeks, part-time
Outcomes Confident litigation preparation and defence for TP disputes Stronger execution, clear roles, measurable team performance Reduced VAT errors, better cash flow, fewer surprises at audit Structured governance, fewer findings, faster dispute resolution
Prerequisites TP fundamentals recommended Supervisory experience helpful Basic VAT knowledge helpful General tax experience helpful
Pathway Progress to PG Certificate in Transfer Pricing Progress to Mechanics of Leading Tax Teams, PG Certificate (leadership) Progress to PG programmes, International Tax or SA Tax Law Progress to PG Certificate in International Taxation or Transfer Pricing
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5000-word assignment if PG-Cert option elected		 End of module progress assessment

5000-word assignment if PG-Cert option elected		 End of module progress assessment

5000-word assignment if PG-Cert option elected		 End of module progress assessment

5000-word assignment if PG-Cert option elected