Creations · South Africa
VAT verification, corrections and dispute support
Organise the evidence behind VAT returns, respond to the specific SARS request and assess the appropriate route for an error, delayed refund or disputed assessment.
What the work covers
Use this scope to identify what you need. Your proposal will confirm the services, records, reporting frequency and fees for your business.
- VAT return and ledger reconciliation
- Evidence pack for the periods requested
- Review of correction or dispute options
- VDP eligibility and application support where separately scoped
- A chronology of submissions, deadlines and outstanding requests
What to prepare
Tell us which records are available and where there are gaps. We can then distinguish ongoing work from any initial catch-up.
- SARS notices and response deadlines
- VAT201 returns and control-account reconciliations
- Sales and purchase invoices, credit notes and import records
- Prior submissions, assessments and payment records
Timing and responsibility
Timing depends on the records, approvals and work required. Tell us about any deadline at the start. The engagement should identify the person handling your work, the review responsibilities and any external specialist needed.
Match the response to the notice
Identify whether the matter is verification, audit, a correction, an objection or a refund enquiry. Reconcile the amounts to the records and explain material differences. Keep a list of documents still outstanding and the date each response is required. Preparation cannot promise that SARS will accept a position or release a refund.
Voluntary disclosure is conditional relief
A valid voluntary disclosure and an agreement with SARS can provide relief under the programme. Understatement-penalty relief depends on the applicable category and circumstances; it is not always a complete waiver. The tax and applicable interest remain payable. Existing audit or investigation notices affect eligibility and require careful review. Do not treat an application as an automatic amnesty or a substitute for responding to a current notice.
How the work progresses
- 01
Review the requirement
Identify the entity, reporting period, records and deadline.
- 02
Agree the scope
Set the outputs, responsibilities, fees and approval process.
- 03
Prepare and resolve
Work through the records and raise missing information or decisions.
- 04
Review and hand over
Complete the agreed approvals and retain the outputs and outstanding actions.
Questions before you start
Can an audit outcome be guaranteed?
No. SARS evaluates the evidence and determines the outcome. The agreed work is to prepare and support the response.
Can a refund date be promised?
No. Check the recorded reason for the delay, the requested documents and the available SARS follow-up process.
Official guidance
Let’s define the next step.
Tell us what you need, what is outstanding and when it matters.