Empowering taxpayers: OTO and SARS join forces for public outreach at N1 City Mall

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting taxpayer rights and encouraging voluntary compliance, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), will host a public outreach activation at N1 City Shopping Mall in Cape Town. This initiative aligns with the Office of the Tax Ombud’s 'Smart Taxpayers: Do the Right Thing' campaign, which aims to empower individuals and small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the tax system confidently and responsibly.

The activation will take place over two days:

• Friday, 17 October 2025 at 09h00 – 19h00
• Saturday, 18 October 2025 at 09h00 – 17h00
• Venue: Truworths Court, N1 City Shopping Mall, Cape Town

What to Expect: Services Offered

Visitors to the activation will benefit from a range of free services provided by both SARS and the OTO.

SARS assistance to taxpayers

• Filing Support: On-site help with submitting 2025 tax returns.

• eFiling Guidance: Assistance with registration and navigation of the eFiling platform.
• Query Resolution: Help with account issues and general tax-related concerns.
• Compliance Education: Information on tax obligations and how to stay compliant.
• Small Business Support: Tailored assistance for SMMEs, including documentation and process guidance.
• Profile Updates: Help with updating bank and contact details.

Office of the Tax Ombud assistance

• Know Your Rights: Education on taxpayer rights and how to protect them.
• Complaint Support: Guidance on lodging complaints related to unresolved service, procedural, or administrative issues with SARS.
• Fairness in Tax Administration: Clarification on the OTO’s mandate and how it promotes fairness.
• Public Engagement: Direct interaction with OTO representatives to raise awareness of available services.
• Encouragement to Act: Empowering taxpayers to seek redress when they feel unfairly treated.

What to bring

To ensure effective assistance, taxpayers are encouraged to bring:
• A copy of their ID
• Any relevant supporting documentation related to their tax matters

Media engagement

OTO representatives will be available for media interviews throughout the activation, offering insights into the campaign and the broader role of the OTO in supporting South African taxpayers. This outreach initiative reflects the OTO’s and SARS’s shared vision of a tax system that is transparent, fair, and accessible to all. Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a small business owner, this is an opportunity to get the support you need face-to-face, free of charge, and in your community.