Can SARS do this?

[Michael Alexander]

I was reading the vote on News24 and saw this..... Can SARS really just access your bank account and withdraw money?

[SandyB]

No  Mike  To my best knowledge  of current banking laws , they cannot access  your account unless you set up an open debit order with them as  a recipient ... they  can currently use ones banking details to deposit  refunds .. It would be illegal  for them to just have carte blanche access ..
eg I have a  debit order agreement  for my municipal rates and tax account with a top limit of R 300 PM ... any difference I have to  top up , or elect if rates increase  to increase their  allowance ...
I pay my  tax shortfall  by  internet banking ...
If the reciever has an issue with someone  owing  and fines to be paid they have to follow  due legal process ..  ie  if they steadfastly refuse to pay , take them to court  to  get  a court  order or a garnishee order  or  as final resort attach property ..  but  that only occurs after due legal process has been followed ...