D-Day for tax returns is Friday, June 7 and Trevor van Heerden, the country's chief tax collector, has appealed to taxpayers not to be tardy about submitting their forms.
In the past, the delay has been caused by employers not getting IRP5 forms, reflecting income and tax, out in time and this situation is still being monitored.
Be sure to meet the deadline or ask for an extension.
For those who are attempting to escape the net, Van Heerden is now prepared to take tough measures, as some recalcitrant taxpayers are finding out. However he would rather have a pleasant relationship with the taxpaying public.
He says rule number one for taxpayers to remember is that if you cheat the taxman it is not the government, but other taxpayers, including friends and relatives, who will pay the price.
If you cheat, the government merely increases taxes and the honest taxpayers end up having to pay more.
But in future it is going to be even tougher to escape paying your share.
The PAYE system has now been computerised, and keeping track of taxpayers is going to be easier and more efficient.
Van Heerden has set himself the task this year of nabbing a group of people who owe him R1,5 billion, and he will even raid their bank accounts or sell their furniture if he has to as a last resort and there will not be much the recalcitrants will be able to do about it.
But Van Heerden says he would rather work with, rather than against taxpayers.
If you have a problem in meeting your tax liabilities go and talk to your local Receiver of Revenue.
You will receive far more sympathetic treatment if you visit him rather than if he comes looking for you.
The same applies to people who have not registered as a taxpayer.
They could possibly be let off some of the penalties.
Remember, the onus falls on you to register.
The recent tax amnesty resulted in 23 000 registration applications, but Van Heerden believes there are still many people out there who are dodging their legal commitments.
Van Heerden is particularly proud of the new simplified tax forms, especially those for less complicated income structures. The forms have won a number of international awards.
He wants to make a pact with taxpayers with his proposed bill of taxpayers' rights.
In return for more honesty he wants to improve the service given by his department and to speed up assessments.
"We know we have problems in not getting assessments out speedily, in having appeals processed, and in not replying to letters.
"We are getting back to basics. Things will get better but it will take time."
In Johannesburg, for example, 95 people have been brought in from the rest of the country to help clear the backlog.
The pact will also include such things as being courteous to the public and the tax authorities will not only ensure that you pay what you should, but they will also ensure that you get the deductions to which you are entitled.
"We hope to get to a stage where tax consultants for the ordinary person will not be necessary."
If you feel you are being given the runaround, telephone your local tax office and ask for the local Receiver of Revenue.
Van Heerden says they will take your call.