Questions to ask before handing over an objection or appeal

Most people who hand their SARS dispute to an adviser haven't tested them first. They're in a panic, they've got a deadline, and they pick someone because they were recommended or because the quote fit their budget, without checking anything further. Then three weeks in, they realise the practitioner never asked the right questions, never understood the core issue, or is treating their case like one of dozens on a conveyor belt. By then, time and trust are already spent.

Before you hand over your objection or appeal—and your money—you need to conduct a proper interview. This isn't about being rude or mistrusting; it's about protecting yourself. A good tax dispute adviser will expect and welcome this scrutiny. Here are the questions that matter, why they matter, and what tells you whether someone's worth their fee.

What have you actually done with cases like mine?

This is the opening move. Describe your situation concisely: the type of assessment, roughly how much is at stake, and what the main dispute is. Then ask them directly: have you handled disputes in this area before? If yes, ask for one or two examples—not names, but genuine detail. How was it resolved? Did SARS accept the objection, or did it go to the next stage?

A good answer is specific. They'll describe a similar dispute, explain what the weakness was, what evidence mattered, and how it played out. An evasive answer sounds like: "Yes, I do a lot of SARS work" or "I've seen plenty of cases like that." Those answers tell you nothing. If they dodge or stay vague, or if they've never handled anything close to your issue, that's a flag. Tax disputes are not all the same. Disputing a VAT assessment is different from a personal income tax assessment, which is different from a director's loan account challenge.

What information do you need from me to decide whether to take this on?

A practitioner worth their salt will not accept your case on the spot. They should ask to see the assessment letter, your original return, any correspondence with SARS, and the basis of the dispute. They should ask what evidence you have that supports your position. They should ask whether you've already objected or if this is a fresh approach. They should ask about your timeline—when was the assessment issued, when does the objection deadline fall.

If someone says "just send me what you've got and I'll look at it" with no follow-up questions, they're not vetting properly. The right answer includes a request for specific documents and a clear statement that they'll review and then tell you whether they can help and what the next step is.

How will you charge me, and what exactly does that cover?

Don't accept a vague quote. Ask what the fee structure is: are they charging an hourly rate, a fixed fee for the objection, a success-based fee, or something else? What's included: drafting the objection letter, correspondence with SARS, liaison with you, representation if it escalates? What's not included: if it goes to formal appeal or arbitration, do costs change? Are there admin or copying fees? Will they update you on costs if the work takes longer than expected?

A good adviser gives you a written estimate and explains what assumptions it's based on. An evasive answer glosses over details or includes phrases like "we'll sort the exact cost once we see what's needed." That's how you end up with a surprise bill. You want clarity upfront, in writing.

If SARS rejects the objection, what happens next?

Some disputes end there; others escalate to appeal or alternate dispute resolution. Ask them now: if the first objection doesn't work, will they recommend going further, and if so, what's involved and what does it cost? Can they handle that stage, or do you need a different adviser? What are the realistic odds at the next stage, based on what you've told them so far?

This matters because dispute resolution can be a ladder. A practitioner who sets expectations clearly at the start—and who explains when to cut losses—is protecting you as much as themselves. Beware anyone who guarantees a win or promises SARS will back down. No one can promise that.

Once you've had honest answers to these four questions, you're in a much better position to decide whether to proceed. If the adviser has been clear, specific, and careful to understand your situation first, you've probably found someone reliable. Strove lets you find verified tax dispute advisers in your area; use it to cross-check credentials and read what others have experienced with them before you commit.