The Commissioner of SARS reported that the strategic plan is a blueprint for what SARS are going to do differently, creatively and inventively over the medium term in support of government's priorities. The strategic choices SARS has made are already bearing fruits. During tax season 2009/10, a record number of over 4 million tax returns were submitted on time - a 25 per cent increase on 2008. Of these more than 80 per cent were processed within 24 hours and, where relevant, refunds were paid directly into taxpayers' bank accounts within 48 hours.