SARS rolls out phased Filing Season, urges taxpayers to wait their turn
· The South African
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a phased approach to the 2026 Filing Season, with a strong focus on digital services, auto assessments, and faster refunds.
Key Filing Season Dates
PeriodDatesAuto assessment1 July – 12 July 2026General Filing (non-provisional & provisional taxpayers)13 July – 23 October 2026Provisional taxpayers & trusts deadline22 January 2027
READ | SARS issues step-by-step guide to paying tax and HOW to file
Visit betsport.cv for more information.
Auto Assessments: Do Nothing If It’s Correct
SARS expects to issue around six million auto assessments between 1 and 12 July.
If you receive an SMS, email, or notification from SARS informing you that you have been auto-assessed:
- Review the assessment.
- If all information is correct, you do not need to submit a tax return.
- SARS will automatically process the outcome.
- If you are due a refund and your details are correct, SARS says payment will be made within 72 hours.
- If you owe tax, you will be required to settle the amount due.
Before Filing: Complete a Health Check
SARS urges taxpayers to ensure that the following are up to date before Filing Season begins:
- Personal details
- Contact information
- Banking details
- Outstanding tax returns
- Tax compliance status
Issues such as closed bank accounts, outdated details, or outstanding returns can delay refunds and assessments.
Why Refunds May Be Delayed
SARS stressed that delays do not automatically indicate a problem. Common reasons include:
- Banking detail mismatches
- Recently changed bank accounts
- Outstanding tax obligations from previous years
- Verification processes
- Late corrections from employers or other third-party data providers
Digital-First Filing
SARS is encouraging taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to branch offices and instead use:
- eFiling
- SARS MobiApp
- Lwazi AI Assistant
- SARS Online Query System (SOQS)
- SARS Contact Centre
- WhatsApp service (0800 11 7277)
A virtual waiting room will also be activated on eFiling and the MobiApp to manage high traffic volumes.
Booking a SARS Branch Appointment
If a branch visit is necessary, appointments can be booked:
- Online through the SARS website
- By calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0
- By SMSing “Booking” followed by an ID or passport number to 47277
Walk-in taxpayers will still be assisted, but only after those with appointments.
Important Reminder
Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu urged taxpayers not to rush to SARS offices during the Auto Assessment period.
His message is simple: If SARS auto-assesses you and the information is correct, there is nothing you need to do.
SARS paid more than R35 billion in refunds during the previous Filing Season and says compliant taxpayers with accurate information can expect refunds within 72 hours when all requirements are met.
Bottom line: Check your details now, wait for SARS notifications from 1 July, use digital channels wherever possible, and don’t leave filing until the deadline.