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How to Submit Tax Returns on SARS eFiling: Complete 2025 Guide

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How to Submit Tax Returns on SARS eFiling: Complete 2025 Guide

How to Submit Tax Returns on SARS eFiling: Complete 2025 Guide

Filing your annual tax return with SARS can seem daunting, but the eFiling platform makes it straightforward and efficient. With auto-fill features, built-in calculators, and instant submission, eFiling has revolutionized tax return filing for millions of South Africans.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of submitting your personal income tax return (ITR12) on SARS eFiling for the 2025 tax year, including claiming deductions, maximizing refunds, and avoiding common mistakes.

Understanding the South African Tax Return

What is a Tax Return?

A tax return (ITR12) is your annual declaration of:

  • All income earned during the tax year

  • Deductions and allowances you're entitled to

  • Tax already paid via PAYE

  • Additional tax owed or refund due

Tax Year Dates

South African Tax Year:

  • Runs: March 1 to February 28/29

  • Example: 2025 tax year = March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025

Filing Season:

  • Opens: July 1 (for most taxpayers)

  • Auto-assessment: Opens July 1

  • Non-provisional deadline: October 23, 2025

  • Provisional taxpayers: January 23, 2026

Who Must File a Tax Return?

Mandatory Filing:

You must file if you:

  • Earn over R500,000 annually

  • Receive income from more than one source

  • Are a provisional taxpayer (self-employed)

  • Earn rental income

  • Have foreign income

  • Received a directive from SARS to file

  • Earn commission or variable income

Optional But Recommended:

File even if not mandatory to:

  • Claim tax refunds on PAYE overpayments

  • Claim additional deductions (retirement, medical)

  • Update personal information

  • Establish tax compliance history

Exceptions:

You don't need to file if:

  • Your only income is from salary (under R500,000)

  • Employer deducted correct PAYE

  • You don't have deductions to claim

  • You received SARS auto-assessment and agree with it

Before You Start: Preparation Checklist

Essential Documents

Gather these documents before starting your return:

1. Income Documents

IRP5/IT3(a) Certificate:

  • Issued by your employer (by May)

  • Shows: Salary, PAYE deducted, UIF, SDL

  • Multiple employers = multiple IRP5s

IT3(b) Certificates:

  • Interest from banks

  • Dividends from investments

  • Foreign dividends

IT3(c) Certificates:

  • Retirement annuity contributions

  • Pension fund contributions

Other Income:

  • Rental income statements

  • Freelance/contract income records

  • Foreign income documentation

  • Capital gains/losses

2. Deduction Documents

Retirement Contributions:

  • Retirement annuity certificates (IT3c)

  • Pension fund certificates

  • Provident fund statements

Medical Expenses:

  • Medical aid tax certificate

  • Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses

  • Hospital invoices

  • Specialist bills

  • Pharmacy receipts

  • Medical equipment invoices

Donations:

  • Section 18A certificates from organizations

  • Proof of payment

Travel Allowance:

  • Detailed logbook (business vs personal km)

  • Fuel receipts

  • Car maintenance invoices

  • Insurance statements

Home Office:

  • Floor plan showing office size

  • Utility bills (rates, electricity, water)

  • Bond statements or rental agreements

  • Insurance statements

3. Payment Documentation

  • Proof of provisional tax paid (if applicable)

  • Proof of additional PAYE payments

  • Previous year's tax assessment

4. Personal Information

  • Banking details (for refunds)

  • Updated physical address

  • Updated postal address

  • Valid email and cellphone number

Pre-Filing Actions

1. Check Auto-Assessment (if eligible)

  • Log into eFiling

  • Check if auto-assessment available

  • Review for accuracy

  • Accept if correct, OR file full return if changes needed

2. Verify Employer Submissions

  • Home > Tax Status > View IRP5/IT3a

  • Verify employer submitted your IRP5

  • Check amounts match your payslips

  • Contact employer if missing or incorrect

3. Calculate Expected Refund/Payment

Use our Income Tax Calculator to estimate your refund before filing.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your ITR12 Return

Step 1: Log Into SARS eFiling

Navigate to: https://www.sarsefiling.co.za

Login:

  1. Enter username (ID number or tax reference)

  2. Enter password

  3. Enter OTP code (sent via SMS)

  4. Click "Login"

First-Time Tip: If you haven't registered, see our guide: SARS eFiling Registration Guide

Step 2: Access the Return Filing Section

From Dashboard:

  1. Click "Returns" in left menu

  2. Select "File Return"

  3. Choose "Income Tax Return (ITR12)"

Alternative Path:

  • Dashboard > Outstanding Returns

  • Click "File" next to Income Tax

Step 3: Select Tax Year

Choose the Correct Tax Year:

  • For 2025 filing season: "2025 (Mar 2024 - Feb 2025)"

  • System usually pre-selects current tax year

  • Can file prior years if missed (may incur penalties)

Verify Tax Year:

  • Ensure you're filing for correct year

  • Cannot change after starting

  • Match year to your income documents (IRP5, IT3 certificates)

Click: "Start" or "Continue" if previously saved

Step 4: Preliminary Information

Screen: Return Type Confirmation

Question: Is this a provisional return?

  • No (for regular employees)

  • Yes (for self-employed - different form)

Question: Are you filing an original or amended return?

  • Original (first submission for this tax year)

  • Amended (correcting previously submitted return)

Question: Were you a SA tax resident for full year?

  • Yes (lived in SA full tax year)

  • No (part-year resident - triggers additional questions)

Click "Next" to continue

Step 5: Personal Information Verification

Screen: Personal Details

Review and Verify:

  • Full names

  • Surname

  • ID number

  • Date of birth

  • Tax reference number

These cannot be changed here. If incorrect, stop and:

  1. Home > User Profile > Registered Details

  2. Request changes

  3. Wait for approval

  4. Then continue with return

Additional Questions:

Marital Status:

  • Single

  • Married in community of property

  • Married out of community (with/without accrual)

  • Divorced

  • Widowed

Why it matters: Affects certain deductions and spousal information requirements.

Date of Marriage/Divorce (if applicable):

  • Enter exact date

  • Affects tax year calculations for joint/separate estates

Click "Next"

Step 6: Contact Details

Screen: Contact Information

Verify:

  • Residential address

  • Postal address

  • Email address

  • Cellphone number

  • Alternative number (optional)

Important: SARS communicates via email and SMS. Keep these current!

To Update:

  • Edit directly if minor changes

  • Major changes: Exit and update via User Profile first

Click "Next"

Step 7: Banking Details

Screen: Bank Account Information

Purpose: Where SARS deposits your tax refund.

Verify:

  • Bank name

  • Account type (savings, cheque, transmission)

  • Account number

  • Branch code

  • Account holder name

Critical: Account must be in your name (matching eFiling profile).

If Incorrect:

  • Update directly in return

  • Changes verified before refund payment

Why Accurate Banking Matters:

  • Refunds only paid to verified accounts

  • Incorrect details = delayed refunds

  • Cannot refund to third-party accounts

Click "Next"

Step 8: Income Section

Screen: Sources of Income

This is the most detailed section. eFiling auto-fills from submitted IRP5s and IT3 certificates.

8.1: Remuneration (Salary Income)

Auto-Fill from IRP5:

  • Employee salary displays automatically

  • System imports from employer submissions

  • Multiple employers? All IRP5s shown

Verify Each Field:

  • Code 3701: Total taxable income (gross salary)

  • Code 3810: PAYE (tax) deducted

  • Code 4005: Pension fund contributions

  • Code 4474: Travel allowance (if applicable)

  • Code 4120: UIF contributions

Manual Entry (if IRP5 missing):

  1. Click "Add IRP5"

  2. Enter employer details

  3. Manually input amounts from your IRP5 certificate

  4. Double-check all figures

Multiple Employers:

  • Each IRP5 listed separately

  • System totals all income automatically

  • Verify each entry

8.2: Interest Income

Auto-Fill from IT3(b):

  • Bank interest imports automatically

  • Multiple banks? Each IT3(b) appears

Manual Entry:

  • Click "Add Interest"

  • Enter bank details

  • Input interest earned

Local Interest:

  • Code 4216: Local interest (SA banks)

  • First R23,800 is tax-free (under 65)

  • First R34,500 tax-free (65 and older)

Foreign Interest:

  • Code 4217: Foreign interest

  • No exemption - fully taxable

  • Must declare all foreign interest

8.3: Dividends

Auto-Fill from IT3(b):

  • Dividend income imports automatically

Types of Dividends:

  • Local dividends: Usually pre-taxed (withholding tax)

  • Foreign dividends: May require additional tax

Manual Entry:

  • Click "Add Dividends"

  • Enter company details

  • Input dividend amounts

8.4: Rental Income

If you rent out property:

Click: "Add Rental Income"

Enter:

  • Property address

  • Gross rental income (total rent received)

  • Rental expenses:

    • Repairs and maintenance
    • Rates and taxes
    • Insurance
    • Bond interest
    • Agent fees
    • Water and electricity (if you pay)

System Calculates: Net rental income (gross minus expenses)

Important: Keep all rental expense receipts for 5 years (SARS audit protection).

8.5: Other Income

Additional income types:

Freelance/Contract Income:

  • Income from consulting, freelancing

  • Not reported on IRP5

  • Enter gross amount received

Commission Income:

  • If not included in IRP5

  • Sales commissions

  • Performance bonuses

Foreign Income:

  • Income earned outside SA

  • May qualify for foreign income exemption (first R1.25 million)

  • Requires working outside SA 183+ days

Lump Sums:

  • Pension/Provident fund withdrawals

  • Severance/Retrenchment packages

  • Retirement fund payouts

Click "Next" when all income entered

Step 9: Deductions Section

This section reduces your taxable income, saving you tax!

9.1: Retirement Annuity Contributions

Auto-Fill from IT3(c):

  • RA contributions import automatically

  • Pension/Provident contributions from IRP5

Maximum Deduction:

  • 27.5% of taxable income

  • OR R350,000

  • Whichever is lower

System Calculates Automatically:

  • Allowable deduction

  • Excess carried forward

Manual Entry (if certificate missing):

  1. Click "Add Retirement Contribution"

  2. Enter fund details

  3. Input contribution amount

  4. Attach IT3(c) certificate (PDF upload)

Example:

  • Income: R600,000

  • RA contribution: R100,000

  • Allowable: R600,000 × 27.5% = R165,000

  • Your R100,000 fully deductible

  • Tax saving: ~R36,000 (at 36% rate)

9.2: Medical Expenses

Medical Aid Tax Credits:

  • Auto-calculated from medical aid certificate

  • R364/month main member

  • R364/month first dependent

  • R246/month additional dependents

Additional Medical Expenses (for detailed guide, see our Tax Deductions Guide):

Under 65:

  • Can deduct medical costs exceeding:
    • 3 times medical aid credits
    • PLUS out-of-pocket over 7.5% of taxable income

65 and Older:

  • All out-of-pocket medical expenses fully deductible

Enter Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

  • Hospital bills paid

  • Specialist consultations

  • Dental and orthodontic

  • Physiotherapy

  • Prescriptions not covered

  • Medical equipment

Keep All Receipts: SARS may request proof.

9.3: Travel Allowance

If you received travel allowance from employer:

Two Claiming Methods:

Method 1: Actual Costs (recommended if you travel a lot for work)

Requirements:

  • Detailed logbook (date, destination, purpose, km)

  • Business km as % of total km

Claimable Expenses:

  • Fuel (business portion)

  • Maintenance and repairs

  • Insurance

  • License fees

  • Depreciation/lease payments

  • Finance charges

Example:

  • Travel allowance received: R60,000

  • Total km: 20,000

  • Business km: 8,000 (40%)

  • Total car costs: R80,000

  • Claim: R80,000 × 40% = R32,000

Method 2: Deemed Cost (SARS rates per kilometer)

  • SARS prescribed rates per km

  • Based on vehicle value

  • Less documentation required

  • Usually lower deduction

System Calculates: Tax rebate on allowable travel expenses

9.4: Donations

Section 18A Donations:

Requirements:

  • Donation to registered PBO (Public Benefit Organization)

  • Section 18A receipt from organization

Maximum Deduction:

  • 10% of taxable income (before retirement deduction)

Enter:

  1. Click "Add Donation"

  2. Organization name and PBO number

  3. Donation amount

  4. Upload Section 18A certificate

Example:

  • Taxable income: R500,000

  • Donation: R40,000

  • Maximum allowable: R500,000 × 10% = R50,000

  • Your R40,000 fully deductible

  • Tax saving: ~R14,400 (at 36% rate)

9.5: Home Office Expenses

If you work from home:

Requirements:

  • Dedicated office space

  • Used regularly and exclusively for work

  • Employer requires you to work from home

Calculation Methods:

Actual Cost:

  • Office size as % of home

  • Claim % of: rent/bond interest, rates, electricity, water, insurance

Example:

  • Office: 10m² of 100m² home = 10%

  • Annual home costs: R150,000

  • Claim: R150,000 × 10% = R15,000

SARS Prescribed Rate:

  • R3.20 per m² per month (2025)

  • Office: 10m²

  • Claim: 10 × R3.20 × 12 = R384

Enter:

  • Office size (m²)

  • Total home size

  • Home expenses (if using actual cost)

  • System calculates allowable deduction

Click "Next" when all deductions entered

Step 10: Tax Credits

Medical Aid Tax Credits:

  • Already captured from medical aid certificate

  • Verify amounts:

    • Main member: R364/month
    • First dependent: R364/month
    • Additional: R246/month each

System auto-calculates annual credit.

Click "Next"

Step 11: Capital Gains

If you sold assets during tax year:

Reportable Assets:

  • Property (excluding primary residence exemption)

  • Shares and investments

  • Cryptocurrency

  • Collectibles over R10,000

Primary Residence Exemption:

  • First R2 million of gain is tax-free

  • Applies to your main home

Annual Exclusion:

  • R40,000 per year exempt

  • Applies to total gains for the year

Enter:

  1. Click "Add Capital Gain"

  2. Asset details

  3. Acquisition cost

  4. Selling price

  5. Expenses (agent fees, transfer costs)

System Calculates:

  • Capital gain

  • Applicable exemptions

  • Inclusion rate (40% for individuals)

  • Taxable amount

Example:

  • Sold shares: R200,000

  • Cost: R150,000

  • Gain: R50,000

  • Annual exclusion: -R40,000

  • Taxable gain: R10,000

  • Inclusion (40%): R4,000 added to taxable income

Click "Next"

Step 12: Review Summary

Screen: Return Summary

Critical Review - Check Everything:

Income Summary:

  • ✓ Total salary/remuneration

  • ✓ Interest income

  • ✓ Dividends

  • ✓ Rental income

  • ✓ Other income

  • Total Income: Should match your records

Deductions Summary:

  • ✓ Retirement contributions

  • ✓ Medical expenses

  • ✓ Travel allowance claims

  • ✓ Donations

  • ✓ Home office

  • Total Deductions

Tax Summary:

  • ✓ Taxable income (after deductions)

  • ✓ Tax calculated

  • ✓ Tax rebates

  • ✓ Medical aid credits

  • ✓ PAYE already paid

  • Refund Due OR Tax Payable

Refund or Payment:

  • Refund: Green amount shows money SARS owes you

  • Payment Due: Red amount shows tax you owe SARS

Action Buttons:

  • Edit: Go back to change any section

  • Save: Save progress and return later

  • Submit: Final submission (cannot edit after)

Before Submitting - Final Checks:

  1. Is all income included?

  2. Did you claim all eligible deductions?

  3. Are medical expenses entered?

  4. Are RA contributions claimed?

  5. Is banking info correct?

  6. Does refund amount seem reasonable?

Step 13: Declaration and Submit

Screen: Declaration

Read the Declaration:
You confirm that:

  • All information is true and correct

  • You've disclosed all income

  • You have supporting documents

  • You understand penalties for false declarations

Legal Implications:

  • False declarations = penalties and interest

  • Serious fraud = criminal charges

  • Honest mistakes can be corrected via amended return

Check Box:
☑ "I declare that the information provided is true and correct"

Click "Submit"

Submission Process:

  1. System validates all data (20-30 seconds)

  2. Processes return

  3. Generates submission receipt

Success Confirmation:

  • ✅ "Your return has been successfully submitted"

  • Submission reference number displayed

  • Email confirmation sent

Save/Print:

  • Download PDF: Copy of submitted return

  • Print Receipt: Proof of submission

  • Save Electronically: Keep for records

Step 14: Assessment Notice

What Happens Next:

SARS Assessment Process:

  1. Return received and queued (instant)

  2. Automated review and validation (1-7 days)

  3. Risk assessment (flagged for audit or auto-approved)

  4. Notice of Assessment issued

Assessment Timeline:

  • Standard processing: 3-7 business days

  • Complex returns: 2-4 weeks

  • Flagged for review: Up to 6 weeks

Notification:

  • Email to your registered address

  • SMS notification

  • Available on eFiling: Returns > Notice of Assessment

Assessment Notice Contains:

  • Taxable income confirmed

  • Tax calculated

  • Refund amount confirmed OR payment due

  • Payment/refund date

After Submission: What to Expect

Tracking Your Return Status

Check Status:

  1. Log into eFiling

  2. Home > Returns > Submitted Returns

  3. Click on 2025 tax year return

  4. Status shows:

    • Submitted
    • In Process
    • Assessed
    • Refund Approved
    • Refund Paid

Typical Timeline:

  • Submitted → In Process: Instant

  • In Process → Assessed: 3-7 days

  • Assessed → Refund Paid: 7-14 days

  • Total: 10-21 days for straightforward returns

Understanding Your Notice of Assessment

Key Sections:

1. Income Confirmed:

  • SARS accepted your declared income

  • May differ if SARS adjusted

2. Deductions Allowed:

  • Which deductions were accepted

  • May be reduced if documentation insufficient

3. Tax Calculation:

  • Gross tax on taxable income

  • Less: Rebates and credits

  • Less: PAYE paid

  • = Refund or payment due

4. Refund/Payment Details:

  • Amount

  • Expected payment date

  • Banking details used

5. Assessment Reference:

  • Unique assessment number

  • Use for all queries

Receiving Your Tax Refund

Refund Timeline:

  • From assessment date: 7-14 business days

  • Paid via EFT to verified bank account

  • No check/cash payments

Track Refund:

  • eFiling: Home > Refunds > Track Refund

  • Shows: Approved, Processing, Paid

Refund Not Received?

After 21 days from assessment:

  1. Verify banking details correct

  2. Check account not frozen/closed

  3. Contact SARS: 0800 00 7277

  4. Query via eFiling: Work Online > Request > Refund Query

Partial Refund:

  • SARS may use refund to offset:

    • Outstanding tax from previous years
    • Municipal debts
    • Traffic fines
    • Maintenance arrears
  • You'll be notified if offset occurs

If You Owe Tax

Payment Required:

Due Date:

  • Stated on Notice of Assessment

  • Usually 14 days from assessment

Payment Methods:

1. eFiling Payment:

  • Home > Payments > Make Payment

  • Select: Income Tax

  • Choose tax year

  • Pay via EFT or credit/debit card

2. Bank EFT:

  • SARS Banking Details on assessment notice

  • Use your tax reference as reference

  • Include assessment number

3. At Bank Branch:

  • SARS deposit slip

  • Pay at any bank branch

Payment Arrangements:

  • Cannot pay full amount?

  • eFiling: Work Online > Request > Payment Arrangement

  • SARS may approve installments

  • Interest applies

Late Payment:

  • Penalties: 10% of unpaid amount

  • Interest: Charged monthly (7-8% p.a.)

  • Debt collection action possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Claiming All Income

Problem: Forgetting income sources

Examples:

  • Second job/side income

  • Freelance earnings

  • Rental income

  • Foreign income

Consequence: SARS will catch this and assess additional tax plus penalties

Solution: Declare ALL income, no matter how small

Mistake 2: Missing Deductions

Commonly Forgotten:

  • Retirement contributions

  • Medical expenses beyond medical aid

  • Donations with Section 18A certificates

  • Home office expenses

  • Travel logbook claims

Cost: Overpaying tax by thousands

Solution: Review our Tax Deductions Guide annually

Mistake 3: Incorrect Banking Details

Problem: Wrong account number or closed account

Consequence: Refund delayed by months

Solution:

  • Verify banking details before submission

  • Update immediately if changed

  • Confirm account is active

Mistake 4: No Supporting Documents

Problem: Claiming deductions without receipts

Consequence: SARS disallows deductions in audit

Solution:

  • Keep ALL receipts for 5 years

  • Organize by tax year

  • Scan and backup digitally

Mistake 5: Not Filing at All

Problem: Missing filing deadline

Consequence:

  • R250/month administrative penalty

  • 10% late filing penalty

  • Interest on unpaid tax

  • Criminal charges for persistent non-compliance

Solution:

  • File on time, every year

  • Set reminders for tax deadlines

  • File even if you don't owe tax

Mistake 6: Accepting Auto-Assessment Without Review

Problem: Auto-assessment may miss deductions

Issue: Only includes IRP5 income; no deductions

Solution:

  • Review auto-assessment carefully

  • File full return if you have deductions to claim

  • Can increase refund significantly

Mistake 7: Amending Returns Incorrectly

Problem: Making errors in amended returns

Consequence: Further complications and delays

Solution:

  • Only amend if genuinely necessary

  • Double-check all changes

  • Provide clear reasons for amendments

Maximizing Your Tax Refund

Strategies for Larger Refunds

1. Claim All Legitimate Deductions

2. Maximize Retirement Contributions

  • Contribute up to 27.5% of income

  • Immediate tax savings

  • Example: R100k contribution = R36k-R45k tax saving

3. Keep Meticulous Records

  • Medical expenses receipts

  • Donation certificates (Section 18A)

  • Travel logbook for work km

  • Home office expense receipts

4. Time Your Deductions

  • Make RA contributions before Feb 28 (tax year-end)

  • Pay deductible expenses before year-end

  • Time large donations for high-income years

5. File Early

  • Faster refund processing

  • Avoid deadline rush

  • More time to fix errors if needed

6. Use Tax Calculator Before Filing

  • Estimate refund beforehand: Income Tax Calculator

  • Verify return calculations match

  • Catch errors before submission

When to Consider a Tax Practitioner

Hire Professional Help If:

  • Complex multiple income sources

  • Self-employed with business expenses

  • Foreign income or offshore assets

  • Rental properties

  • Capital gains transactions

  • Previous SARS disputes

  • Don't have time to file yourself

Benefits:

  • Expert knowledge of deductions

  • Audit protection

  • Faster, error-free filing

  • Tax planning advice

Costs:

  • R500-R1,500 for simple returns

  • R1,500-R5,000 for complex returns

  • Often saves more in additional deductions

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: IRP5 Not Showing on eFiling

Cause: Employer hasn't submitted yet

Solution:

  1. Wait until end of May (deadline for employers)

  2. Contact employer to confirm submission

  3. Manually enter IRP5 details if still missing

  4. Verify amounts match your payslips

Issue: Can't Submit Return - Validation Errors

Cause: Missing required information

Solution:

  1. Read error message carefully

  2. Go to indicated section

  3. Complete missing fields

  4. Common errors: banking details, income totals, mandatory checkboxes

Issue: Assessment Shows Different Amount Than Expected

Cause: SARS adjusted your figures

Solution:

  1. Review "Reasons for Assessment" on notice

  2. Check what SARS changed

  3. If error: File dispute within 30 days

  4. If correct: Accept assessment

Issue: Return Shows Submitted But No Assessment After 2 Weeks

Cause: Return flagged for review or verification

Solution:

  1. Check eFiling status: Returns > View Returns

  2. If "In Process" over 2 weeks: Call SARS (0800 00 7277)

  3. May need to provide supporting documents

  4. Be patient - complex returns take longer

Issue: Need to Change Return After Submission

Solution: File amended return (see below)

Filing an Amended Return

When to Amend

Valid Reasons:

  • Forgot to include income

  • Missed deductions you're entitled to

  • Incorrect amounts entered

  • Received late IRP5 or IT3 certificate

  • Mathematical errors

How to File Amended Return

Steps:

  1. Log into eFiling

  2. Returns > File Return > ITR12

  3. Select tax year to amend

  4. Choose "Amended Return"

  5. Provide reason for amendment

  6. Make corrections

  7. Submit

Timeline:

  • Can amend within 3 years

  • New assessment issued (3-6 weeks)

  • Refund difference paid OR additional tax due

Note: Multiple amendments look suspicious. Only amend if genuinely necessary.

Important Deadlines 2025/2026

Non-Provisional Taxpayers:

  • Filing opens: July 1, 2025

  • Auto-assessment: July 1, 2025

  • Deadline: October 23, 2025

Provisional Taxpayers:

  • Filing opens: July 1, 2025

  • Deadline: January 23, 2026

Tax Practitioners (on behalf of clients):

  • Deadline: January 23, 2026

Late Filing:

  • R250/month penalty (starts month after deadline)

  • Plus 10% understatement penalty

  • Interest on unpaid tax

Getting Help

SARS Contact Channels

1. SARS eFiling Help

  • In eFiling: Help > User Guides

  • FAQs, video tutorials

2. SARS Contact Centre

  • Phone: 0800 00 7277 (SARS)

  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

3. SARS Branch

  • Book appointment via eFiling

  • Bring: ID, tax reference, return details

4. Email

5. Social Media

  • Twitter: @sarstax

  • Facebook: South African Revenue Service

Conclusion

Filing your tax return on SARS eFiling doesn't have to be complicated. With proper preparation, accurate record-keeping, and following this step-by-step guide, you can file confidently and maximize your refund.

Key Takeaways:

Prepare documents before starting (IRP5, IT3s, deduction receipts)

Claim all deductions you're entitled to (retirement, medical, donations)

Review carefully before submission

File early for faster refunds (21 days average)

Keep records for 5 years

Calculate first using our Income Tax Calculator

What's Next:

With millions of South Africans filing via eFiling annually, you're joining an efficient, digital tax system. File early, file accurately, and enjoy your refund!

Need Help? Call SARS: 0800 00 7277

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