How to Track Your SARS Tax Refund 2025: Complete Guide

Receiving your SARS tax refund is one of the most satisfying moments after filing your tax return. However, understanding the refund process, tracking your refund status, and knowing what to do if it's delayed can make the difference between receiving your money in 21 days or waiting months.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about SARS tax refunds in 2025, including tracking methods, typical timelines, common delays, dispute resolution, and strategies to maximize your refund amount.

Understanding SARS Tax Refunds

What is a Tax Refund?

A tax refund occurs when the total tax you've paid during the year (via PAYE, provisional tax, or other payments) exceeds your actual tax liability.

Common Reasons for Refunds:

• Employer over-deducted PAYE

• You made excessive provisional tax payments

• You claimed deductions that reduced taxable income

• You qualify for tax rebates or credits not reflected in PAYE

• Medical aid tax credits not claimed through employer

• Retirement annuity contributions reduced taxable income

Example:

• Annual income: R500,000

• PAYE paid by employer: R120,000

• Actual tax after deductions: R95,000

• Refund due: R25,000

Who Gets Tax Refunds?

Most Common Recipients:

• Salaried employees with tax-deductible expenses not claimed through PAYE

• Taxpayers with retirement annuity contributions

• Medical aid members claiming additional medical expenses

• Those with significant donations (Section 18A)

• Taxpayers with home office or travel allowance claims

• People who changed jobs mid-year (multiple employers over-deducting)

Less Common:

• Provisional taxpayers (usually pay additional tax rather than receive refunds)

• Self-employed with accurate provisional tax payments

Average Refund Amounts

South African Tax Refund Statistics (2024/2025):

• Average refund: R4,500 - R8,000

• Median refund: R3,200

• Range: R500 to R50,000+

• High earners claiming RA contributions: R15,000 - R40,000

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

SARS Refund Timeline

Standard Processing Times

From Submission to Payment:

Week 1-2: Assessment Phase

• SARS receives your return (instant via eFiling)

• Automated validation and risk assessment (3-7 days)

• Returns flagged for review take longer (2-4 weeks)

Week 2-3: Approval Phase

• Assessment approved (appears on eFiling)

• Notice of Assessment issued (email notification)

• Refund amount confirmed

Week 3-4: Payment Phase

• Refund processed for payment (3-7 days)

• EFT payment to your bank account (2-3 days)

Total Timeline:

• Best case: 10-14 days (simple returns, no issues)

• Average case: 21 days (standard timeline)

• Worst case: 6-12 weeks (complex returns, review required)

Factors That Speed Up Refunds

✅ File Early:

• Filing in July (when season opens) = faster processing

• Avoid October deadline rush

✅ File Electronically:

• eFiling returns process faster than manual

• Instant submission confirmation

• Automated processing

✅ Accurate Information:

• Correct banking details (verified)

• Complete documentation

• No errors requiring SARS queries

✅ Simple Returns:

• Single employer, standard deductions

• No complex income sources

• Auto-assessment returns process fastest

✅ Tax Compliant History:

• Previous years filed on time

• No outstanding returns

• Good compliance record

Factors That Delay Refunds

❌ Complex Returns:

• Multiple income sources

• Foreign income

• Capital gains

• Business income

• Rental properties

❌ Verification Required:

• Large refund amounts (over R50,000)

• Significant year-on-year changes

• First-time filers with large refunds

• High-value deduction claims

❌ Incomplete Information:

• Missing supporting documents

• Incorrect banking details

• Employer IRP5 not submitted

• IT3 certificates missing

❌ SARS Audit/Review:

• Random selection for verification

• Risk assessment flags

• Previous compliance issues

• Unusual deduction patterns

❌ Outstanding Issues:

• Previous years' returns outstanding

• Tax debt from prior years

• Disputes or queries pending

How to Track Your Tax Refund

Method 1: SARS eFiling (Primary Method)

Step-by-Step Tracking:

Step 1: Log Into eFiling

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

2. Enter username (ID number) and password

3. Complete OTP verification

4. Click "Login"

Step 2: Access Refund Tracking

1. From dashboard, click "Returns" in left menu

2. Select "Track Refund"

3. OR: Home > "Refunds" > "Track Refund"

Step 3: View Refund Status

Status Options You'll See:

"Submitted"

• Your return has been received

• Waiting for assessment

• Action: Wait (typically 3-7 days)

"In Process"

• SARS is assessing your return

• Validating information

• Action: Wait (typically 7-14 days)

"Assessed"

• Assessment complete

• Notice of Assessment issued

• Refund amount confirmed

• Action: Wait for payment processing

"Refund Approved"

• Refund approved for payment

• Payment processing initiated

• Action: Wait 3-7 days for EFT

"Refund Paid"

• Payment sent to your bank

• Allow 2-3 days for bank processing

• Action: Check your bank account

"Under Review"

• Additional verification required

• May need to submit documents

• Action: Check correspondence, respond promptly

"Reduced/Adjusted"

• SARS adjusted your refund

• Reasons shown in Notice of Assessment

• Action: Review assessment notice

"Offset"

• Refund used to pay outstanding debt

• Previous year tax, fines, municipal debt

• Action: Review offset details

Method 2: SARS MobiApp

Mobile Tracking:

Download:

• Google Play Store or Apple App Store

• Search: "SARS MobiApp"

• Official app by SARS

Login:

• Same credentials as eFiling

• Biometric login available

Track Refund:

1. Open app

2. Dashboard > "Track Refund"

3. View status (same statuses as eFiling)

Benefits:

• Check anywhere, anytime

• Push notifications when status changes

• Faster than web browser

Method 3: SMS Notifications

Enable SMS Alerts:

Via eFiling:

1. Log in

2. User Profile > "Notifications"

3. Enable "SMS Alerts" for refunds

4. Verify cellphone number

5. Save settings

SMS You'll Receive:

• "Your return has been assessed"

• "Your refund has been approved"

• "Your refund has been paid"

Benefit: Proactive notifications without checking eFiling.

Method 4: Email Notifications

Automatic Emails:

• SARS emails you at registered email address

• Notice of Assessment sent via email

• Refund payment confirmation

Ensure:

• Email address is current in eFiling profile

• Check spam/junk folder

• Add efiling@sars.gov.za to safe senders

Method 5: SARS Contact Centre

Call SARS:

• Phone: 0800 00 SARS (7277)

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

• Have ready: Tax reference number, ID number

What They'll Tell You:

• Current refund status

• Estimated payment date

• Any issues or queries

When to Call:

• Refund delayed beyond 6 weeks

• Status hasn't updated in 4+ weeks

• Banking details need verification

Understanding Your Notice of Assessment

What is a Notice of Assessment?

The Notice of Assessment (NOA) is SARS's official confirmation of:

• Your taxable income (accepted or adjusted)

• Tax calculated

• PAYE and payments received

• Refund amount or additional tax due

When You Receive It:

• Issued 3-14 days after return submission

• Sent via email (PDF attachment)

• Available on eFiling (Returns > View Assessments)

Key Sections to Review

1. Assessment Summary

• Tax reference number

• Assessment date

• Tax year (e.g., 2025)

2. Income Declared vs Accepted

• You declared: Your submitted figures

• SARS accepted: May differ if adjusted

• Reason for difference: Explained in notes

3. Taxable Income

• Gross income

• Less: Allowable deductions

• = Taxable income

4. Tax Calculation

• Tax on taxable income (per brackets)

• Less: Primary rebate (R17,235)

• Less: Medical aid credits

• = Tax liability

5. Payments Already Made

• PAYE deducted by employer(s)

• Provisional tax paid

• Foreign tax credits

• = Total payments

6. Refund or Payment Due

• Refund: Payments exceed liability (positive number)

• Payment due: Liability exceeds payments (negative number)

7. Banking Details

• Bank name

• Account number (partially masked)

• Refund will be paid here

8. Payment Date

• Estimated refund payment date

• Typically 7-14 days from assessment

If Your Refund Was Reduced

Reasons SARS Reduces Refunds:

1. Deductions Disallowed

• Insufficient supporting documents

• Deductions exceed limits (RA over 27.5%)

• Claims not substantiated

Example:

• You claimed: R100,000 RA contribution

• SARS accepted: R80,000 (your 27.5% limit)

• Refund reduced accordingly

2. Income Adjusted

• SARS has different income information

• Employer submitted different IRP5

• IT3 certificates differ from your claim

3. Offsets Applied

• Outstanding tax from previous years

• Municipal debt

• Traffic fines

• Maintenance arrears

Notice Will Show:

• Original refund: R25,000

• Less: Outstanding 2024 tax: -R5,000

• Refund paid: R20,000

4. Mathematical Errors

• Calculation mistakes in your return

• SARS corrects and shows correct amount

What to Do If Your Refund is Delayed

When to Take Action

Normal: Up to 21 days = wait patiently

Concerning: 4-6 weeks = check status and correspondence

Problematic: 6+ weeks = take action

Step 1: Check eFiling Status

Actions:

1. Log into eFiling

2. Check refund tracking status

3. Review any messages or correspondence

4. Check if documents requested

Common Statuses Causing Delays:

"Under Review"

• SARS needs additional verification

• Check correspondence for document requests

• Submit requested documents immediately

"Awaiting Documents"

• Missing supporting documents

• IRP5 from employer not submitted

• IT3 certificates missing

Step 2: Check SARS Correspondence

How to Check:

1. eFiling > "Correspondence"

2. Look for messages from SARS

3. Common requests:

   • Medical expense receipts
   • Section 18A donation certificates
   • Travel logbook
   • RA contribution proof

Action:

• Respond to all correspondence within 21 days

• Upload requested documents via eFiling

• Reference the correspondence number

Step 3: Verify Banking Details

Common Issue: Incorrect banking details delay refunds

How to Check:

1. eFiling > "User Profile" > "Banking Details"

2. Verify:

   • Correct account number
   • Correct branch code
   • Account in your name
   • Account is active (not closed/frozen)

Update if Needed:

1. Click "Update Banking Details"

2. Enter correct information

3. Submit for verification (2-3 days)

4. Refund will be processed after verification

Step 4: Contact SARS

When:

• After 6 weeks with no update

• Status unchanged for 4+ weeks

• No response to correspondence

How:

Option 1: Phone

• 0800 00 7277 (SARS Contact Centre)

• Have ready: Tax reference number, ID number

• Ask specifically about refund status

• Request escalation if needed

Option 2: Query via eFiling

1. eFiling > "Work Online" > "Request"

2. Select "Refund Query"

3. Enter details and submit

4. Response within 5-10 business days

Option 3: SARS Branch Visit

• Book appointment via eFiling

• Bring: ID, tax reference number, Notice of Assessment

• Request status update and reasons for delay

Step 5: Escalate if Necessary

If No Resolution After:

• Multiple calls/queries

• 12+ weeks delay

• SARS unresponsive

Escalation Options:

1. SARS Service Complaints

• eFiling > Work Online > "Request" > "Service Complaint"

• Detail the issue and previous attempts to resolve

• Escalated to management for resolution

2. Tax Ombud

• Independent body overseeing SARS

• Website: www.taxombud.gov.za

• Phone: 0800 662 837

• Email: complaints@taxombud.gov.za

• Lodge complaint if SARS unresponsive

3. Written Complaint to SARS

• Email: complaints@sars.gov.za

• Reference: Assessment number, tax reference

• Detail timeline and issue

• Request resolution within specific timeframe

Disputing Your Assessment

When to Dispute

Valid Reasons:

• SARS calculated tax incorrectly

• Deductions were disallowed incorrectly

• Income figure is wrong (SARS has incorrect info)

• Refund amount significantly less than expected

Invalid Reasons:

• You disagree with tax law

• You think tax rates are too high

• You don't like the outcome

How to Dispute (Object)

Deadline: 30 days from assessment date

Process:

Step 1: Gather Evidence

• Notice of Assessment

• Original tax return

• Supporting documents (receipts, certificates)

• Proof your figures are correct

Step 2: File Objection

Via eFiling:

1. Returns > "Request for Correction" OR "Objection"

2. Select assessment to dispute

3. Specify grounds for objection:

   • Incorrect income
   • Disallowed deductions incorrectly
   • Calculation errors

4. Upload supporting documents

5. Submit objection

Step 3: SARS Review

• SARS reviews objection (30-60 days)

• May request additional information

• Issues response: Allow, partially allow, or disallow

Step 4: Outcomes

Objection Allowed:

• SARS agrees with you

• Revised assessment issued

• Additional refund paid

Partially Allowed:

• Some adjustments accepted, others not

• Revised assessment with partial refund

Objection Disallowed:

• SARS maintains original assessment

• You can appeal to Tax Court (complex, legal process)

Tip: Only object if you have strong evidence. Frivolous objections waste time.

Maximizing Your Tax Refund

Before Filing: Claim All Deductions

Major Refund Boosters:

1. Retirement Annuity Contributions

• Up to 27.5% of income deductible

• R100,000 contribution = R36,000-R45,000 refund increase

• See: Tax Deductions Guide

2. Medical Expenses

• Medical aid tax credits

• Out-of-pocket expenses (if over threshold)

• Can add R5,000-R15,000 to refund

3. Donations (Section 18A)

• Up to 10% of income deductible

• R50,000 donation = R18,000 refund (at 36% rate)

4. Home Office Expenses

• Dedicated office space

• 10% of home costs = R15,000

• Refund increase: ~R5,400

5. Travel Allowance Claims

• Business km with detailed logbook

• Can recover R10,000-R30,000

Calculate: Use our Income Tax Calculator to see impact of deductions.

File Early for Faster Refunds

July Filing vs October Filing:

• July: 14-21 day refunds (less volume)

• October: 4-6 week refunds (deadline rush)

Strategy: File as soon as season opens (July 1).

Accurate Information = Faster Processing

Ensure:

• All IRP5s submitted by employer (check May/June)

• IT3 certificates collected (banks, medical aids, RAs)

• Banking details correct and verified

• All supporting documents ready

Result: Faster automated processing, no queries, quicker refund.

Review Before Submitting

Final Checks:

• All income sources included?

• All deductions claimed with supporting docs?

• Banking details correct?

• Calculation makes sense?

Use Calculator: Verify refund estimate matches your expectation.

Special Refund Scenarios

Scenario 1: First-Time Filer

Challenge: No filing history with SARS

Refund Impact:

• May take longer (4-6 weeks)

• Higher scrutiny on large refunds

• More likely to be selected for review

Tips:

• File early

• Include comprehensive supporting documents

• Expect slightly longer timeline

• Don't panic if "Under Review"

Scenario 2: Large Refund (R50,000+)

Why It Happens:

• Large RA contributions

• Multiple jobs with over-deducted PAYE

• Significant medical expenses

SARS Response:

• Almost always reviewed manually

• May request supporting documents

• Timeline: 4-8 weeks

How to Handle:

• Ensure all supporting docs attached to return

• Respond quickly to any SARS queries

• Be prepared for verification process

Scenario 3: Multiple Employers

Why Refund Occurs:

• Each employer deducts PAYE assuming sole income

• Combined income may be lower than total PAYE

Example:

• Job 1: R300,000, PAYE: R55,000

• Job 2: R200,000, PAYE: R35,000

• Total income: R500,000

• Total PAYE: R90,000

• Actual tax: R80,000

• Refund: R10,000

Tip: Common scenario, legitimate refund, processes normally.

Scenario 4: Refund Offset Against Debt

What Happens:

• You're owed R20,000 refund

• You owe R8,000 from 2023 tax

• Refund paid: R12,000

Notice Will Show:

• Refund calculated: R20,000

• Less: 2023 outstanding tax: -R8,000

• Refund paid: R12,000

Debts SARS Can Offset:

• Previous years' tax

• Penalties and interest

• Municipal debt (SARS collects on behalf of municipalities)

• Traffic fines (in some cases)

Prevent: Ensure prior years compliant before filing.

Common Refund Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Refund Paid to Wrong Account

Problem: Refund went to old/incorrect account

Cause: Banking details not updated in eFiling

Solution:

1. Contact bank where funds were sent (if your old account)

2. Request return of funds

3. Update banking details in eFiling

4. Contact SARS to re-issue refund to correct account

5. May take additional 2-4 weeks

Prevention: Update banking details BEFORE filing return.

Issue 2: Refund Much Smaller Than Expected

Causes:

• Deductions disallowed

• Income higher than you declared (employer submitted different IRP5)

• Offset against debt

Solution:

1. Review Notice of Assessment carefully

2. Check "Reasons for Assessment" section

3. If error: File objection with proof

4. If offset: Check "Offset Details"

Issue 3: No Refund, Additional Tax Due

Problem: Expected refund but owe more tax

Causes:

• Under-declared income

• Over-claimed deductions

• Provisional tax estimates were too low

Solution:

1. Review assessment

2. Verify figures are correct

3. If correct: Pay additional tax within 14 days

4. If incorrect: Object with supporting documents

Issue 4: Refund Status Stuck on "In Process" for Weeks

Causes:

• Manual review required

• Awaiting employer IRP5 submission

• Random audit selection

Solution:

1. Check eFiling correspondence

2. Call SARS: 0800 00 7277

3. Ask specific reason for delay

4. Submit any requested documents

5. If no resolution: Escalate via query

Issue 5: Refund Rejected - Banking Details Invalid

Problem: "Refund payment rejected by bank"

Causes:

• Account number incorrect

• Account closed

• Name mismatch (account not in your name)

Solution:

1. Verify banking details

2. Update to correct details

3. Contact SARS to re-issue payment

4. Wait additional 2-3 weeks for reprocessing

Tax Refund Best Practices

Before Filing

✓ Calculate Expected Refund

• Use calculator to estimate

• Understand why you're getting a refund

• Red flag if actual differs significantly

✓ Gather All Documents

• IRP5(s) from employer(s)

• IT3 certificates (interest, dividends, RA)

• Medical aid certificate

• Donation certificates (Section 18A)

• Receipts for deductible expenses

✓ Verify Banking Details

• Check account number

• Ensure account is active

• Account in your name

• Update if changed

During Filing

✓ Double-Check All Entries

• Income amounts

• Deduction amounts

• Banking information

• Personal details

✓ Attach Supporting Documents

• Upload PDFs of key documents

• Reduces verification delays

✓ Save Copy of Return

• Download PDF before submitting

• Compare to assessment later

After Filing

✓ Monitor Status Regularly

• Check eFiling weekly

• Respond to correspondence immediately

• Note any status changes

✓ Keep Records

• Save Notice of Assessment

• Keep for 5 years

• Proof of refund received

✓ Be Patient But Proactive

• Wait 3 weeks before concern

• Take action after 6 weeks

• Escalate if no resolution after 12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a SARS refund take?
A: Average 21 days (3 weeks) from filing to bank account. Can be faster (10 days) or slower (6 weeks) depending on complexity.

Q: Can I track my refund without eFiling?
A: Yes, via SARS MobiApp (mobile), or by calling 0800 00 7277. However, eFiling gives most detailed information.

Q: Why is my refund taking so long?
A: Common reasons: Under review, missing employer IRP5, incorrect banking details, complex return, manual verification required.

Q: Can SARS reject my refund?
A: Yes, if return has errors, unsubstantiated claims, or fraud suspected. You'll receive assessment showing R0 refund with reasons.

Q: What if I don't agree with my refund amount?
A: You can object within 30 days via eFiling. Provide supporting documents proving your figures are correct.

Q: Can I get my refund faster?
A: File early (July), file accurately, ensure all documents ready, use eFiling (not manual). No way to "speed up" beyond this.

Q: Where does my refund money come from?
A: Your own tax overpayments during the year (PAYE, provisional tax). SARS is returning your money, not giving you extra.

Q: What if my bank details changed after filing?
A: Update on eFiling immediately. Contact SARS to update for refund payment. May delay refund by 2-3 weeks.

Q: Can I request refund in cash?
A: No. All refunds paid via EFT to verified bank account. No cash or cheque options.

Q: What happens if I never claim my refund?
A: Refunds not claimed within 5 years are forfeited to SARS. Always file returns even if you don't think you're owed money.

Conclusion

SARS tax refunds are a straightforward process when you understand the system, file accurately, and track your refund proactively. Most refunds are paid within 21 days of filing, but knowing how to handle delays or disputes ensures you receive your money even if complications arise.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Average timeline: 21 days from filing to bank account

✅ Track via eFiling: Most reliable method with detailed status

✅ File early: July filing = faster refunds than October rush

✅ Accurate information: Correct banking details and complete returns = no delays

✅ Take action: After 6 weeks, contact SARS; after 12 weeks, escalate

✅ Maximize refund: Claim all deductions you're entitled to

What's Next:

• Calculate your refund: Income Tax Calculator

• Learn to file: How to Submit Tax Returns

• Understand deductions: Tax Deductions Guide

Your tax refund is your money being returned to you. With proper filing, accurate claims, and proactive tracking, you'll receive it within 3 weeks and can put it to good use!

Need Help? Call SARS: 0800 00 7277