SARS tax season 2025: Have you received a REFUND?
Those who 'did nothing' and 'accepted' the auto-assessment (without actually clicking anywhere to accept) would've been impressed to have received a refund in their bank accounts the following day – or far quicker than the advertised '72 hours'.
If you have been paid, lucky you. Money in the bank earning interest is certainly a far better situation than having to wait – and wait – for SARS to respond to any query you may have.
For others, there's been mass confusion as what to do, especially if you 'disagree' with the auto-assessment – but it's already been paid out.
For others who didn't receive an auto-assessment, tax season for filing returns manually opens on Monday, 21 July.
Meanwhile, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has advised taxpayers who disagree with their auto-assessments not to wait until 21 July to take action – but to file corrected returns immediately.
With auto-assessments having begun on 7 July and running until 20 July, SARS warned that any delay in responding could result in finalised assessments, automatic refunds, or debt notifications being processed – even if they are incorrect.
'If you disagree with your assessment, you must file a corrected return through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp right away,' the revenue service said. Do nothing if you agree with the assessment – refunds are typically paid within 72 hours , sometimes even within a day
with the assessment – refunds are typically paid within , sometimes even Act immediately if you disagree – don't wait for manual filing season to open on 21 July
if you – don't wait for manual filing season to open on Refunds or debts under R100 will be rolled over to the next tax year
will be to the next tax year Updated tax returns must include any additional income or deductions not reflected by SARS (e.g. rental income , medical aid , or retirement annuity contributions )
must include any not reflected by SARS (e.g. , , or ) Keep supporting documents ready in case SARS requests proof of any updates or changes Taxpayer type Open date Close date Auto-assessments 7 July 2025 20 July 2025 Individual filers 21 July 2025 20 October 2025 Provisional taxpayers 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Trusts 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Provisional taxpayers : SARS is running an invite-only pilot auto-assessment programme. Those invited may access the Provisional Taxpayer Auto Assessment Request feature if they received official notification.
: SARS is running an auto-assessment programme. Those invited may access the feature if they received official notification. Two-pot retirement withdrawals: Taxpayers not typically required to file may be auto-assessed if they withdrew savings from a retirement fund.
SARS emphasised that taxpayers remain responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their returns – whether filed manually or auto-assessed. Failure to act promptly may result in delays, incorrect refunds, or unintended penalties.
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