Latest news with #EdwardKieswetter
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
SARS launches 2025 tax filing with enhanced auto assessments and speedy refunds
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the 2025 tax filing season. Individual taxpayers can file returns from July 21 to October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026. This year marks a significant expansion of SARS' auto assessment process, with 5.8 million taxpayers receiving automated assessments – up from 5 million in 2024. Of these, 99.6% have not been changed by taxpayers, reflecting accuracy and trust in the system. SARS has already paid out R10.6b in refunds within 72 hours of assessment. ALSO READ: SARS disrupts illicit fuel trade with operations across three provinces The auto assessment process uses third-party data to evaluate taxpayer returns without requiring further input from most individuals. Taxpayers only need to take action if their information is incomplete, which they can correct via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the ongoing digital transformation of SARS, calling the auto assessment process 'a game changer' that aligns with the vision to 'make tax just happen'. He added that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science continues to reduce the need for in-person visits to SARS service centres. Following the auto assessment period, which ran from July 7 to 20, the broader tax filing season is now underway. Most online submissions receive an assessment outcome in less than five seconds, with SARS using advanced AI to detect risks and prevent fraudulent refunds. Digital engagement with SARS continues to rise. More than 10.2 million unique users accessed the SARS eFiling platform or the MobiApp since July 4. SARS handled over 2.1m queries digitally – 1.1 million via the SARS Online Query System, 707 000 through WhatsApp, and 290 000 with the Lwazi Chatbot. To ensure a smooth filing season, SARS urges taxpayers to file accurate information promptly. ALSO READ: SARS enhances eFiling for 2025 season Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayers' verified bank accounts within 72 hours of assessment. Taxpayers who owe SARS should pay promptly or make arrangements to avoid penalties. SARS also warned the public to remain vigilant against scams. SARS reminds taxpayers that it will never send clickable links via SMS or email to request sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to [email protected], and the latest scam alerts are available at Kieswetter emphasised the convenience of digital platforms and advised taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to service centres. He encouraged all taxpayers to use eFiling and other digital services for quicker and more secure compliance. For more information, visit or contact SARS via WhatsApp on 0800 117 277, or dial 1347277#.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Tax season: Don't fall victim to scams, warns SARS
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers With the 2025 tax season in full swing, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a warning to taxpayers about a new scam designed to steal personal information under the guise of a tax refund audit. SARS explained that some individuals would be auto-assessed, and they did not need to take any further action if they were satisfied with the calculations. "If the taxpayer believes that SARS has not captured all the necessary information, they are free to make changes on their tax returns and submit the missing information through eFiling by October 20." The revenue collector said taxpayers who are not automatically assessed must file their tax returns themselves. Filing opened on July 21 and closes on October 20, 2025 for non-provisional individuals. However, while the streamlined process was intended to make filing easier, scammers are now exploiting the period of increased taxpayer activity. According to SARS the latest scam involves an SMS that claims that a revenue collector is auditing a tax refund. "The latest scam is a SMS indicating that SARS is conducting an audit on a Tax refund. The link leads you to a phishing website, aimed at stealing your information. See the scam prototype here". The revenue collector also advised taxpayers to verify that any emails or SMS messages claiming to be from SARS are authentic before clicking on any links. "Always make sure the email or SMS is genuine before you click on any link.". In a separate advisory, the revenue collector reiterated that it will never ask for personal, tax, banking or eFiling details via email or SMS, nor will it send hyperlinks to external websites. [email protected] IOL Business
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tax season opens with expanded auto assessments, faster refunds
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the 2025 tax filing season. Individual taxpayers can file returns from July 21 to October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026. This year marks a significant expansion of SARS' auto assessment process, with 5.8 million taxpayers receiving automated assessments – up from 5 million in 2024. Of these, 99.6% have not been changed by taxpayers, reflecting accuracy and trust in the system. SARS has already paid out R10.6b in refunds within 72 hours of assessment. ALSO READ: SARS 2025 Tax Season: What's new on eFiling The auto assessment process uses third-party data to evaluate taxpayer returns without requiring further input from most individuals. Taxpayers only need to take action if their information is incomplete, which they can correct via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the ongoing digital transformation of SARS, calling the auto assessment process 'a game changer' that aligns with the vision to 'make tax just happen'. ALSO READ: Get ready: SARS tax season starts July 7 He added that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science continues to reduce the need for in-person visits to SARS service centres. Following the auto assessment period, which ran from July 7 to 20, the broader tax filing season is now underway. Most online submissions receive an assessment outcome in less than five seconds, with SARS using advanced AI to detect risks and prevent fraudulent refunds. Digital engagement with SARS continues to rise. More than 10.2 million unique users accessed the SARS eFiling platform or the MobiApp since July 4. SARS handled over 2.1m queries digitally – 1.1 million via the SARS Online Query System, 707 000 through WhatsApp, and 290 000 with the Lwazi Chatbot. To ensure a smooth filing season, SARS urges taxpayers to file accurate information promptly. ALSO READ: EMPD brokers peace between taxi drivers and scholar transport operators Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayers' verified bank accounts within 72 hours of assessment. Taxpayers who owe SARS should pay promptly or make arrangements to avoid penalties. SARS also warned the public to remain vigilant against scams. SARS reminds taxpayers that it will never send clickable links via SMS or email to request sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to [email protected], and the latest scam alerts are available at Kieswetter emphasised the convenience of digital platforms and advised taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to service centres. He encouraged all taxpayers to use eFiling and other digital services for quicker and more secure compliance. For more information, visit or contact SARS via WhatsApp on 0800 117 277, or dial 1347277#. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tax season now open: Sars pays out R10bn in refunds after auto-assessments, you could be owed
Tax season 2025 is scheduled to run until 20 October for non-provisional taxpayers and 19 January 2026 for provisional taxpayers. Taxpayers who were not auto-assessed by the South African Revenue Services (Sars) can start filing for their tax return from Monday, 21 July. The taxman completed auto-assessing taxpayers on 20 July, paying out more than R10 billion in tax refunds. Tax season 2025 is scheduled to run until 20 October for non-provisional taxpayers and until 19 January 2026 for provisional taxpayers. The taxman said it has already auto-assessed 5.8 million taxpayers for this tax season, which is an increase from the 5 million auto-assessed in 2024. NOW READ: Common pitfalls to avoid this tax season Tax refunds paid within 72 hours Taxpayers are encouraged to file for their tax returns to check whether Sars owes them, is they owe Sars, or if they broke even (no one owes the other). For tax season 2025, Sars has already paid out R10.6 billion in tax refunds within 72 hours after auto-assessments of taxpayers. 'With Auto Assessment, Sars uses data sourced from third-party data providers to assess taxpayers. In keeping with our aspiration to 'make tax just happen', taxpayers do not need to take any action when they receive an auto-assessment. 'For the few taxpayers that may need to update their tax returns with changes in case of outstanding information which Sars does not have, this can be done via eFiling or the Sars Mobi App.' Tax refund status The taxman said for those who submit their tax return online, an assessment outcome is issued in under five seconds if all is in order. However, only tax refunds of more than R100 will be paid into taxpayers' bank accounts within 72 hours once the assessment is completed. If taxpayers find out they owe Sars, they are urged to make payments as soon as possible or make payment arrangements. ALSO READ: Sars records increase in taxpayers who filed returns Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter noted that the improvement of their digital platforms is saving taxpayers' time and eliminating the need to travel to Sars centres. 'As we start with Filing Season for those not auto-assessed, I encourage taxpayers to use our digital channels rather than queue at our Service Centres.' Who must file tax return? People who must file an income tax return are South African residents and non-residents who earned income in South Africa during the tax year, as well as people who: Have capital gains, foreign income, or receive dividends not subject to automatic withholding tax; Have multiple sources of income, such as a salary and rental income; earn more than the tax threshold for the year, such as over R95 750 for under-65s in the 2025 tax year; Want to claim deductions, such as medical expenses, retirement annuities and travel allowances; Are provisional taxpayers – usually people who earn income not subject to pay as you earn (PAYE), such as freelancers, sole proprietors, or rental income earners. Beware of scams 'Sars urges taxpayers to remain extremely vigilant and keep their details confidential. There have been many attempts by scammers to defraud taxpayers. 'Taxpayers are reminded that sars will never ask taxpayers to use any link to engage with it. Taxpayers must protect their eFiling login details and use only registered tax practitioners.' Information on the latest scams can be found on the Sars website: To report or request information on phishing, taxpayers can send an email to [email protected]. NOW READ: Sars makes changes to eFiling for easy use
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SARS pay day: 5. 8 million auto-assessed, R10. 6 billion paid out in refunds
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the agency's goal is to make tax compliance seamless by using technology. Image: GCIS The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says it has issued auto assessments to 5.8 million taxpayers this year and paid out around R10.6 billion in refunds, most of which were processed within 72 hours. According to the revenue service, this is up from 5 million in 2024. The tax season officially began on July 7, with the auto-assessment period running until July 20. From 21 July, the filing period opens for taxpayers who were not auto-assessed or who wish to update their returns. "The successful completion of the Auto Assessment period, which ran from 7 to 20 July 2025, will be followed by the tax filing period via eFiling and the SARS MobiApp for individual taxpayers from Monday, 21 July–20 October 2025," SARS said. According to the revenue service, 99.6% of auto assessments issued were accepted without changes. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the agency's goal is to make tax compliance seamless by using technology. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'SARS is working hard to give taxpayers the best service, where tax just happens,' he said. 'Ultimately, our aim is to make the best service to be no service at all. As we start with Filing Season for those not auto assessed, from Monday, 21 July, I encourage taxpayers rather to use our digital channels than come queue at our Service Centres.' According to SARS, Taxpayers who received an auto assessment do not need to take any action unless their information is incomplete or incorrect. These changes can be made on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. "To avoid penalties, taxpayers must submit accurate information promptly". "The journey to build A Smart, Modern SARS, characterised by the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science is bearing fruit. More than 2.1 million taxpayers have interacted with SARS through our digital channels. Of these, 1.1 million interactions were serviced by the SARS Online Query System, 707,000 through WhatsApp, and 290,000 with Lwazi Chat Bot" The filing deadline for non-provisional taxpayers is 20 October 2025, while provisional taxpayers have until 19 January 2026 to submit returns. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
