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The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
SARS individual filing season 2025: Key dates and new eFiling features
With the 2025 individual tax filing season around the corner, SARS is encouraging taxpayers to get a head start by updating their details, gathering documents and exploring new express features on eFiling. Kempton Express reports that third-party data providers should submit accurate and complete information on time for SARS individual filing season. This makes it easy for taxpayers to file tax returns and to stay compliant. Employers who missed the EMP501 deadline on May 31, must submit as soon as possible to help employees meet their tax obligations. Late submission of EMP501s can lead to penalties. Important dates Filing season for individual taxpayers (non-provisional) will run from July 21 to October 20. Prepare to submit early Update all personal information, including contacts and banking details. This way, you will receive timely SARS notifications and speed up the processing of any refund due. You can update your information easily online using the SARS MobiApp or eFiling. Have your eFiling username and password ready. If you've forgotten them, click 'forgot username' or 'forgot password' on eFiling to reset your login details. If both your cell number and email address used on eFiling have changed, you must book an appointment to visit a SARS branch. Collect all supporting documents for the 2025 period. These documents include: IRP5/IT3(a) certificate from your employer Medical aid certificate Retirement annuity fund certificate Investment Income Statements (IT3b) Proof of donations Logbooks New and better eFiling features SARS has introduced a new express functionality on its eFiling platform to make it easier for taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations. Personal Income Tax returns are easily accessible on the eFiling landing page and directly usable. When you log in to your eFiling profile, you will notice the new 'Express' tabs at the top left of the home page. These new functions let you: View your 2025 auto assessment Submit previous years' returns Submit the current year's return Update your personal banking details. For more information on the new eFiling functions, please visit SARS's YouTube channel. Important reminder Not everyone is required to file tax returns. Some people will receive an auto assessment based on data collected from third parties. Auto assessment notifications will be sent out by SARS on SMS or email to selected taxpayers from July 7 to 20. View your auto assessment notification on SARS MobiApp or eFiling. No notification? Check your auto assessment status by clicking on 'My Auto Assessment Status'. Taxpayers who are not auto-assessed or whose auto assessment was incorrect must submit their annual Income Tax Returns (ITR12) on SARS eFiling or MobiApp. These channels are convenient, letting you file wherever you are, 24/7. No need to visit a SARS branch. If you must, first make a booking. Beware of tax fraud During individual filing season, taxpayers can fall victim to tax fraud without knowing it. Tax fraud occurs when someone intentionally falsifies information on a tax return to reduce their tax liability or gain other benefits. Safety tips Never share your username, password or OTP All SARS services are free. SARS will never charge for its services Ask SARS officials to identify themselves Report suspicious activity if you suspect fraud: Report a tax crime. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
3 days ago
- Business
- The South African
SARS to trial major change to auto-assessments
For the first time ever, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will trial auto-assessments for a select group of provisional taxpayers. Image: SARS For the first time ever, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will trial auto-assessments for a select group of provisional taxpayers, making the process quicker and simpler for eligible individuals. SARS will identify eligible provisional taxpayers and invite them to opt into the auto-assessment system and them to opt into the auto-assessment system This trial begins with notifications from 7 July 2025 If selected and eligible, provisional taxpayers will enjoy the same streamlined auto-assessment process previously available only to non-provisional taxpayers Auto-assessments are pre-populated tax returns based on third-party data from: Employers (PAYE) Medical aids Retirement funds Banks and insurers If everything looks correct: You do nothing – your return is automatically processed – your return is automatically processed Refunds (if due) are paid within 72 business hours If you owe money, you must pay SARS via eFiling, the MobiApp, or bank If the info is incomplete or inaccurate: You can edit and submit your return manually via eFiling Typically: Self-employed individuals individuals People earning income from multiple sources Taxpayers who pay advance income tax in two or three instalments each year based on estimated earnings Taxpayer type Opens Closes Auto-Assessments 7 July 2025 20 July 2025 Individual (non-provisional) 21 July 2025 20 October 2025 Provisional 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Trusts 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Notification from SARS via SMS or email Log in via eFiling or MobiApp to review your auto-assessment If accurate → do nothing If incomplete/incorrect → file a return with corrections by the relevant deadline Refunds paid within 72 hours (if banking details are correct) Payments due must be settled by the date SARS provides If you're part of this new provisional taxpayer auto-assessment trial, watch for a SARS invitation and review your return carefully, as more complex income situations often need adjustments. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
What you need to know about the 2025 tax season
What you need to know about the 2025 tax season Quick read 2025 tax season runs from 7 July to 20 October for most individual taxpayers. SARS will issue Auto Assessments to eligible taxpayers between 7 and 20 July. If auto-assessed and satisfied, no action is required; refunds are paid in 72 hours. Taxpayers needing to file manually can do so from 21 July using eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS urges taxpayers to update banking and contact details in advance. Full story POLOKWANE – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially announced that the 2025 Tax Filing Season will run from 7 July to 20 October 2025 for most individual taxpayers. This year's filing season will once again feature Auto Assessments (a streamlined process for taxpayers with straightforward tax affairs). Those eligible will be notified by SMS or email between July 7 and 20. If satisfied with their assessment, they do not need to take further action. For taxpayers who do not receive an Auto Assessment or who need to update or correct information, SARS will open filing via eFiling, the MobiApp, or branches from July 21. The deadline for non-provisional taxpayers is October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026, and trusts may file from September 20 to January 19. SARS urges all taxpayers to update their banking and security contact details in advance to avoid delays in receiving refunds, which will be paid within 72 business hours of a completed and accurate return. To make filing easier this year, SARS has enhanced its digital platforms, expanded service hours, and strengthened online support tools, including a WhatsApp line, virtual assistant, and interactive how-to videos. Taxpayers are reminded to comply with deadlines and filing rules to avoid penalties. For help, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
23-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
SARS makes LATE auto-assessment change for tax season 2025
In a move set to simplify tax filing for millions of South Africans, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the rollout of a new 'Express Access' feature on its eFiling platform ahead of the 2025 tax season. The new functionality is aimed at providing faster, easier, and more intuitive navigation for individual taxpayers – especially those eligible for SARS' growing auto-assessment system. Launching with the 2025 filing season, the 'Express' tab will appear directly on the taxpayer's eFiling landing page. It will serve as a one-stop hub for: Viewing auto-assessments for 2025 Submitting current or previous years' tax returns Updating personal and banking information quickly SARS said the move aligns with its broader goals of modernising tax administration, improving voluntary compliance, and creating clarity and certainty for taxpayers. With auto-assessments continuing to expand, SARS is gearing up to process a record number of automated returns this year. Starting on Monday, 7 July, taxpayers with straightforward tax profiles will receive pre-populated returns based on third-party data from banks, employers, and financial institutions. If the information is accurate, all the taxpayer needs to do is accept the assessment. A refund – if applicable – will then be paid within 72 hours. If SARS is owed money, the platform will provide seamless payment options through eFiling or the MobiApp. Should the taxpayer dispute any part of the auto-assessment, they can reject it and file a manual return. Taxpayer type Opens Closes Auto-assessments 7 July 2025 20 July 2025 Individuals 21 July 2025 20 October 2025 Provisional 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Trusts 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 SARS has also urged all taxpayers to verify and update their banking and contact details, highlighting that incorrect information could result in delayed refunds or failed communications. 'Without correct contact details, taxpayers may miss critical messages, such as audit notifications, payment reminders, or penalty notices,' the agency warned. Missing these could lead to penalties, legal action, or loss of tax compliance status. In a statement, SARS said that 'Express Access' is part of its larger digital transformation strategy. 'Our aim is to provide effortless digital engagement and ensure taxpayers can fulfil their obligations quickly and securely,' the agency noted. The tax authority has also committed to continued investment in automated systems, secure messaging, and real-time verifications to further reduce errors, delays, and compliance risks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
SARS issues warning as 2025 tax season looms
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has urged taxpayers to verify and update their banking and contact details ahead of the 2025 tax season, warning that incorrect information could delay refunds or result in missed communications. SARS will begin rolling out auto-assessments from Monday, 7 July, meaning taxpayers have until Sunday, 6 July to ensure their details are current for a hassle-free filing experience. The move is part of SARS's continued drive to streamline the tax process, with many individuals expected to receive auto-assessments – pre-completed tax assessments based on data from employers, banks, and medical schemes. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Taxpayers can check and update their information on by: Logging into their eFiling account Clicking on 'SARS Registered Details' Selecting 'Maintain SARS Registered Details' Choosing which section to update (e.g. bank accounts, email addresses, mobile numbers) Clicking 'Done', then 'Submit' to save changes Failing to submit after updating will result in changes not being registered in the system. No action required if you agree with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct. with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct. Incorrect banking details will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS. will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS. SARS will send notifications via SMS or email to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to wait for this notice before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp. to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp. If a refund is due and banking details are up to date, it will be paid within approximately 72 hours of the assessment. of the assessment. If you disagree with the assessment, you will need to complete and file a tax return manually via eFiling or the MobiApp before the due date indicated. SARS has fully transitioned to digital communication, meaning all critical correspondence will be delivered via email or SMS. This includes: Audit notifications Payment reminders Requests for documentation Dispute outcomes Penalty notices Missing such notices could result in penalties, enforcement actions, or non-compliance flags – which can affect future tax filings and SARS interactions. 'Taxpayers don't need to call or visit our branches. Most issues, including disputes, can be resolved online,' SARS emphasised in a statement. Taxpayers are advised to ensure that they have regular access to their SARS eFiling account or MobiApp and that their registered representative details are also current, particularly for business entities. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
