Latest news with #eFiling
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tax filing season: what you should do
Tax filing season: what you should do Tax filing season opens on 7 July and runs until 20 October. What does this mean for you? If you receive a taxable income – whether you earn a monthly salary, commission or fees – you must be tax-compliant. The South African Revenue Service (Sars) automatically assesses some taxpayers' income tax returns. If you are among those, you will receive a notification from Sars between 7 and 20 July, and will not have to file a tax return. You can use the Sars MobiApp or eFiling to verify your auto-assessment and make sure all your information is accurate. If you're happy with it, you don't have to do anything further, but if you do not agree with the assessment, you must submit a tax return in the normal way. If you do not receive an auto-assessment notification, you are required to file a tax return before 20 October. If there have been any changes to your address, contact or banking details, or if your job, salary, allowance, benefits or conditions of employment have changed in the past year, it is important to update your information with Sars. Make sure you are registered on eFiling to submit your income tax online, or download the Sars MobiApp. No need to visit a branch! If you need personal assistance from a Sars official at you local branch, you will need to book an appointment to avoid long queues. For more information, visit and click on the 'Individuals' tab, or WhatsApp 'Hi' to 0800 117 277. Income tax filing dates Auto-assessments: 7 to 20 July 2025 Filing season for non-provisional taxpayers who were not auto-assessed: 21 July to 20 October 2025 Provisional taxpayers: 21 July 2025 to 19 January 2026 (visit the Sars website for more info on provisional taxpayers) Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Sars makes changes to eFiling for easy use
The Express functionality will enable taxpayers to easily view, update, and manage their tax affairs. The South African Revenue Services (Sars) has added an option on the eFiling platform ahead of the 2025 tax season to make it easier for taxpayers to process their auto assessments. Tax season 2025 is set to run from 7 July to 20 October. The new option, 'Express Functionality', will be available to taxpayers who are auto-assessed by the taxman. The Express functionality will enable taxpayers to easily view, update, and manage their tax affairs. How new option work on eFiling 'The most frequently used functions for Personal Income Tax are now more directly accessible on the eFiling landing page,' says the taxman Taxpayers will notice the 'Express' tabs at the top left of the eFiling profile home page. These tabs are expected to offer taxpayers the functions that will enable them to submit previous years' returns, view or edit tax returns, and update personal or banking details. The Citizen attempted to run a trial run of the new function, but it appears it has not been included in the user's profile. The reason could be that the user is not auto-assessed, or the taxman will add it on the platform closer to the beginning of the tax season. ALSO READ: Sars records increase in taxpayers who filed returns Auto assessment The system selects taxpayers that it will auto-assess based on the information received from third parties. These include employers, medical schemes, banks, and retirement funds. 'We then use such data to populate your income tax return and calculate your income tax assessment. If we are satisfied that the data and tax calculation are correct, we issue the assessment to you through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. 'At the same time, we also send you a message to your preferred channel of communication (such as SMS or email) to let you know that your assessment on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp is ready for you to review,' said Sars. Refunds The taxman said refunds of R100 or more will be paid automatically within 72 hours. Refunds of less than R100 will be added to your account and paid out when your account balance exceeds R100. You can check your refund status on WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), Sars MobiApp, or by dialling *134*7277#. 'Debt of R100 or more must be paid by the due date. If the Debt is less than R100 you can choose whether to pay it now or let it be carried over to the next tax year. Remember, interest is payable on any debt, whether less than R100, or R100 or more.' Those who are auto-assessed by the taxman will receive a notification from Sars between 7 and 20 July. Taxpayers who did not receive a notification during that period are encouraged to submit their tax returns with accurate information from 21 July till 20 October. NOW READ: Two-pot retirement system: Almost 4 million withdrawals close to R57 billion
The Citizen
4 days 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
6 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
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
It's tax season: SARS auto-assessment and deadlines simplified
The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has announced the official start of the 2025 tax filing season, effective from July 7 to October 20. During this important period SARS will automatically assess the income-tax returns of most taxpayers. The category of taxpayers who are automatically assessed will be notified via email or SMS. Taxpayers who do not receive an auto assessment notification from SARS are required to file a tax return from July 21. The filing season will close on October 20 for non-provisional individuals, including those whose tax matters are more complex. With the exception of trusts, provisional taxpayers can submit returns from July 21, 2025 until January 19, 2026. Trusts can start filing tax returns from September 20, 2025 until January 19, 2026. SARS has urged all taxpayers to prepare their documentation early, to check their assessments and to avoid last-minute submission of income tax returns. Submissions must comply with regulations and deadlines to avoid penalties. Taxpayers must ensure their banking details are correct and updated, enabling efficient processing of refunds. To change bank details, taxpayers should first check that their security contact details (email and cellphone number) are up to date on SARS eFiling. ALSO READ: Remember to keep children safe: Mpumalanga schools to close for second term soon What is an auto assessment? In line with SARS' strategic objective to make it easy for taxpayers to comply, those whose tax matters are less complicated are auto-assessed by SARS. Taxpayers who are auto-assessed do not have to file a tax return. Auto assessment is made possible by the availability of third-party data received from employers, financial institutions, retirement annuity fund administrators, medical aid schemes and more. This enables SARS to complete the tax declaration on behalf of this segment of taxpayers and issue them with an auto assessment. Taxpayers in the auto assessment category do not have to do anything if their assessments are correct. Taxpayers of the opinion that SARS has not captured all the necessary information are free to make changes on their tax returns and submit the missing information through eFiling by October 20. ALSO READ: Cold front to hit: Will Mbombela feel the cold snap? Taxpayers owed a refund will receive it within 72 hours of processing if all their information is correct. If they owe tax, they must pay SARS through their banks. They can access their auto assessments through any of SARS' channels – SARS MobiApp or e-Filing. Taxpayers should review and verify the completeness and accuracy of the information that resulted in the auto assessment. Those who are satisfied that the auto-assessment is correct do not have to do anything further. If the taxpayer finds that there is missing or inaccurate information pertaining to income or expenses, which may have affected the outcome, it must be declared to SARS by submitting a tax return in the normal way. For assistance, the public can make use of any of the SARS channels: • SARS Website: visit and click on the 'individuals' tab • SARS MobiApp • The AI virtual assistant is available 24/7 on the SARS website to answer your queries • SARS Online Query System (SOQS): • SARS WhatsApp: send 'Hi' or 'Hello' to 0800 117 277 • Dial *134*7277# to access SARS services • SARS YouTube: visit @sarstax for how-to videos There is no need to visit a SARS branch. If you must, first make an appointment to avoid long queues. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
