Do You need to submit a return?
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Not sure whether you must submit an Income Tax Return (ITR12)?
Answer these simple questions and find out.

Top Tip: If you would like to make changes to any of your responses on the page, you need to refresh the page.

Disclaimer:
What is contained in this questionnaire is intended as a guide only and is not considered to be a legal reference nor is it a binding ruling. The questionnaire does not replace legislation and readers who are in doubt regarding any aspect of the information displayed in the questionnaire should refer to the relevant legislation, or seek an opinion from a suitably qualified individual. If you are uncertain whether you should file a return or not, then it is recommended that you file a return.
More information
  • Visit the SARS website to learn how to register for efiling
  • Contact your own tax advisor/tax practitioner
  • If calling from within South Africa, contact the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 (only between 8am and 4pm on week days).
  • If calling from outside South Africa, contact the SARS Contact Centre on +27 11 602 2093 (only between 8am and 4pm South African time on week days).
Do any of the following apply to you for the tax year 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020?
  • Did you conduct any trade* in South Africa or if you are a South African tax resident did you conduct any trade*?
  • Did you receive an allowance such as a travel, subsistence or office bearer allowance?  Check your IRP5/IT3(a) if unsure.
  • Did you hold any funds in foreign currency or assets outside South Africa that have a combined total value of more than R225 000 at any stage during the tax year?
  • Did you have Capital Gains or Capital Losses exceeding R40 000?
  • Was any income or a Capital Gain from funds in foreign currency or assets outside the Republic attributed to you?
  • Do you hold any rights in a Controlled Foreign Company?
  • Did you receive an Income Tax Return or were you asked to submit an Income Tax Return for the tax year?
 

*The term "trade" for finding out whether to submit a return means every profession, trade, business, calling, occupation or venture, including the letting of any property but excluding any employment.
 
Did you earn any income during the tax year 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020?

 
At the end of the tax year, were you

Was your annual income* more than R79 000?

 
*Income is your total receipts (other than receipts of a capital nature) minus any exempt income such as exempt local dividends and interest. (Interest exemption for 2020 tax year is R23 800 for taxpayers below 65 years of age and R34 500 for taxpayers 65 years and older). Please note that if you are married in community of property your interest income must be divided equally between you and your spouse.
Was your annual income* more than R122 300?

 
*Income is your total receipts (other than receipts of a capital nature) minus any exempt income such as exempt local dividends and interest. (Interest exemption for 2019 tax year is R23 800 for taxpayers below 65 years of age and R34 500 for taxpayers 65 years and older). Please note that if you are married in community of property your interest income must be divided equally between you and your spouse.
Was your annual income* more than R136 750?

 
*Income is your total receipts (other than receipts of a capital nature) minus any exempt income such as exempt local dividends and interest. (Interest exemption for 2020 tax year is R23 800 for taxpayers below 65 years of age and R34 500 for taxpayers 65 years and older). Please note that if you are married in community of property your interest income must be divided equally between you and your spouse.
Was your income only from employment and from a single employer?

 

Was your income from employment less than R500 001 between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020?

 
Did you receive a car allowance or any other form of income (e.g. taxable interest after excluding annual exempt amounts or rental income or income from other employment or trade)?

 
Please submit an Income Tax Return
To find out more about how to register for efiling click here
If you're already registered and need to change your password click here
To learn more about Personal and Income Tax click here


HOW TO FILE YOUR RETURN

To file your Income Tax Return (ITR12) register for SARS eFiling at www.sars.gov.za.

SARS eFiling is also available via the SARS eFiling App available in the App Store for Apple devices and Google PlayStore for Android.

A guide on how to Register for eFiling and How to submit your Income Tax Return (ITR12) is available on the SARS website.

What can I do before I complete my tax return?

Gather your supporting documents, for example your IRP5/IT3(a)s, medical scheme certificates, pension and retirement annuity fund certificates and travel logbook. You don't need to submit them but you will need them to check the pre-populated part of your return and to complete the other sections. Remember, you need to keep these for five years in case SARS verifies or audits your tax return.

Filing deadlines:
  • 1 September to 16 November – taxpayers who file online
  • 1 September to 22 October – taxpayers who cannot file online can do so at a SARS branch by appointment
  • 1 September to 29 January 2021 – provisional taxpayers who file online
 
Last Updated: 06/07/2020 10:14 AM     print this page ​
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