The SARS Contact Centre is currently experiencing high call volumes, use our enhanced digital service channel or request a call-back. Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za. The Auto Assessment outcome is provided in the SMS notification as a credit amount where SARS owes you (- R 1.00) or a debit amount (R 1.00) where you owe SARS.
auto assessment
Auto Assessment – we do the filing for you
During August, we will assess a significant number of taxpayers automatically. If you accept the outcome, you do not have to complete a return because we would have done that for you.
If you are auto-assessed, you will be notified per SMS in August – so there will be no need for you to call us or visit a branch. The SMS will direct you to
eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to either “Accept” or “Edit” the return.
Some taxpayers may receive communication prior to 1 August 2020 indicating why they will not be auto-assessed, or alerting them to their 2019 return submission findings. This will assist them to submit the outstanding returns. Please adhere to the communication and submit any outstanding returns as soon as possible, to avoid delays in filing your 2020 return, and to ensure a seamless experience this year.
If you are not registered for eFiling or you would like to download the SARS MobiApp, watch our helpful tutorial videos on the
SARS YouTube channel e.g. ‘How to register for eFiling’ video, or ’How to register on the SARS MobiApp’ video.
If you have received a SMS from SARS, watch the easy steps in our videos on how to:
We auto-assess based on the data we receive from employers, financial institutions, medical schemes, retirement annuity fund administrators and other 3rd party data providers.
If you accept the results of your auto-assessment and if there is a refund due to you, the refund will be paid by SARS.
If you owe SARS money, you can make a payment on
eFiling, via EFT or the SARS MobiApp by the specified due date on your Notice of Assessment.
If I do not get an auto-assessment, when should I file?
- 1 September – 16 November: Taxpayers who file online via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp
- 1 September – 22 October: Taxpayers who cannot file electronically can file at selected SARS branches by appointment only.
- 1 September – 29 January 2021: Provisional taxpayers who file via eFiling.
See our frequently asked questions for more information:
| 1 |
Question - I’ve received this SMS from SARS, what should I do?
SMS: Tax Ref: ******9201. Your 2020 Year of Assessment tax calculated results is -R0.89, based on the information at SARS disposal. You can accept or edit your return through the SARS digital channels. Failure to do so may result in SARS raising an estimate assessment. For more info, visit the SARS website on https://www.sars.gov.za/TaxTypes/PIT/Tax-Season/Pages/How-does-the-Tax-Calculation-work.aspx
Answer - Go to www.sars.gov.za, click on the “eFiling login” and follow the easy steps below to accept or edit your Auto-assessment. |
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| 2 |
Question - After receiving the Auto-Assessment SMS from SARS, when I login to eFiling, what do I do?
Answer - Click on the left menu on “Return Issued”, then “Personal Income Tax (ITR12)”, then on the top right, click on “Request Return” for the year 2020. A pop-up message will be displayed informing you of the auto assessment results. Click “Continue” to view the results and summary of the underlying data used for the auto assessment. |
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| 3 |
Question - On my Auto-Assessment screen, I have a source code 4029 with the description Retirement Fund. I don’t have a Retirement Fund, why is it displayed?
Answer - The source code 4029 with the description Retirement Fund takes into account contributions for (i.e. Retirement Annuity Fund/Pension Fund/Provident Fund). So if you have a Pension fund, and not a Retirement Annuity Fund for example, it’s the correct code. |
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| 4 |
Question - On my IRP5 my pension contribution shows R375 000, but on the Auto-Assessment, it shows R350 000. Why is there a difference in the amounts?
Answer - Retirement Fund contributions are capped at R350 000, so even if your contribution was more, it will remain R350 000 on the Auto-Assessment. |
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| 5 |
Question - I don’t see my Medical Deductions on the Auto assessment?
Answer - Medical aid contributions and additional medical aid expenses are included on Rebate under Tax Calculated. |
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| 6 |
Question -If I agree with Auto-assessment, what should I do?
Answer - If you agree with the details of the auto assessment; click the “Accept” button. A confirmation message will be displayed, click on “Confirm” to complete the auto assessment process. If you accept the proposed auto assessment results, SARS will automatically submit a tax return on your behalf, and issue a notice of assessment (ITA34). To access the ITA34, click on the “View Assessment” tab on the eFiling Menu. |
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| 7 |
Question - What if I disagree with the auto assessment results or the information used by SARS?
Answer - Click on the “Edit Return” button to amend the return. SARS will provide you with a prepopulated return that you can edit and submit. Once you are satisfied with the information declared, click on the “submit” button. SARS will process the return and issue the Notice of Assessment. |
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