Tshwane, 18 June 2026 — The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is making this year’s Filing Season easy and simple to navigate. Through this statement, SARS offers clarity and certainty to taxpayers helping them understand how the process is structured, specifying turnaround times for refunds, verification, and submission.
“While today’s launch marks the continuation of the Filing Season communication campaign, Filing Season does not open to everyone at the same time”, said Dr Johnstone Makhubu, SARS Commissioner. SARS will begin with an Auto Assessment period from 1 July to 12 July 2026. Auto Assessment is a world class innovation that is unprecedented globally for tax-administrations. SARS has yet again broken new ground. This process is used for taxpayers with less complex tax matters, whose information is fully provided by employers and other third-party data providers.
Auto Assessment will be followed by the broader filing period from 13 July to 23 October 2026 for provisional and non-provisional taxpayers who must submit returns. Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027 to file their returns.
The phased approach manages taxpayer flows, reduces unnecessary pressure on service channels, and provides certainty about when each taxpayer should act. Taxpayers are urged not to come to SARS’s Service Centres for filing during the Auto Assessment period. This year, SARS expects to issue approximately 6 million Auto Assessments during this period.
At today’s launch, Commissioner Makhubu reflected on the experience of ordinary taxpayers. He noted that filing often begins with questions and, at times, anxiety about what information SARS holds, if a refund is due, whether verification may occur, and which documents a taxpayer should submit.
The Commissioner continued: “Our point of departure this year is our recognition that behind every tax number is a person trying to get it right while managing the pressures of daily life. With that in mind, SARS encourages taxpayers to do a pre–Filing Season health check by confirming that their personal details, banking particulars, contact information, and tax affairs are up to date. A closed bank account, missing third-party data submission, or an outstanding return from a previous year can all delay an otherwise smooth outcome.
By resolving these matters early through SARS’s digital channels, taxpayers place themselves in the best position for a seamless Filing Season experience. If you are chosen for Auto Assessment, like millions of other taxpayers, wait for a notification from SARS to see if you are part of that population. By using third-party data, SARS can reconcile and automatically assess these taxpayers.
Taxpayers who receive an SMS, email, or other SARS notification informing them that they have been auto-assessed must not be startled and visit SARS Service Centres. If they are satisfied that the information reflected is complete and correct, they do not need to do anything — tax just happens for them. SARS will process the outcome accordingly, and if a refund is due and all details are in order, it will be issued within 72 hours. This is the convenience SARS is building into the tax system, with fewer forms, less manual intervention, and a more seamless experience for compliant taxpayers whose information is already available to SARS.
Dr Makhubu reiterated that taxpayers should “not rush to SARS’s Service Centres during the Auto Assessment period from 1 to 12 July”. Robust systems and capacity upgrades have been implemented to handle high volumes, with a virtual “waiting room” in place on eFiling and the SARS MobiApp to manage volume surges. If too many users log in simultaneously, some will be held briefly in a secure queue to keep systems running smoothly. SARS’s Contact Centres and Service Centres are also fully staffed to provide support when needed, with normal weekday hours (08:00–16:00). There is no need for taxpayers to take a day off work or take a taxi to visit a SARS Service Centre.
Taxpayers are encouraged to use enhanced digital channels first before considering a visit to a SARS Service Centre. In case taxpayers need to visit a Service Centre, they can book an appointment online via the SARS website; by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0; or by sending an SMS to 47277 with “Booking” followed by an ID or passport number. Although taxpayers are encouraged to book appointments before visiting a Service Centre, those without an appointment will be served after those who have made an appointment.
To demonstrate how the whole system works, SARS showcased its full range of digital and in-person service channels, illustrating how taxpayers can get help or file returns without visiting a Service Centre. A live eFiling demonstration highlighted how prepopulated returns make online filing quick and simple. The SARS MobiApp was showcased for convenient mobile filing, alongside Lwazi, SARS’s AI Assistant, which answers common questions and helps users with basics.
SARS also highlighted its Contact Centre and WhatsApp service (0800 11 7277) as accessible support options. The Online Query System (SOQS) enables taxpayers to file queries, upload documents, request a tax number, and access other services from the comfort of their homes. These channels reduce the need for physical visits and provide taxpayers with more flexible ways to manage their tax affairs.
SARS emphasised that third-party data from employers, financial institutions, medical schemes, retirement funds, and other sources is the backbone of this year’s Filing Season. Accurate, timely submissions by these providers allow SARS to prepopulate returns and issue early Auto Assessment notices. If a data provider updates or corrects information after 1 July, a taxpayer’s initial assessment may change accordingly. Once SARS receives and processes all third-party data, it generates ITA34 Notices of Assessment for qualifying taxpayers. Those who accept their Auto Assessments need not file and if they are due refunds, they will receive them in 72 hours if all is in order. They will also be expected to pay if they owe SARS. While other taxpayers can submit corrections via eFiling or the MobiApp if needed.
SARS is also rolling out webinars, explainer videos, and live Q&A sessions to clarify who will be auto-assessed; how to review an ITA34 notice; and how to file a return if required. SARS urges a digital-first approach: use eFiling, the MobiApp, and other self-service options where possible; check that personal and banking details are up to date to facilitate prompt refunds; avoid unnecessary visits to the Service Centre; and do not wait until deadlines.
SARS is also aware that one of the biggest sources of taxpayer anxiety during Filing Season is uncertainty around refunds. SARS wants taxpayers to understand that a refund is not delayed without reason, and a delay does not automatically mean something has gone wrong. There are legitimate and necessary reasons for certain procedures, including verification processes, to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. These reasons may include mismatches in banking details; recently changed bank accounts; outstanding tax obligations from previous years; or late corrections submitted by third-party data providers after an initial assessment has already been issued.
Dr Makhubu stressed that “tax compliance is both a legal obligation and a civic duty; it enables the building of a capable state that funds public services and infrastructure that we all rely on. We understand that Filing Season involves more than just deadlines and forms; it is about creating certainty, reducing unnecessary effort, and assisting taxpayers in complying in a manner that is easier, faster, and more seamless. SARS last year paid more than R35 billion during Filing Season. If there is a refund, it will be paid within 72 hours if all is in order. I wish to urge taxpayers to be truthful in their declaration”.
For further information, please contact [email protected].
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