- Filing Season 2026 Underway: Have You Filed Yet?
- SARS Filing Season Tips
- Understanding Your ITA34
- Not Everyone Receives a Refund
- What If You Owe SARS Money?
Filing Season 2026 Underway: Have You Filed Yet?
Many taxpayers have submitted their Income Tax Returns this year. If you haven’t filed yet, now is the time.
When you meet your tax obligations, you help government provide important services like schools, hospitals, social grants, roads, and policing. Together, we can build a better South Africa.
If SARS notified you by SMS or email that you were not Auto Assessed, you must submit your ITR12 return by 23 October 2026 if you are a non-provisional taxpayer, or 22 January 2027 if you are a provisional taxpayer.
Filing early helps you avoid last-minute stress, potential penalties, and delays in resolving any issues. The easiest and most convenient way to file is through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, letting you submit your return anytime, anywhere.
For more information, go to: Filing Season
SARS Filing Season Tips
Before You Submit Your Return
Check your details. Ensure your banking details, contact information, and tax number are correct.
Review pre-populated information. Confirm that all particulars such as income, medical expenses, investments, or retirement information are accurate. Note: You can use the “Refresh Data” option on the Income Tax Work Page to reload your pre-populated information.
Keep supporting documents. Retain documents such as IRP5s, medical certificates, and travel logbooks in case SARS requests them.
Specific Claims and Deductions
- Code 3704 on your IRP5?
- If you received a subsistence allowance for business travel, obtain confirmation from your employer and claim against the allowance correctly.
- Code 3701 or 3702 on your IRP5?
- If you are claiming travel expenses, ensure you have a valid logbook.
- Paid for medical aid?
- Have your medical-aid tax certificate ready and check that the details on your tax return are correct.
- Paid retirement annuity contributions?
- Compare the information on your retirement-annuity tax certificate with the details reflected on your tax return.
- Made a donation?
- Claim qualifying donations to approved PBOs using your Section 18A certificate.
Important Filing Season 2026 Dates
Category | Filing Period |
Non-Provisional Taxpayers: individuals earning salary or wages subject to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) | 13 July–23 October 2026 |
Provisional Taxpayers: individuals earning salary plus additional income, such as sole proprietors | 13 July 2026–22 January 2027 |
Trusts | 19 September 2026–22 January 2027 |
For more information, go to: Filing Season
Protect Yourself Against Scams
SARS will never request or send a link asking for your eFiling credentials, banking passwords, PINs, or login credentials via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or social media.
If in doubt, use only SARS digital channels to verify any communication you receive.
Understanding Your ITA34
Once SARS has processed your return, you will receive a Notice of Assessment (ITA34). This document summarises your income, deductions, tax calculated, and assessment outcome.
Your ITA34 will show if:
- You are due a refund from SARS (there will be a minus before the final amount).
- You have an outstanding amount to pay SARS.
- There is no amount either payable to SARS or refundable to you.
Review your ITA34 carefully to ensure your personal details, banking information, income, and deductions are correct. You can access it via eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, the SARS Online Query System on the SARS website (SOQS), and selected SARS digital channels.
For more information, go to: Where do I find my Notice of Assessment (ITA34)?
Not Everyone Receives a Refund
Not every taxpayer is eligible for a refund, despite a common misconception that this is always the case. Some taxpayers receive a refund, while others may need to pay additional tax. Owing SARS can happen if you:
- Earned income from more than one source.
- Received investment income.
- Received taxable allowances.
- Had insufficient tax deducted during the year.
The important thing is to review your assessment and take the necessary action.
Are you due a refund which has not been paid, go to: What could delay my refund from being paid to me?
What If You Owe SARS Money?
If your ITA34 shows an amount payable, check whether your assessment is correct. If you are satisfied with it, act promptly by paying the amount due or make payment arrangements to avoid additional charges.
Ignoring a tax debt may result in penalties and interest being charged. If you believe the assessment is incorrect, use the SARS dispute processes without delay.
The Power of Done
Filing your tax return is your contribution to South Africa’s future.
#YourTaxMatters. So does your time.
