June 2025 Issue
2025 Tax Filing Season Opens 21 July
Prepare to Submit Early
New and Better eFiling Features
Important Reminder
- Beware of Fraud
2025 Tax Filing Season Opens 21 July
Third-party data providers should submit accurate and complete information on time for individual filing season. This makes it easy for taxpayers to file tax returns and to stay compliant.
Employers who missed the EMP501 deadline on 31 May 2025 must submit as soon as possible to help employees meet their tax obligations. Late submission of EMP501 can lead to penalties.
Important Dates
- Auto-assessments: 7 – 20 July 2025
- Filing season opens for non-provisional taxpayers who were not auto-assessed: 21 July – 20 October 2025
- Provisional taxpayers: 21 July – 19 January 2026
For more information, go to: Tax Season
Prepare to Submit Early
- Update all personal information, including contacts and banking details. This lets you receive timely SARS notifications and speed up the processing of any refund due. You can update your information easily online using 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.
- 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
Note: If both your cell number or email address used on eFiling have changed, you must visit a SARS branch. To avoid a long queue at the Branch Office, make an appointment via the SARS online appointment system or the SARS MobiApp.
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, read the Guide to Register for eFiling and Manage your User Profile or view the YouTube videos below.
Important Reminder
Not all individuals are required to file tax returns. Some individuals will receive an Auto Assessment, based on data collected from third parties.
- Auto Assessment notifications will go out by SMS or email to selected taxpayers from 7–20 July 2025.
- View your Auto Assessment notification on SARS MobiApp or eFiling.
- No notification? Check your Auto Assessment status by visiting https://tools.sars.gov.za/soqs and 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.
For more information, go to: How does Auto-Assessment work
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 activities if you suspect fraud.
#YourTaxMatters – so does your time.
