Tax Season

Get Ready for Filing Season 2026 

The Power of Done starts with knowing when to act. First off, let’s clarify the taxpayer categories.

A non-provisional taxpayer is typically a person who earns a regular salary or wage from an employer and whose PAYE is already deducted throughout the year. Usually, these taxpayers have simple tax affairs with no additional income sources and they are either auto-assessed or submit their tax returns once during Filing Season every year.  

A provisional taxpayer earns income on top of a regular salary or from a different source altogether. It could be income from a business, freelance work, investments, or rental income. These taxpayers must pay their tax in advance, usually in two or more instalments during the year, based on their estimated income.  

What are the Income Tax return filing dates?

• Auto Assessments: 1 July to 12 July 2026
• Non-provisional individuals: 13 July to 23 October 2026
• Provisional taxpayers: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
• Trusts: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027

Filing Dates and What They Mean for You 

Auto Assessments

1 –12 July 2026

If you receive an Auto Assessment from SARS: 

• Review it carefully. 
• Check that all information is correct. 
• Ensure your banking and contact details are up to date. 
• Accept the outcome if everything is accurate. 

Non-Provisional Individuals 

13 July – 23 October 2026 

Do not wait until the last minute. 

• File early to avoid pressure. 
• Gather your supporting documents in advance. 
• Submit your return accurately and on time. 

Provisional Taxpayers and Trusts 

13 July 2026 – 22 January 2027 

You have a longer filing period, but early preparation is key: 

• Diarise your deadline now. 
• Start preparing well in advance. 
• Avoid rushed and incomplete submissions. 

Changes for 2026 Filing Season

Here’s what’s changed:

• Less capturing, more prefilled data: Some of your information (like investment income) will already be filled in on your form — saving you time.

• Simpler, easier-to understand questions: The form has been simplified with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording to help you complete it correctly.

• Better guidance on residency status: New questions and date fields will help you provide the right information about your residency.

• Easier medical aid selection: A dropdown list of approved medical aid schemes will help you choose the correct option and avoid mistakes.
• Use WhatsApp for quick and easy access: You can now receive your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) if you are auto-assessed and don’t use email or eFiling. You can also get your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and Statement of Account (SOA) on WhatsApp and even upload supporting documents directly through WhatsApp.

• Improved eFiling experience: The Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been updated with a new look and feel to make navigation easier. You will also find quick links to your Notice of Assessment (ITA34), and clearer messages if your return is overdue.
• Fewer verification issues: A new declaration alert questionnaire will help identify and resolve issues earlier, reducing the chances of your return being selected for verification.

These changes make your filing experience smoother and help you get it right the first time.

Are your SARS details up to date?

Make sure everything is up to date for a hassle-free filing experience.

This year we will again issue auto-assessments to taxpayers whose tax affairs are less complicated.  If you are in agreement with your auto-assessment, then there is no need to ‘accept’ the assessment. If a refund is due to you, it will automatically be paid into your bank account.

When we start issuing the auto-assessments, you will be able to check your auto-assessment status here but wait for the SMS/email notice before you login to eFiling or MobiApp. 

Auto Assessments — What You Need to Know 

Filing your tax return can be simple. SARS continues to make it easier for taxpayers through Auto Assessments — helping qualifying taxpayers experience The Power of Done. 

What Is an Auto Assessment? 

An Auto Assessment is when SARS works out your tax return for you using information already received from: 

• Your employer 

• Banks 

• Medical schemes 

• Retirement funds 

• Insurers 

This means you may not need to complete or submit a tax return yourself — a simpler way to experience The Power of Done. 

How Will You Be Notified? 

If you are selected for Auto Assessment, SARS will send you an SMS or email between 1 and 12 July 2026. 

The message will tell you whether: 

• You are due a refund, or 

• You need to pay SARS 

How to Check if You Will Be Auto-Assessed 

You can check your status online by visiting the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) and click “My Auto Assessment Status”. 

Not Auto-Assessed? 

If you do not receive a notification by 12 July 2026, you are not auto-assessed. Prepare to file from 13 July. 

You must: 

• Complete and submit your Personal Income Tax Return (ITR12). 

• Use SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. 

• File within the Filing Season deadlines. 

What to Do if You Are Auto-Assessed 

Step 1: Review your assessment 

Log in to: 

• SARS eFiling, or 

• SARS MobiApp 

Check that all your information is correct. 

Step 2: If everything is correct 

• No further action is required 

• No tax return (ITR12) is needed 

Step 3: If information is incorrect 

• Review all details carefully. 

• Add any missing information. 

• Submit your updated ITR12 using:  

• • SARS eFiling, or 

• • SARS MobiApp 

Auto Assessment makes filing easier — but you must always review your assessment carefully before taking action, so you can experience The Power of Done with peace of mind. 

Beware of Scams and Phishing

You need to be aware of email and SMS scams. In the run up to Filing Season there will be many attempts from scammers to mimic what we do and try and get your personal details, or to pay money into an account. See the latest scams here. To report or to get more information on phishing, please send an email to [email protected].

See our YouTube videos on how to protect yourself from scammers:

• Protect yourself from Scams and Phishing
• Protect your eFiling login details

No need to call

Taxpayers, your tax matters are in better hands when you make use of eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. Register your profile now to ensure a smooth filing experience.  No need to call us, you can register online or download the MobiApp on your phone or tablet. To make an appointment with SARS is now easier, click here to make an appointment. 

You can send us a query via  SARS Online Query System (SOQS) if you have forgotten your tax reference number, to submit supporting documents and more. The SARS Online Query System (SOQS) assists taxpayers who wish to raise queries with SARS without going into a SARS Service Centre. 

Need help?

• Unsure if you need to submit a return? Complete these easy answers on Do you need to submit a return?
• The SARS YouTube channel  – watch our helpful tutorial video on the SARS YouTube channel to provide detailed guidance on how to file. 
• If you have no other choice but to visit a SARS Service Centre, ensure that you have booked your appointment before your visit. 
• You may also visit our Mobile Tax Units and pop-ups in the different regions, 
• If you have forgotten your password you can reset it online through the eFiling website by clicking on Forgot Password or Forgot Username.