Filing Season 2021 for Individuals

• 1 July to 23 November 2021: (Extended to 2 December 2021) Closed
  • Taxpayers who file online 
  • Taxpayers who cannot file online can do so at a SARS branch by appointment only.
• 1 July to 31 January 2022:  Provisional taxpayers including Trusts may file via eFiling or SARS MobiApp.

Individual filing opening

No need to call

You can also Send us a query if you have forgotten your tax reference number, to submit supporting material and more.

We have made it easier for you

Follow us on Social Media for daily Tax Tips or keep an eye on this webpage for all the information.

Auto registration for Personal Income Tax

When you register for SARS eFiling for the first time and you do not yet have a personal income tax number, SARS will automatically register you and issue a tax reference number. Note that you must have a valid South African.  Read more.

Donations to the Solidarity Fund or to another Public Benefit organisation during the 20/21 Filing Season

We will help you understand some of the unique features in the 20/21 Filing season, such as the difference between payroll giving and a direct donation; the supporting documents you require and other frequently asked questions.

For more information see the Tax Exempt Institution webpage:

• • See the following important information on the Tax Exempt Institution, Section 18A donations and Solidarity Fund donations:
    • Tax Exempt Institution Fact Sheet 2020/2021
    • Solidarity Fund clarifications 2020/2021
    • Frequently Asked Questions:
      • How do I claim S18A deductions on the ITR12 return?
        To claim donations made by the donor in a personal capacity, the following questions must be answered on the return wizard:
        • Do you want to claim donations made to an approved organization(s) in terms of s18A?
        • How many organizations did you donate to?
          Upon answering these questions, the donation containers for both source codes 4055 & 4011 will open on the return.
      • Which container is applicable for donations made to S18A-approved institutions, other than the Solidarity Fund?  Select source code 4011 (4055 only relates to donations made to the Solidarity Fund during the period April 2020 and September 2020).
      • Which documents are required to support my S18A claim?A valid section 18A certificate provided by a S18A-approved organization. If the donation was made through your employer, the IRP5 certificate issued by your employer will suffice.
      • Where will I see the donations made through my employer on my return?  The amount donated through your employer will be reflected on your IRP5 and will therefore be pre-populated under “Employee Tax Certificate Information [IRP5/IT3 (a)]” on your return
      • How will donations made to the Solidarity Fund during April 2020 to September 2020 via the Employer be indicated on the IRP5 Certificate?  If the donation to the Solidarity Fund was made through the Employer between 1 April 2020 and 30 September 2020, the amount donated will be reflected under the source code 4055 on the IRP5 Certificate and on your ITR12 return on SARS e-Filing. You are not required to capture this amount on your ITR12 return in order to claim a deduction.
      • How will donations made to the Solidarity Fund during 26 – 30 March 2020 and 01 October 2020 to 28 February 2021 via the Employer be indicated on the IRP5 Certificate?  For any donations made to the fund through your employer during  26 – 30 March 2020 and 1 October 2020 to 28 February 2021, the amount donated will be reflected under the source code 4030 of the IRP5 certificate issued by your employer. Please ensure to capture the amount reflected under code 4030 on your IRP5 certificate under code 4011 on your ITR12 return.”

Need help?

• Our online service Help you eFile is available. The SARS YouTube channel as well as this website provide detailed guidance on how to file.  If you have no other choice but to visit a SARS branch by appointment to assist you to file, you can do so until 23 November 2021.
• If you have forgotten your password you can reset it online through the eFiling website by clicking on Forgot Password or Forgot Username. 
• Not sure whether you must submit an Income Tax Return (ITR12)?  Answer the simple questions on our Do you need to submit a return webpage.
• If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements to claim home office expenses complete our easy questionnaire. For more information click here.
• If you need help to submit your Personal Income Tax Return, watch our helpful tutorial video on the SARS YouTube channel by clicking on the image below:

  

• To view a helpful tutorial on what to do when your Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been rejected by SARS on eFiling, due to a directive click on the image below:

  

• If you received a SMS from SARS, watch the easy steps in our videos on how to accept the auto assessment by clicking on the image below:

  

• Click on the image below to view a helpful tutorial on what to do when your Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been rejected by SARS on eFiling, due to a duplicate IRP5:

  

• To see all current SARS surveys, emails and SMSs, click here.