SARS Tax Season 2025 is here with faster refunds & stricter rules. File early & stay compliant. | Stories Shaping South Africa Today!
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially kicked off the 2025 Individual Tax Filing Season, introducing new digital tools to streamline submissions — and issuing a strong warning to those who delay or fall out of compliance.
Starting July 7, auto-assessments will be issued to taxpayers with simple financial affairs. These returns, already populated with third-party data, require no action if accepted. If a refund is due, it will be paid within 72 hours — provided your details are correct.
“If a refund is due, then there is nothing more you have to do — you can log out and wait for the refund,” SARS said.
However, those who disagree with their auto-assessments or are not auto-assessed must file manually from July 21. Provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026, to submit their returns.
Full 2025 tax filing dates are available here.
⚡ What’s new: SARS launches ‘Express’ eFiling
To speed things up, SARS has added a new ‘Express’ tab on its eFiling portal and MobiApp, allowing you to:
- View your 2025 auto-assessment
- Submit current and previous returns
- Update personal banking details
“The update aligns with our strategic objective to provide clarity and certainty of tax obligations,” SARS noted.
📅 2025 tax filing dates
| Category | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Assessments | July 7, 2025 | July 20, 2025 |
| Individual (Non-Provisional) | July 21, 2025 | October 20, 2025 |
| Provisional Taxpayers & Trusts | July 21, 2025 | January 19, 2026 |
✅ Practical steps to maximise refunds
To avoid delays and penalties, SARS urges early preparation:
- Update contact and banking details online via eFiling or MobiApp
- Check login credentials and reset passwords if needed
- Gather supporting documents, including:
- IRP5/IT3(a)
- Medical aid and RA certificates
- IT3b investment income statements
- Proof of donations and logbooks
“Taxpayers, your tax matters are in better hands when you make use of eFiling or the SARS MobiApp,” SARS said.
If both your cell number and email have changed, you must book an appointment to update your profile in person.
💡 Who needs to file?
Not everyone must submit a return. If you’re selected for auto-assessment, you’ll receive an SMS or email between July 7–20. If not, check your auto-assessment status here.
Taxpayers with more complex affairs, or who reject their auto-assessment, must file a full ITR12 return manually.
Need help? SARS provides self-help tools here.
⚠️ New era of enforcement
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has confirmed that SARS will hire 1,700 new staff this year, backed by R1 billion from National Treasury, to ramp up debt recovery during filing season.
“Often, all it takes is a reminder — a phone call or SMS — to prompt payment,” Kieswetter said.
If gentle nudges fail, SARS may:
- Appoint banks to recover debt
- Apply for civil judgments
- Freeze bank accounts or seize assets
Tax experts warn: do not ignore SARS correspondence.
🔒 Stay safe from tax fraud
SARS has warned of rising fraud and phishing scams during filing season.
- Never share your SARS username, password, or OTP
- Report scams via: phishing@sars.gov.za
- View SARS’ latest scam alerts
- Watch this YouTube guide on how to protect yourself
📣 Expert advice: Be audit-ready
Tax practitioners are seeing an increase in SARS audits and verifications. According to Adv. Christel van Wyk, structured, early planning is key.
- “Start by ensuring both you and your practitioner have access to eFiling, and your details are up to date. Be proactive, gather documentation, and prepare a motivation letter where necessary,” she advised.
This year’s 2025 Budget saw rising living costs and fuel hikes — adding urgency for timely refunds.
🧾 In summary: Submit early, avoid penalties
Whether you’re auto-assessed or filing manually, filing early with accurate info is the best way to secure your refund fast and avoid trouble with SARS.
For more consumer insights, visit the NOWinSA Consumer News Hub.
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