Tax Season 2025: When SARS Will Auto-Assess Your Return

Tax season is just around the corner, and this year, South African taxpayers can expect a smoother and faster process thanks to the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new auto-assessment system. The 2025 tax season officially starts on 7 July and runs until 20 October, with many taxpayers having their income tax returns automatically assessed for the first time.

This exciting development aims to simplify tax compliance and speed up refunds, allowing SARS to better serve the public while reducing the stress typically associated with filing tax returns.

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What is SARS Auto-Assessment?

Auto-assessment is a new feature introduced by SARS to automatically process income tax returns for a large category of taxpayers. These are mainly non-provisional and provisional taxpayers whose tax affairs are straightforward, such as individuals receiving income from one or more formal employment sources.

SARS uses third-party data from employers, pension fund administrators, medical aid schemes, and other sources to complete tax declarations on behalf of these taxpayers. This means SARS will pre-fill much of the information required for the tax return, significantly reducing the need for taxpayers to manually enter details.

Who Will Get Auto-Assessed?

SARS will notify taxpayers eligible for auto-assessment between 7 and 20 July 2025 via SMS and/or email. These taxpayers do not need to submit returns unless they find discrepancies or missing information in the auto-assessed return.

If you do not receive a notification during this period, you should prepare and submit your tax return manually between 21 July and 20 October 2025.

Benefits of Auto-Assessment

For taxpayers in the auto-assessment category:

• Simplified Process: Most of the tax information is pre-filled, so little action is needed.
• Faster Refunds: If a refund is due and all details are correct, it will be paid within 72 hours.
• Less Stress: Reduces the chances of errors or delays caused by manual filing.
• Secure: SARS has enhanced its digital platforms to ensure data protection.

What to Do if You Get Auto-Assessed

When SARS notifies you of your auto-assessed return, you should:

1. Review your return: Access your auto-assessed return through SARS’s eFiling platform or MobiApp to check for accuracy.
2. Confirm bank details: Make sure your banking and security contact details (email and phone number) are up to date to avoid delays in refunds.
3. No changes needed: If you are satisfied, you do not need to do anything further.
4. Make corrections if needed: If you notice missing or incorrect income or expense information, you can amend the return on eFiling and submit it by 20 October 2025.

What If You Owe SARS?

If your auto-assessment shows that you owe SARS money, you must pay the amount by the deadline through:

• Your bank’s SARS payment option
• SARS eFiling portal
• SARS MobiApp

Prompt payment will help you avoid interest and penalties.

Taxpayers With Complex Tax Matters

Taxpayers with more complicated tax affairs, including those who:

• Are non-provisional taxpayers
• Have income from multiple sources or self-employment
• File on behalf of trusts or companies

will need to file their returns manually starting from 21 July to 20 October 2025. Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 19 January 2026 to file.

How to File Your Tax Return: A Simple Guide

For those required to submit tax returns manually, here’s a quick guide:

1. Gather your documents: Collect IRP5 certificates from employers, medical aid statements, retirement annuity contributions, and other relevant financial documents.
2. Register or log in: Access SARS eFiling at www.sarsefiling.co.za or download the SARS MobiApp.
3. Start your return: Follow the prompts to complete your income tax return online.
4. Check your details: Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
5. Submit your return: Submit before the deadline to avoid penalties.
6. Track your refund or balance: Use eFiling or MobiApp to monitor SARS’s processing of your return.

Support and Resources

SARS has enhanced support services for the 2025 tax season, including:

• Extended customer service hours
• Interactive digital channels
• Updated online filing platforms for easier navigation
• Comprehensive guides and how-to videos on the SARS YouTube TV channel

SARS encourages taxpayers to use these digital services to avoid visiting branches unnecessarily. If a branch visit is unavoidable, appointments must be booked in advance.

Final Reminders

• Prepare your tax documents early.
• Keep your banking and contact details updated on SARS eFiling.
• Review any auto-assessed return promptly.
• Submit any manual returns on time.
• Seek help from SARS digital resources if needed.

With SARS’s auto-assessment system, the 2025 tax season promises to be a major step forward in making tax compliance easier, faster, and more convenient for millions of South Africans.

Stay informed and ready to file when tax season kicks off on 7 July!