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The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tax Season 2025: Here is everything you should know
Tax Season 2025: Here is everything you should know Pretoria residents can file their 2025 tax returns from July 7 until the October 20 deadline, with SARS auto-assessing simpler cases and notifying qualifying taxpayers by SMS or email. To make the most of local SARS support—whether you're auto-assessed or filing manually—ensure your documents, banking details and eFiling security contacts are up to date before you begin. According to SARS, taxpayers who are automatically assessed will begin to receive notifications in July. 'Taxpayers who do not receive notifications from SARS that they are automatically assessed, are encouraged to submit their tax returns in a timely and accurate manner from July 21 2025. 'The Filing Season will close on October 20 2025 for non-provisional individuals,' the revenue collector said in a statement on Monday. It urged taxpayers to start preparing documentation in advance and check their assessments to 'avoid last-minute delays for those that must submit an income return'. 'SARS requires taxpayers to ensure that their banking details are correct and updated. This ensures efficient processing of any refund that may be due. 'If you need to change your bank details, you must first check that your security contact details (email and cell phone number) on the SARS eFiling are up to date. There is no need to do anything if your banking details and security contact details have not changed,' SARS said. It furthermore said it had identified a portion of provisional and non-provisional taxpayers for auto-assessment. The move is targeted at taxpayers who have one or more sources of income from formal and other forms of employment and 'whose tax affairs are not complicated'. The steps in the auto assessment process are as follows: • From July 7, SARS will communicate directly with affected taxpayers by SMS and/or email, notifying taxpayers of their auto-assessed tax returns. • If there is a refund due to the taxpayer, it will be paid directly to the taxpayer's bank account within 72 business hours after the notification. If there is money owing to SARS, it must be paid to SARS' Bank Account, eFiling or through the SARS MobiApp by the stipulated date. • Taxpayers can access their auto assessed income tax returns through any of SARS's channels, such as the SARS MobiApp or SARS eFiling, to review and verify the completeness and accuracy of the information that resulted in the auto assessment. • If a taxpayer is satisfied with the auto assessment, they don't have to do anything further and the process terminates at this point. • If the taxpayer finds that there is missing and/or inaccurate information, pertaining to either income or expenses, which may have affected the outcome, it must be declared to SARS by submitting a tax return to SARS. 'The process of automatic assessment is made possible by the availability of third-party data received from employers, pension fund administrators, medical aid schemes and more. This enables SARS to complete the tax declaration on behalf of this segment of taxpayers and issue them with an Auto Assessment.' SARS added that the taxpayers in the auto assessment category do not have to do anything if they are satisfied with the calculation on their tax returns. 'If the taxpayer is of the opinion that SARS has not captured all the necessary information, they are free to make changes to their tax returns and submit the missing information through eFiling by October 20, 2025. 'Where the taxpayer has a refund, they will receive it in 72 hours if all their information is correct. If the taxpayer owes the revenue collector, they must pay through their respective banks,' SARS said. Also read: Is there an outbreak of Staphylococcus in Pretoria? Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The South African
13-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
SARS issues warning as 2025 tax season looms
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has urged taxpayers to verify and update their banking and contact details ahead of the 2025 tax season, warning that incorrect information could delay refunds or result in missed communications. SARS will begin rolling out auto-assessments from Monday, 7 July, meaning taxpayers have until Sunday, 6 July to ensure their details are current for a hassle-free filing experience. The move is part of SARS's continued drive to streamline the tax process, with many individuals expected to receive auto-assessments – pre-completed tax assessments based on data from employers, banks, and medical schemes. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Taxpayers can check and update their information on by: Logging into their eFiling account Clicking on 'SARS Registered Details' Selecting 'Maintain SARS Registered Details' Choosing which section to update (e.g. bank accounts, email addresses, mobile numbers) Clicking 'Done', then 'Submit' to save changes Failing to submit after updating will result in changes not being registered in the system. No action required if you agree with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct. with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct. Incorrect banking details will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS. will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS. SARS will send notifications via SMS or email to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to wait for this notice before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp. to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp. If a refund is due and banking details are up to date, it will be paid within approximately 72 hours of the assessment. of the assessment. If you disagree with the assessment, you will need to complete and file a tax return manually via eFiling or the MobiApp before the due date indicated. SARS has fully transitioned to digital communication, meaning all critical correspondence will be delivered via email or SMS. This includes: Audit notifications Payment reminders Requests for documentation Dispute outcomes Penalty notices Missing such notices could result in penalties, enforcement actions, or non-compliance flags – which can affect future tax filings and SARS interactions. 'Taxpayers don't need to call or visit our branches. Most issues, including disputes, can be resolved online,' SARS emphasised in a statement. Taxpayers are advised to ensure that they have regular access to their SARS eFiling account or MobiApp and that their registered representative details are also current, particularly for business entities. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Sars goes digital: key changes for taxpayers
Discover how Sars' transition to digital correspondence affects taxpayers and what steps you need to take to stay compliant. Image: File photo. The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has officially discontinued the printing and posting of all system-generated letters, effective May 31, 2025. From this date forward, all Sars correspondence will be delivered electronically via eFiling and other digital platforms. This development is in line with Sars' ongoing digital transformation strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing reliance on third-party service providers, ensuring faster delivery of communication, and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives. The importance of keeping your Sars registered details up to date Now that Sars has moved entirely to digital correspondence, taxpayers must ensure that their contact and profile information is accurate and regularly maintained. This includes: An active and accessible email address linked to your Sars profile Updated mobile numbers for notifications Correct details of the registered representative for entities Regular access to your Sars eFiling account or MobiApp Failure to maintain up-to-date information may result in missed communications, with serious consequences for your tax compliance status. Consequences of Ignoring Sars Correspondence System-generated letters from Sars often contain time-sensitive information such as: Audit notifications and verification requests Final demands or payment reminders Requests for supporting documentation Assessment adjustments or penalty notices Dispute or objection outcomes Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ignoring or missing these letters can have significant implications, including: 1. Penalties and Interest Missed deadlines may trigger automatic administrative penalties and the accrual of interest on unpaid taxes. 2. Legal Enforcement Failure to respond to demands or audit requests could lead to collection actions, such as garnishee orders or asset seizure. 3. Loss of Tax Compliance Status Your tax compliance status may be negatively affected, which can impact business operations, tender applications, or international emigration processes. 4. Missed Refunds or Appeals Certain actions, such as appealing an assessment or claiming a refund, are subject to strict time limits. Delays caused by missed correspondence may result in forfeiting your rights or delaying funds due to you. What Taxpayers Should Do To adapt to this change and remain compliant, Sars encourages taxpayers to: Log in to their Sars eFiling profile and review and update all registered details Monitor their eFiling inbox regularly for new correspondence Respond promptly to all Sars communications Engage the services of a registered tax practitioner if assistance is required
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SARS kicks off 2025 tax filing season
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially declared the opening of the 2025 tax filing season, with major updates aimed at simplifying the process for millions of South African taxpayers. The filing season will run from July 7 up until October 20 for non-provisional individuals, while provisional taxpayers and trusts will have until January 19, 2026 to submit their tax returns. This year, SARS is making compliance by kicking off the season with an auto-assessment initiative, designed to streamline returns for taxpayers. Also read: Urgent community support needed to complete classroom project at New Jerusalem Children's Home ''In line with our strategic objective to make it easy for taxpayers to comply, we have identified a large segment of non-provisional and provisional taxpayers who receive income from one or more sources, from formal and other forms of employment, and whose tax affairs are not complicated. They've been selected to be automatically assessed,' said SARS in a statement. Between July 7 and 20, selected taxpayers will receive SMSes and emails notifying them that they've been automatically assessed. If SARS's pre-calculated return looks right then the taxpayer does not have to do anything. However, taxpayers are advised to file a revised return if they believe that SARS has not accurately calculated their return. This can be done through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp by October 20. Also read: Fostering future law enforcers and civil servants on Take a Child to Work Day For those not included in the auto-assessment the filing window opens on July 21. This includes taxpayers with multiple income streams, foreign income, or deductions not reflected in SARS's third-party data. SARS emphasised the importance of early preparation. 'We urge all taxpayers to prepare their documentation early to check their assessments to avoid last-minute delays for those that must submit an income return.' The agency has also urged taxpayers to ensure that their banking and security contact details are accurate and up to date. Read more: Glen Austin House hosts a successful family fun and open day 'If your contact details haven't changed, you don't need to do anything,' SARS confirmed. 'But if you need to update them, make sure your email and cellphone number are correct on eFiling first.' Those who have not been contacted by SARS are still expected to file manually from July 21. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Point of view: essential tips for the 2025 Sars tax filing season
Tax Prepare for the 2025 tax filing season with essential tips and insights from Sars. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, ensure timely submissions, and maximise your refunds. Image: Freepik Every year, tax season creeps up on us, and somehow, despite all our good intentions, many of us still scramble at the last minute. With Sars officially opening the 2025 tax filing season from July 7 to October 20, now is the time to get your affairs in order before the inevitable rush. There's good news for taxpayers—Sars has streamlined the process through auto assessments, meaning that a large group of non-provisional and provisional taxpayers will receive pre-completed tax returns based on third-party data from employers, medical aids, and pension funds. Those affected will be notified between July 7 and 20, and if the information is accurate, there's no further action needed. If corrections are necessary, changes can be submitted via eFiling before the October 20 deadline. For those not automatically assessed, tax returns must be submitted manually from July 21 onwards, which is where preparation is key. Sars advises taxpayers to check their banking details to avoid delays in receiving refunds, which can be paid within 72 hours if everything is in order. Now, let's talk about the common mistakes that cost taxpayers time and money. Procrastination is one of them, and I speak from experience. Six years ago, I ignored the deadline warnings and put off filing my return, convinced I had more time. When I finally sat down to do it, I realised there was missing documentation from my medical aid. Panic set in, and I had to chase paperwork in a mad rush. The result? A delayed refund and unnecessary stress. Lesson learned—file early, avoid the headache. Another mistake people make is not reviewing their auto assessment properly. While Sars does a great job pulling data from various sources, your tax situation may have changed—maybe you've started freelancing, received an unexpected income stream, or incurred deductible expenses. Not checking could mean losing out on a refund or unknowingly under-declaring, which could result in penalties. For those in the self-employed or provisional taxpayer category, the filing period extends until January 19, 2026, but that doesn't mean you should delay submitting your return. Filing early means avoiding system crashes, and last-minute errors, and dealing with customer service queues when everyone else is rushing in October. Sars has enhanced support services, including extended customer service hours, updated online platforms, and comprehensive guidance on eFiling. Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to avoid visiting branches, opting instead for digital channels like Sars MobiApp and eFiling to complete their returns. Rhoderic Nel, Sanlam Risk and Savings chief executive, recently pointed out a sobering truth—life-changing financial events can strike at any age. If you're under 35, filing taxes might not seem like a top priority, but missing deadlines or failing to claim rightful deductions could leave you paying more than necessary. So, here's my challenge to you: don't wait until the deadline looms to file your return. Take the time to review your tax situation now, check your documents, and ensure your banking details are correct. If you're lucky enough to receive a refund, it could hit your account within days—and who wouldn't want that? A little preparation now will save you hours of frustration later. Whether you're getting a refund or settling your dues, the key to a smooth tax season is simple: start early, file correctly, and avoid the panic. * Maleke is the editor of Personal Finance. PERSONAL FINANCE
