(Image: CC)
Tax season is back, and the South African Revenue Service wants you to relax.
SARS officially launched it 2026 filing season On Wednesday, Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu urged taxpayers to stay calm, stay digital and – critically – stay away from service centers unless they have to go there.
The 2026 season will take place in phases. First is the auto assessment, which runs from 1 to 12 July. If you have a straightforward tax situation (salaried employee, employer submits your data, no complicated deductions) SARS will probably do this for you, and about six million taxpayers are expected to receive auto assessments this year.
After that, the broader filing window opens on July 13 and runs through October 23 for most taxpayers. If you are a Filing on behalf of a provisional taxpayer or a trustYou have time till 22 January 2027.
Media Release: SARS begins phased filing season, urges taxpayers to wait their turn
SARS is making this year's filing season easier and simpler to navigate. Through this statement, SARS provides clarity and certainty to taxpayers to help them understand how the process… pic.twitter.com/20w0f65lgw
– SA Revenue Service (@sarstax) 18 June 2026
auto assessment
If you are in the auto assessment pool, SARS will send you an SMS, email or app notification. When it arrives, check your ITA34 assessment notice. If everything looks right, you don't need to do anything. SARS processes it. If the refund is due and your banking details are correct, you will see it within 72 hours.
If something is wrong – missed deductions, incorrect income – you can log corrections through e-filing or SARS MobiApp. You don't need to go anywhere.
In fact, avoid service centers altogether. This point cannot be emphasized enough, as it has been mentioned several times in SARS. The auto assessment period is specially designed to reduce queues and pressure on physical offices. If you have received an automatic assessment notification, visiting the branch is unnecessary and will slow down work for everyone.
If you really need personal assistance, book an appointment online. Walk-ins will be considered, but those with appointments should go first. Operating hours are weekdays 08:00–16:00.
Why might your refund be delayed?
SARS addressed this directly, as the concern about refunds is real. Delays do happen, but they are usually for legitimate reasons: a closed or recently changed bank account, mismatches in banking details, outstanding returns from previous years, or third-party data that arrived late and triggered revised assessments.
If your details are clean and your return is correct, 72 hours turnaround is allowed.
Get a health checkup done before doing anything. SARS recommends confirming your personal details, banking details, contact information and any outstanding obligations before the season opens. Fixing these now through digital channels can save headaches later.
Still stressed? get some help
Tax season doesn't have to be a nightmare, and for most people, it won't be. But if you're seeing an ITA34 notice and your mind has gone offline, or you've got a more complex situation that doesn't fit neatly into the auto assessment box, don't panic. Call a professional in your area.
on the team Galbraith and Rushby Learn their way about tax returns, and they'll help you navigate filing season without a cortisol spike.
(Source: SARS)