Key Filing Season Dates
| Duration | Dates |
|---|---|
| self assessment | 1 July – 12 July 2026 |
| General Filing (Non-Provisional and Provisional Taxpayers) | 13 July – 23 October 2026 |
| Deadline for provisional taxpayers and trusts | 22 January 2027 |
Read | SARS issues step-by-step guide on how to pay and file tax
Auto evaluation: do nothing if it's true
SARS expects to issue nearby six million auto appraisal Between 1st and 12th July.
If you receive an SMS, email or notification from SARS informing you that you have been automatically assessed:
- Review the evaluation.
- If all the information is correct, You do not need to file a tax return.
- SARS will automatically process the results.
- If your refund is due and your details are correct, SARS says the payment will be made within 72 hours.
- If you owe tax, you have to settle the amount due.
Before filing: complete a health checkup
SARS urges taxpayers to ensure the following are up to date before the filing season begins:
- personal details
- contact information
- banking details
- outstanding tax return
- tax compliance status
Issues such as closed bank accounts, old statements or outstanding returns may delay refunds and assessment.
Why might refunds be delayed?
SARS stressed that delays do not automatically indicate a problem. Common causes include:
- Banking details mismatch
- Recently changed bank accounts
- outstanding tax liability from previous years
- verification procedures
- Late corrections from employers or other third-party data providers
digital-first filing
SARS is encouraging taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to branch offices and instead use:
- e-filing
- sars mobiapp
- Lavazy AI Assistant
- SARS Online Query System (SOQS)
- SARS Contact Center
- WhatsApp Service (0800 11 7277)
E-filing and a virtual waiting room on MobiApp will also be activated to manage the high traffic volume.
SARS branch appointment booking
If branch visit is necessary, appointments can be booked:
- Online through SARS website
- by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0
- by SMS “Booking” After this an ID or passport number will be given 47277
Walk-in taxpayers will still be given assistance, but only after taxpayers with appointments.
important reminder
commissioner Johnstone Makhubu Taxpayers were urged not to rush to SARS offices during the auto assessment period.
Their message is simple: if SARS does your self-assessment and the information is correct, you don't need to do anything.
SARS overpaid R35 billion in refunds during the last filing season and says compliant taxpayers with accurate information can expect refunds within 72 hours When all requirements are met.
Ground level: Check your details now, wait for SARS notifications from July 1, use digital channels wherever possible, and don't miss filing deadlines.