The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that the 2026 tax filing season will begin on 1 July with a phased-in auto-assessment period, designed to make it easier for eligible taxpayers to file taxes.
The auto-assessment phase will run from July 1 to 12 and will be applicable to taxpayers with less complex tax cases whose information has already been submitted by employers and other third-party data providers.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the filing season would follow a structured approach rather than opening at once for all taxpayers.
“While today's launch represents a continuation of the filing season communications campaign, filing season does not open to everyone at the same time.”
The normal filing period will run from July 13 to October 23, while provisional taxpayers will have until January 22, 2027, to submit their returns.
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Makhubu said SARS expected to issue about six million auto-assessments this year and urged taxpayers not to visit SARS service centers during the auto-assessment period.
He encouraged taxpayers to conduct a pre-filing “health check” by ensuring their personal details, banking information and tax records are accurate and up to date.
“By resolving these matters quickly through SARS’ digital channels, taxpayers best position themselves for a seamless filing season experience.”
Taxpayers selected for auto-assessment are advised to wait for official notification before taking any action. If the information used by SARS is complete and accurate, no further action is required.
“If they are satisfied that the information displayed is complete and correct, they don't need to do anything – the tax just happens for them.”
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Makhubu said any refunds due will be paid within 72 hours, provided all information is correct.
SARS has also strengthened its digital infrastructure, including a virtual waiting room on e-filing and SARS MobiApp to manage high traffic volumes during peak periods.
The service and contact centers will be open from 08:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, although taxpayers are encouraged to use digital channels where possible.
People who need to visit a branch can book an appointment through the SARS website by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0, or by sending an SMS with the word “booking” and your ID or passport number to 47277.
Makhubu reiterated that tax compliance is both a legal obligation and a civic responsibility that helps finance public services and infrastructure.
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