if you were Not selected for SARS self-assessmentYou must submit your annual tax return during the normal filing season.
SARS's auto assessment process is designed to make tax filing easier for millions of South Africans by automatically calculating tax returns using information received from employers, banks, medical schemes, superannuation funds and other third-party data providers.
Taxpayers selected for auto assessment are notified directly by SARS – usually via SMS or email – and can accept the assessment if it is correct or make changes if necessary.
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if you Not there. Received a self-assessment notification, you should:
Check your filing status
Log in to your SARS e-filing profile or use sars mobiapp To confirm if you have been selected for auto assessment.
If no assessment has been issued, you must submit tax returns regularly filing periodWhich is starting from Monday 13th July 2026.
Gather your supporting documents
Before completing your return, make sure you have all the required documents, including:
- Your IRP5/IT3(a) certificate from your employer
- medical aid tax certificate
- Retirement Annuity Fund Certificate
- Investment Income Certificate (IT3(B), IT3(C))
- Proof of allowable deductions where applicable
Submit your tax return
Complete and submit your Income Tax Return (ITR12) via SARS e-Filing or SARS MobiApp before the filing deadline.
Make sure all income and deductions are accurately declared to avoid delays or penalties.
Check your details carefully
Review all pre-filled information and make any necessary corrections before submitting your return.
Even though most of the information has been completed for you, it is still your responsibility to make sure it is accurate and complete.
Respond to SARS if necessary
If SARS requests supporting documents for verification or audit purposes, submit them within the specified time frame to avoid delays in processing your return or any potential refund.
Key Filing Dates
For the 2026 tax season:
- Auto Assessment Period: 1 to 12 July 2026
- Individual Taxpayers (Non-Provisional): 13 July to 23 October 2026
- Provisional Taxpayers and Trusts: From 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
Taxpayers who are unsure whether they need to file can use the filing status tool available on SARS e-Filing or contact SARS for assistance.
Filing on time and making sure your information is accurate will help avoid penalties and speed up the processing of any refunds due.
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