The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially launched its 2026 filing season, introducing a phased system designed to reduce congestion, improve service delivery and expedite tax refunds.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the new structure ensures that taxpayers are guided through the filing season in phases with clear timelines and less pressure on physical and digital service channels.
Key dates for filing season 2026
SARS will begin with an auto assessment period from July 1 to 12, targeting taxpayers with simple tax cases whose information is already available through employers and third-party data providers.
Thereafter, a comprehensive filing window for provisional and non-provisional taxpayers will open from July 13 to October 23.
Provisional taxpayers and trusts have time till January 22, 2027, to submit returns.
SARS expects to issue approximately six million auto assessments during the first phase.
What is SARS Auto Assessment?
Auto assessment is a system where SARS automatically calculates tax returns using third party data from employers, banks, medical schemes and superannuation funds.
If the information is correct, taxpayers are not required to submit returns.
Taxpayers will receive SMS or email notifications and can review their ITA34 assessment notices.
If a refund is due and the details are correct, it will be paid within 72 hours.
SARS urges taxpayers: don't rush to branches
SARS has warned taxpayers not to visit service centers during the auto assessment period unless absolutely necessary.
“If you are part of the auto-assessment group, wait for your notification,” Makhubu said.
To manage demand, SARS has introduced e-filing and a digital “waiting room” system on MobiApp to handle the high traffic volumes.
Digital-first tax filing
Taxpayers are encouraged to use the SARS digital platform, which includes:
- e-filing
- sars mobiapp
- WhatsApp Support (0800 11 7277)
- Online Query System (SOQS)
A virtual assistant, Lavazy, is also available to help answer common tax questions.
Service centers are open during normal weekday hours (08:00–16:00), but appointments are encouraged via the SARS website or the call center (0800 00 7277).
Also read: South Africa's SARS collects record R2.01 trillion tax revenue
Why might refunds be delayed?
SARS said delays in refunds are often due to legitimate verification processes, including:
- Incorrect or altered banking details
- outstanding tax returns of previous years
- Mismatch or late third-party data updates
- compliance check
Last year, SARS processed more than R35 billion of refunds during the filing season.
Third-party data is the center of the system
Employers, financial institutions, medical plans and retirement funds play an important role in prefiling tax returns.
If the data is updated after July 1, the estimates may change accordingly before final processing.
SARS demands compliance and accuracy
Commissioner Makhubu said tax compliance remains a citizen responsibility that supports public services and infrastructure.
“We urge taxpayers to be truthful in their declarations. If all details are correct, the refund will be processed within 72 hours,” he said.
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