Tax season starts next week: Here's what you need to know

Taxpayers are being urged to start preparing for the upcoming tax season starting next week.

The Revenue Service says it will start auto-assessment for non-provisional taxpayers from July 1 to 12.

For non-provisional individuals, who are not self-assessed, the season will start on July 13, along with provisional taxpayers and trusts.

“A non-provisional taxpayer is generally a person who earns a regular salary or wages from an employer and whose salary is already deducted throughout the year.

“Typically, these taxpayers have simple tax cases with no additional income sources, and they either auto-assess or submit their tax returns once during the filing season each year,” SARS said.

However, provisional taxpayers earn income from any source other than regular salary or otherwise. This could be income from a business, freelance work, investments or rental income.

These taxpayers must pay their taxes in advance, usually in two or more installments during the year, depending on their estimated income.

“Make sure everything is up to date for a hassle-free filing experience. This year, we will again issue auto-assessments to taxpayers whose tax cases are less complex. If you agree to your auto-assessment, there is no need to 'accept' the assessment. If you are owed a refund, it will be automatically paid into your bank account,” SARS said.

Ahead of filing season, taxpayers are being warned not to fall victim to phishing scams.

“There will be many attempts by scammers to copy what we do and get your personal details or pay money into an account,” the Revenue Service warned.

Know your dates:

• Auto Assessment: 1st July to 12th July 2026
• Non-Provisional Individuals: 13 July to 23 October 2026
• Provisional Taxpayers: July 13, 2026 to January 22, 2027
• Trust: 19 September 2026 to 22 January 2027

Here's what's changed for the 2026 filing season:

• Less capturing, more prefilled data: Some of your information (like investment income) will already be filled into your form – saving you time.
• Simple, easy-to-understand questions: The form has been simplified with less repetitive questions and clear wording to help you complete it correctly.
• Better guidance on residence status: New question and date fields will help you provide accurate information about your residence.
• Easy Medical Aid Selection: A dropdown list of approved medical aid plans will help you make the right choice and avoid mistakes.
• Use WhatsApp for quick and easy access: If you are self-assessed and do not use email or e-filing, you can now get your assessment notice (ITA34). You can also receive your Assessment Notice (ITA34) and Statement of Account (SOA) on WhatsApp and even upload supporting documents directly through WhatsApp.
• Improved e-filing experience: Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been updated with a new look and feel to ease navigation. You'll also get quick links to your assessment notices (ITA34), and clear messages if your return is overdue.
• Fewer verification issues: A new declaration alert questionnaire will help identify and resolve issues earlier, reducing the chances of your return being selected for verification.

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