Article re-cap
- South Africans may receive tax refunds without filing a return if selected for SARS auto-assessment, with the first assessments expected on July 1st.
- Provisional taxpayers have until January 22nd, 2027 to submit their returns based on existing data from various sources by SARS.
- Taxpayers should file their ITR12 return manually if they do not receive notification detailing whether they owe money or are due a refund by July.
- SARS will complete auto-assessments for provisional taxpayers, including those with business income or investment income, based on existing data from various sources.
- Taxpayers must ensure their banking details are correct before filing season begins in July to avoid delays.
South Africans may receive tax refunds without filing a return if selected for SARS auto-assessment, with the first auto-assessments expected on July 1st.
Many South Africans will discover whether they owe money to or are owed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) this tax season. The service is automating part of the process starting in July 2026.
Provisional taxpayers, including those with business income or investment income, have until January 22nd, 2027 to submit their returns. SARS will complete these for them based on existing data from various sources.
If taxpayers don’t receive the notification by July detailing whether they owe money or are due a refund, they must file their ITR12 return manually. The filing period extends to October 23rd, 2026 for non-provisional taxpayers.
SARS has implemented several changes this year to simplify the filing process, including pre-populated information and clearer tax-return questions.
Taxpayers should ensure their banking details are correct before filing season begins in July to avoid delays.
Frequently asked questions
When will the first auto-assessments by SARS be available?
The first auto-assessments by SARS are expected on July 1st, 2026.
Who is eligible for SARS auto-assessment and when do they need to file their returns if not notified?
Provisional taxpayers who have business income or investment income will receive notifications by July. If they don't receive a notification detailing whether they owe money or are due a refund, they must file their ITR12 return manually.
What is the deadline for provisional taxpayers to submit their returns based on existing data from SARS?
Provisional taxpayers have until January 22nd, 2027 to submit their returns based on existing data from various sources by SARS.
What banking details should taxpayers ensure are correct before filing season begins in July?
Taxpayers should ensure their banking details are correct before the filing season begins in July to avoid any delays in processing their tax returns.
When does the filing period for non-provisional taxpayers extend until, if they do not receive notification by July?
The filing period for non-provisional taxpayers extends until October 23rd, 2026 if they do not receive notification detailing whether they owe money or are due a refund by July.
What changes has SARS implemented to simplify the tax-filing process?
SARS has implemented several changes this year to simplify the filing process, including pre-populated information and clearer tax-return questions.
Source: moonstone.co.za
