What Documents You Need Before Submitting Your Tax Return (Checklist)

Submitting your tax return accurately and on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure you receive any refunds due. To make the process smooth, it is essential to gather all necessary documents before filing. This checklist outlines the key documents South African taxpayers should prepare for the 2025 tax season.

RELEVANT ARTICLE: How to Submit Supporting Documents to SARS

Essential Documents for Your Tax Return

1. IRP5/IT3(a) Certificates

These are your employee tax certificates provided by your employer, detailing your earnings and deductions for the tax year. If you have multiple employers, collect IRP5s from each.

2. Certificates for Local and Foreign Interest Income

Include certificates showing interest earned from banks or financial institutions, both local and foreign, as well as any foreign dividend income.

3. Medical Scheme Certificates and Medical Expenses

Obtain your medical scheme tax certificate covering contributions between 1 March 2024 and 28 February 2025. Also, gather proof of any qualifying medical expenses you paid out of pocket that were not reimbursed.

If claiming disability-related deductions, submit the completed ITR-DD Confirmation of Diagnosis of Disability form.

5. Retirement Annuity Contribution Certificates

Collect certificates from financial institutions showing contributions made to retirement annuity funds during the tax year.

6. Travel Allowance and Fringe Benefit Documentation

If you received a travel allowance or employer-provided vehicle, prepare a detailed logbook documenting business travel to claim deductions.

7. Capital Gains Information

Provide details of any capital gains or losses from the sale of assets, including properties or shares, both local and foreign.

If applicable, include receipts and logbooks related to commission income and business travel.

9. Rental Income and Expenses

Gather documentation of rental income received and related expenses if you own rental property.

10. Other Income and Deduction Documents

Include any other relevant documents related to income or deductible expenses, such as donation certificates from registered charities.

Additional Documents to Consider

Bank statements and investment statements
Loan agreements
Financial statements for trading or farming activities
Proof of UIF or pension payouts
Utility accounts or municipal bills (if required for certain claims)

Important Filing Dates for 2025 Tax Season

Auto-assessed individuals: 7 – 20 July 2025
Non-provisional taxpayers (manual filing): 21 July – 20 October 2025
Provisional taxpayers and trusts: 21 July 2025 – 19 January 2026

Tips for a Smooth Filing Process

Check your emails and physical mail for all certificates and statements.
Use SARS’s new Express Access feature on eFiling for faster navigation and submission.
Ensure all documents are current and valid, especially utility and financial statements.
If you have assets exceeding R50 million, prepare a detailed statement of assets and liabilities.
Non-residents earning South African income or disposing of South African assets must also file returns.

Convenient Compliance

Preparing your tax return requires careful collection of all relevant documents. Having these ready before you start filing will help avoid delays, penalties, and errors. Always verify that your certificates and supporting documents are accurate and complete. For complex cases, consider consulting a tax professional.

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