SARS Refund Tracker: How to See Exactly When You’ll Get Paid

Taxpayers in South Africa can now easily track the status of their tax refunds and know exactly when payments will be made, thanks to the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) digital tools. This article explains how to use the SARS Refund Tracker and other online services to monitor your refund amount and payment date.

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Where to Check Your Refund Status

The primary platform for tracking your refund is SARS eFiling, where taxpayers can view detailed information about their tax accounts. Specifically, the Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA) displays the refund amount and the exact payment date.

• The refund amount appears under the ‘Transaction value’ column.
• The payment date is shown next to ‘Electronic refund’ on the ITSA.

This means you can see when SARS will deposit your refund directly into your bank account.

Additional SARS Digital Services

Besides eFiling, SARS offers several digital channels to check refund status and other tax-related information:

• SARS Online Query System (SOQS): Allows taxpayers to check their Auto-Assessment status and other queries.
• SARS Mobile Tax Services: Provides access via USSD, SMS, WhatsApp, and the SARS MobiApp for taxpayers with or without internet access.
• SARS WhatsApp Broadcast Channel: Offers updates and reminders directly to your mobile device.

These services provide convenient, secure, and real-time updates on your tax affairs.

RELEVANT ARTICLE: Why Your SARS Refund Is Delayed – And What You Can Do About It

Understanding Auto Assessments and Refund Notifications

From 7 to 20 July 2025, SARS is issuing Auto Assessments to taxpayers with simpler tax affairs. If you receive an Auto Assessment, SARS will notify you via SMS or email. You can then check your refund status on the SOQS dashboard under “My Auto-Assessment Status”.

If you agree with the Auto Assessment, no further action is required, and refunds less than R100 will be automatically paid within 72 hours after assessment completion.

New Features for the 2025 Tax Season

SARS has introduced several enhancements to the eFiling system for 2025, including:

• Express Access: A new, user-friendly tab on the eFiling landing page that simplifies navigation and allows quick access to refund status and other services.
• Expanded Auto-Assessment Eligibility: More taxpayers can benefit from automatic assessments, speeding up refunds.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Improved security for taxpayer data on SARS digital platforms.

These updates aim to make the tax filing and refund tracking process smoother and more secure.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

SARS warns taxpayers to be vigilant against scams, especially during the filing season. SARS will never ask for personal details via unsolicited links or messages. Always use official SARS channels to check your refund status and communicate with the agency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your SARS Refund

1. Log in to SARS eFiling: Use your credentials to access your account.
2. Navigate to the Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA): Here, you will find your refund amount and payment date.
3. Check your SMS or email: Look out for notifications from SARS about Auto Assessments or refund status.
4. Use SOQS or SARS MobiApp: For additional queries and updates.
5. Keep your banking details updated: To ensure refunds are paid promptly.

Convenient Compliance

Tracking your SARS refund has never been easier. By using eFiling and SARS’s digital services, you can see the exact refund amount and payment date, helping you plan your finances better. Stay informed, use official channels, and protect your personal information during the tax season.