Tax Season 2025 Now Open: SARS Pays R10bn in Refunds After Auto-Assessments

Over R10 billion already paid out — here’s what South African taxpayers need to know for 2025 tax season.

Tax Season 2025 Kicks Off With Over R10 Billion Refunded

Tax season 2025 has officially opened in South Africa, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) already refunding more than R10.6 billion to taxpayers following auto-assessments. This impressive figure reflects SARS’s continued efforts to simplify the tax process through automation and digital tools.

The filing period runs until 20 October 2025 for non-provisional taxpayers and 19 January 2026 for provisional taxpayers. If you haven’t yet received an auto-assessment or need to make changes, now is the time to log into eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.

Auto-Assessment Success: Millions Already Processed

SARS revealed that 5.8 million taxpayers were automatically assessed this year, up from 5 million in 2024. Using third-party data from employers, medical schemes, banks, and investment houses, SARS generates these assessments without requiring any user input—unless changes are needed.

The goal is to “make tax just happen,” said SARS, and it’s clearly working. Most refunds are processed within 72 hours, streamlining what was once a stressful annual chore.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return in 2025?

While auto-assessments cover many salaried employees, others still need to file manually. You must file a return if:

• You earn more than R95,750 annually (if under 65)
• You have multiple income sources like rent or side gigs
• You receive foreign income or dividends
• You want to claim deductions like medical expenses or retirement annuities
• You’re a provisional taxpayer, such as freelancers and small business owners

Refunds Over R100 Paid Within 72 Hours

Once your assessment is complete and you’re due a refund of more than R100, expect it in your bank account within three days. Many users have reported receiving money even faster. If there are no outstanding queries or data issues, SARS can issue the outcome in under five seconds for eFilers.

This efficiency has been applauded by financial commentators and tax consultants alike.

Didn’t Get Auto-Assessed? Here’s What to Do

If you weren’t auto-assessed by 20 July, you’ll need to file your return manually. Log into SARS eFiling or use the SARS MobiApp. Be sure to double-check all income sources, deductions, and bank details to avoid delays.

You’ll also need to upload supporting documents if SARS does not already have that information from third-party providers.

Check out Gauteng News’ latest coverage on digital government rollouts

Use Digital Platforms, Avoid Long Queues

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter is urging taxpayers to embrace digital filing to avoid long queues at SARS branches. “Our enhanced platforms are saving time and effort,” he said, noting that most services can now be done remotely.

The eFiling system and MobiApp have been refined for speed, clarity, and mobile responsiveness.

Find tips on digital government service usage.

Beware of Tax Scams During Filing Season

Tax season is prime time for fraudsters. SARS warns taxpayers never to click links in suspicious emails or messages, and to avoid sharing eFiling login details.

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from SARS, forward it to [email protected].

You can find up-to-date scam warnings and cyber safety guidelines at www.sars.gov.za

How to Check Your Refund Status

To see if SARS owes you money, log into your eFiling account and view your Notice of Assessment (ITA34). If your refund is approved, it will reflect in your account summary with a payout timeline.

Don’t forget: only refunds above R100 are processed. Smaller balances roll over or are adjusted against future tax.

View refund tracking guide on SARS

Making Payment Arrangements If You Owe SARS

Not everyone gets a refund. If you find you owe SARS, settle it as soon as possible to avoid interest or penalties. SARS allows flexible payment arrangements through eFiling, so you can break the payment into manageable chunks.

Even if you can’t pay everything at once, don’t delay—start a conversation with SARS to avoid enforcement actions.

Need help budgeting? Check out CoMoney’s money management guides

Final Thoughts: Act Now, Avoid the Rush

Don’t leave your tax filing to the last minute. Even if you were auto-assessed, take a few minutes to confirm the information is correct—especially if you changed jobs, earned extra income, or want to claim deductions.

Tax season may seem daunting, but with SARS’s digital upgrades and a record-breaking R10.6 billion already refunded, the process has never been smoother.