{"id":15067,"date":"2025-07-10T08:01:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T06:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=15067"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:17:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:17:42","slug":"pitfalls-to-avoid-during-tax-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/pitfalls-to-avoid-during-tax-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Pitfalls to Avoid During the SARS 2025 Tax Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Don\u2019t Let Tax Season Trip You Up \u2014 Learn the Most Frequent SARS Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in 2025<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s that time of year again \u2014 when the words \u201ctax season\u201d stir dread in the hearts of many South Africans. But while submitting your SARS return<\/a> can feel overwhelming, it doesn\u2019t have to be a financial horror story. With the 2025 tax season already underway, understanding common pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking You\u2019re Off the Hook \u2014 When You\u2019re Not<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is assuming they don\u2019t need to file.<\/strong> Johan Werth, franchise principal and financial adviser at Consult by Momentum, categorises taxpayers into three groups: the Proactive (who get it done fast), the Procrastinator (who delays until the last minute), and the Panicker (who freezes and hopes it\u2019ll magically disappear).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the truth: you might still need to file a return even if you earn under R500,000 annually.<\/strong> It all depends on your income sources and eligibility for deductions. SARS may auto-assess you \u2014 but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key red flags that mean you should file:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • You earned more than R95,750<\/strong> (under age 65) during the 2024\/2025 tax year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You received dividends, foreign income<\/strong>, or capital gains<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You have multiple income streams<\/strong> (e.g. salary + side hustle or rental income).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You want to claim deductions<\/strong> for things like medical aid, retirement annuities, or business travel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • You’re a provisional taxpayer<\/strong> (typically freelancers or sole proprietors not on PAYE).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If any of the above apply, don\u2019t rely on the auto-assessment<\/strong>\u2014log into eFiling or consult a registered tax practitioner to double-check your obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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