{"id":17746,"date":"2025-07-25T05:05:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T03:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=17746"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:11:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:11:15","slug":"tax-season-2025-now-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/tax-season-2025-now-open\/","title":{"rendered":"Tax Season 2025 Now Open: SARS Pays R10bn in Refunds After Auto-Assessments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-over-r10-billion-already-paid-out-here-s-what-south-african-taxpayers-need-to-know-for-2025-tax-season\"><em>Over R10 billion already paid out \u2014 here\u2019s what South African taxpayers need to know for 2025 tax season.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tax-season-2025-kicks-off-with-over-r10-billion-refunded\">Tax Season 2025 Kicks Off With Over R10 Billion Refunded<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s continued efforts to simplify the tax process through automation and digital tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The filing period runs until 20 October 2025 for non-provisional taxpayers and 19 January 2026 for provisional taxpayers. If you haven\u2019t yet received an auto-assessment or need to make changes, now is the time to log into eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-34974893\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-auto-assessment-success-millions-already-processed\">Auto-Assessment Success: Millions Already Processed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SARS revealed that <strong>5.8 million taxpayers<\/strong> 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\u2014unless changes are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to \u201cmake tax just happen,\u201d said SARS, and it\u2019s clearly working. Most refunds are processed within <strong>72 hours<\/strong>, streamlining what was once a stressful annual chore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-needs-to-file-a-tax-return-in-2025\">Who Needs to File a Tax Return in 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While auto-assessments cover many salaried employees, others still need to file manually. You must file a return if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You earn more than <strong>R95,750<\/strong> annually (if under 65)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have <strong>multiple income sources<\/strong> like rent or side gigs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You receive <strong>foreign income or dividends<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to claim <strong>deductions<\/strong> like medical expenses or retirement annuities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You&#8217;re a <strong>provisional taxpayer<\/strong>, such as freelancers and small business owners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4020534973\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-refunds-over-r100-paid-within-72-hours\">Refunds Over R100 Paid Within 72 Hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your assessment is complete and you\u2019re 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 <strong>five seconds<\/strong> for eFilers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This efficiency has been applauded by financial commentators and tax consultants alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-didn-t-get-auto-assessed-here-s-what-to-do\">Didn\u2019t Get Auto-Assessed? Here&#8217;s What to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you weren\u2019t auto-assessed by 20 July, you\u2019ll need to file your return manually. Log into <a>SARS eFiling<\/a> or use the SARS MobiApp. Be sure to double-check all income sources, deductions, and bank details to avoid delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to upload supporting documents if SARS does not already have that information from third-party providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/07\/17\/get-your-id-delivered-to-your-door\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out Gauteng News\u2019 latest coverage on digital government rollouts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2745377259\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-digital-platforms-avoid-long-queues\">Use Digital Platforms, Avoid Long Queues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter is urging taxpayers to embrace digital filing to avoid long queues at SARS branches. \u201cOur enhanced platforms are saving time and effort,\u201d he said, noting that most services can now be done remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The eFiling system and MobiApp have been refined for speed, clarity, and mobile responsiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/e-permit-application-gauteng-2025\/\">Find tips on digital government service usage<\/a><a>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beware-of-tax-scams-during-filing-season\">Beware of Tax Scams During Filing Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax season is prime time for fraudsters. SARS warns taxpayers <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">never to click links in suspicious emails or messages<\/span>, and to avoid sharing eFiling login details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from SARS, forward it to <a>phishing@sars.gov.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find up-to-date scam warnings and cyber safety guidelines at <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.sars.gov.za<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3298034527\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-check-your-refund-status\">How to Check Your Refund Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget: only refunds above <strong>R100<\/strong> are processed. Smaller balances roll over or are adjusted against future tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/06\/05\/sars-announces-2025-tax-season-dates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View refund tracking guide on SARS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-payment-arrangements-if-you-owe-sars\">Making Payment Arrangements If You Owe SARS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>payment arrangements<\/strong> through eFiling, so you can break the payment into manageable chunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you can\u2019t pay everything at once, don\u2019t delay\u2014start a conversation with SARS to avoid enforcement actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/comoney.co.za\/savings-month-how-to-save-like-a-millionaire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Need help budgeting? Check out CoMoney\u2019s money management guides<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3377581817\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-act-now-avoid-the-rush\">Final Thoughts: Act Now, Avoid the Rush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t leave your tax filing to the last minute. Even if you were auto-assessed, take a few minutes to confirm the information is correct\u2014especially if you changed jobs, earned extra income, or want to claim deductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax season may seem daunting, but with SARS\u2019s digital upgrades and a record-breaking R10.6 billion already refunded, the process has never been smoother.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tax Season 2025 is now open and SARS has already refunded R10 billion after auto-assessments. Learn who must file, how to check your refund status, key deadlines, and avoid scams.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":18190,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Tax Season 2025 is now open and SARS has already refunded R10 billion after auto-assessments. Learn who must file, how to check your refund status, key deadlines, and avoid scams.","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[7937,4884,6777],"class_list":{"0":"post-17746","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-finance","8":"tag-sars-auto-assessment-2025","9":"tag-sars-tax-deadlines","10":"tag-tax-refund-south-africa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17746","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17746"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17746\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18191,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17746\/revisions\/18191"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}