{"id":33092,"date":"2025-10-27T14:59:58","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:59:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=33092"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:44:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:44:02","slug":"submitted-your-tax-return-to-sars-heres-what-happens-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/submitted-your-tax-return-to-sars-heres-what-happens-next\/","title":{"rendered":"Submitted Your Tax Return to SARS? Here\u2019s What Happens Next"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Every year, thousands of South Africans breathe a sigh of relief after finally submitting their tax returns to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). After weeks of gathering documents, checking receipts, and crunching numbers, hitting that \u201cSubmit\u201d button feels like the finish line. But according to financial experts, it\u2019s actually just the beginning of a smarter financial journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what really happens after you submit your tax return \u2014 and what should you be doing next? Let\u2019s unpack what comes after tax season and how you can turn compliance into opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wait-for-sars-to-process-your-return\">Wait for SARS to Process Your Return<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your return has been submitted, SARS will process it and issue a <strong>Notice of Assessment (ITA34)<\/strong> \u2014 a document showing whether you owe SARS money or are due for a refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what happens next:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Turnaround time:<\/strong> SARS usually processes returns within <strong>72 hours<\/strong>, although complex cases may take longer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Refunds:<\/strong> If you are due a refund, it can take <strong>up to 21 business days<\/strong> to reflect in your bank account once your assessment is finalised.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Verification or audit:<\/strong> Sometimes, SARS selects returns for <strong>verification or audit<\/strong>. This doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you did anything wrong \u2014 it\u2019s simply part of SARS\u2019s compliance process. If this happens, you\u2019ll need to submit supporting documents like IRP5s, medical aid certificates, or proof of deductions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Always make sure your banking details and contact information are <strong>up to date<\/strong> on your SARS eFiling profile. Incorrect details can delay your refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4078561955\" 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-your-tax-return-as-a-financial-health-check\">Use Your Tax Return as a Financial Health Check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <strong>Thinus Marais<\/strong>, financial adviser at <strong>Momentum Financial Planning<\/strong>, submitting your tax return isn\u2019t just about compliance \u2014 it\u2019s an opportunity to take a closer look at your <strong>financial health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cTax returns force us to assess our money situation, but they only provide a retrospective view. The real value lies in interpreting what those numbers mean for your future,\u201d Marais explains.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve completed your return, it\u2019s the perfect time to sit down with a financial adviser and discuss how your financial situation has changed \u2014 and what adjustments you may need to make going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-review-your-income-and-insurance-cover\">Review Your Income and Insurance Cover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did your income change over the past tax year? Maybe you got a <strong>promotion<\/strong>, started a <strong>side hustle<\/strong>, or switched jobs. These income shifts should also reflect in your <strong>insurance and protection policies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marais warns that many South Africans forget to update their life and disability cover after an income increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIf your income increased by R20,000 per month but your insurance hasn\u2019t been updated, your family could be left underinsured if something happens to you,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Your financial adviser can use your latest SARS data as <strong>proof of income<\/strong> to help adjust your cover so that it matches your <strong>current lifestyle and earnings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4241026657\" 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-reassess-your-retirement-contributions\">Reassess Your Retirement Contributions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax season often highlights whether you\u2019ve contributed enough to your <strong>retirement annuity (RA)<\/strong> or pension fund. Many taxpayers make <strong>last-minute top-ups<\/strong> to maximise their tax deductions before the deadline \u2014 but this approach isn\u2019t always strategic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marais recommends taking a long-term view:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAn adviser can help you plan contributions early in the new tax year to maximise your tax-free growth and ensure you reach the allowable deduction limit without the last-minute panic.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of forward planning helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take full advantage of SARS\u2019s <strong>retirement contribution deductions<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build wealth more efficiently through consistent, tax-efficient savings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-update-your-beneficiaries\">Update Your Beneficiaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Life changes fast \u2014 and your tax return can serve as a reminder to update important personal details. Whether you\u2019ve recently <strong>married<\/strong>, <strong>had a child<\/strong>, or <strong>bought property<\/strong>, these milestones affect your <strong>estate planning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marais warns that forgetting to update your <strong>beneficiaries<\/strong> on policies and retirement funds is a common mistake that can lead to <strong>legal complications<\/strong> later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAn outdated beneficiary nomination can delay payouts and cause unnecessary stress for your loved ones,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your life insurance, will, and retirement funds all reflect your current family situation and wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1556845857\" 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-check-your-credit-and-debt-health\">Check Your Credit and Debt Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once tax season ends, it\u2019s also a good time to take stock of your <strong>credit and debt profile<\/strong>. You can check your credit report for free once a year with major bureaus like <strong>TransUnion<\/strong>, <strong>Experian<\/strong>, or <strong>XDS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Missed or incorrect listings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High credit utilisation (using too much of your available credit)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debt that\u2019s impacting your score<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By catching issues early, you can improve your financial standing before applying for major purchases or loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-plan-for-the-new-tax-year\">Plan for the New Tax Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The new financial year is the best time to get organised \u2014 not when the next tax deadline looms. Here\u2019s how to stay ahead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keep a tax folder:<\/strong> Store all payslips, medical aid statements, and receipts in one place throughout the year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Track expenses monthly:<\/strong> Especially if you claim for work-related travel, home office deductions, or freelance income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adjust your budget:<\/strong> If your tax return shows you owed money, consider adjusting your <strong>PAYE or provisional payments<\/strong> to avoid surprises next year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review your investment portfolio:<\/strong> Use your tax summary to evaluate whether you\u2019re investing in the most tax-efficient way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3237228015\" 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-schedule-a-financial-review\">Schedule a Financial Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Marais believes that submitting your tax return should trigger a <strong>broader financial review<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cTax filing is tactical \u2014 it checks a compliance box. But financial planning is strategic. A review with your adviser turns your tax numbers into a roadmap for future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This review can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assessing your insurance coverage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviewing debt and savings goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning for major life events (like buying a house or starting a family)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aligning your financial goals with your current income and lifestyle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/sars-targets-social-media-influencers-in-tax-crackdown\/\">SARS Targets Social Media Influencers in Tax Crackdown<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Submitting your tax return to SARS might feel like the end of the process, but it\u2019s actually the start of a new financial year \u2014 and an opportunity to take control of your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of closing the SARS tab and forgetting about finances until next July, use your return as a financial mirror. It shows where you\u2019ve been, but more importantly, it helps you plan where you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the help of a qualified financial adviser, you can ensure your income, insurance, investments, and estate plan all work together \u2014 setting you up for long-term financial stability and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/10\/24\/pay-anywhere-with-bitcoin-sa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africans Can Now Pay Almost Anywhere with Bitcoin<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Submitted your tax return to SARS? Here\u2019s what happens next \u2014 from assessments and refunds to financial check-ins, insurance updates, and smart planning tips for South Africans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":33105,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Submitted your tax return to SARS? Here\u2019s what happens next \u2014 from assessments and refunds to financial check-ins, insurance updates, and smart planning tips for South Africans.","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[4953,5391],"class_list":{"0":"post-33092","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-finance","8":"tag-financial-tips","9":"tag-personal-finance"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33092","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\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33092"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33094,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33092\/revisions\/33094"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}