Changes to the SARS tax season: What South African taxpayers need to know for 2026

South African taxpayers can expect a slightly different filing experience in 2026, as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a series of system updates aimed at making tax season more automated and less time-consuming.

IOL previously reported that the revenue service has now confirmed the key dates for the 2026 filing season, which will once again be structured in phases depending on taxpayer categories.

Auto-assessments will run from 1 to 12 July 2026, followed by the main filing period for non-provisional taxpayers from 13 July to 23 October 2026.

Provisional taxpayers, along with trusts, will have an extended deadline running from 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027, giving them additional time to finalise more complex tax affairs.

The revenue service has stressed that it has also introduced changes to its digital filing systems aimed at improving accuracy and reducing the time it takes taxpayers to complete their returns, including:

Changes for 2026 filing season

Here’s what’s changed:

• Less capturing, more prefilled data: Some of your information (like investment income) will already be filled in on your form — saving you time.
• Simpler, easier-to understand questions: The form has been simplified with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording to help you complete it correctly.
• Better guidance on residency status: New questions and date fields will help you provide the right information about your residency.
• Easier medical aid selection: A dropdown list of approved medical aid schemes will help you choose the correct option and avoid mistakes.
• Use WhatsApp for quick and easy access: You can now receive your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) if you are auto-assessed and don’t use email or eFiling. You can also get your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and Statement of Account (SOA) on WhatsApp and even upload supporting documents directly through WhatsApp.
• Improved eFiling experience: The Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been updated with a new look and feel to make navigation easier. You will also find quick links to your Notice of Assessment (ITA34), and clearer messages if your return is overdue.
• Fewer verification issues: A new declaration alert questionnaire will help identify and resolve issues earlier, reducing the chances of your return being selected for verification

The revenue service has also urged taxpayers to ensure their personal and banking details are up to date ahead of the filing season.

"This year, we will again issue auto-assessments to taxpayers whose tax affairs are less complicated. If you are in agreement with your auto-assessment, then there is no need to ‘accept’ the assessment. If a refund is due to you, it will automatically be paid into your bank account," the revenue service said.

"When we start issuing the auto-assessments, you will be able to check your auto-assessment status here but wait for the SMS/email notice before you log in to eFiling or MobiApp,".

Auto assessments — What you need to know

What Is an Auto Assessment? 

An Auto Assessment is when SARS works out your tax return for you using information already received from: 

• Your employer 
• Banks 
• Medical schemes 
• Retirement funds 
• Insurers 

What to do if you are Auto-assessed 

Step 1: Review your assessment 

Log in to: 

• SARS eFiling, or 
• SARS MobiApp 

How will you be notified? 

Taxpayers selected for auto-assessment will be notified by the SARS via SMS or email between 1 and  July 12 2026.

The communication will confirm the outcome of the assessment, indicating whether the taxpayer is due a refund or has an amount payable to SARS.

If you are not auto-assessed

Taxpayers who do not receive a notification by July 12 2026 will not be included in the auto-assessment system and will be required to file a return manually. Filing will open on 13 July 2026.

Affected taxpayers must complete and submit their Personal Income Tax Return (ITR12) using either the SARS eFiling platform or the SARS MobiApp, and ensure that their submission is made within the applicable filing season deadlines.

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