Many South Africans have started receiving auto assessments from the South African Revenue Service (SARS)
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Many South Africans have started receiving auto assessments from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as the 2026 filing season gets underway, with taxpayers now being urged to check their notices carefully before taking any action.
IOL previously reported that the revenue service expects to auto-assess about six million taxpayers during filing season 2026.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the revenue service has also expanded its auto-assessment programme and will include an additional 200,000 provisional taxpayers with relatively simple tax affairs.
Auto assessments are part of SARS’ effort to simplify tax compliance by using data already submitted by employers, banks, medical schemes and retirement fund administrators to pre-populate income tax returns.
The revenue service said that taxpayers who have received an auto assessment must review it carefully before accepting it. If the assessment is correct, no further action is required.
However, if there are discrepancies such as missing income, incorrect deductions or additional earnings not reflected in the system, taxpayers are required to make changes and submit an updated return through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before the deadline.
"If you receive a notice of assessment, review it carefully. If it's correct, you're DONE. If changes are required, submit your return via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp," the revenue service said.
IOL previously reported that the revenue service has said that taxpayers due for refunds during this year’s filing season can expect quicker payments, with eligible refunds of R100 or more being processed automatically within around 72 hours once an assessment is completed.
"Refunds of R100 or more will be paid automatically within 72 hours. Refunds of less than R100 will be added to your account and paid out when your account balance exceeds R100," SARS said.
The revenue service added that taxpayers can also check their refund status and account details through SARS digital platforms, including eFiling and the SARS MobiApp, as the filing season gets underway.
"You can find out your refund status on WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), SARS MobiApp, or by dialling *134*7277#," SARS said.
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