The SARS auto-assessment period has ended: Here’s how to file your tax return now

The auto-assessment period for South African taxpayers has come to an end, and those who still need to submit their income tax returns can now make use of the SARS MobiApp to complete the process.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) had said the auto-assessment period would run from July 1 to July 12, 2026, with taxpayers selected for auto-assessment receiving notifications to review their pre-populated tax information through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.

The revenue service confirmed that during the opening days of the filing season, around 1.9 million taxpayers were auto-assessed, with about R8 billion in tax refunds paid out within 72 hours.

Now the focus shifts to non-provisional taxpayers, who must submit their income tax returns between July 13 and October 23, 2026.

Taxpayers who were not selected for auto-assessment, or those who need to make changes to their assessment, can use SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to complete their returns.

How to file using the SARS Mobi app

• Be a registered eFiler with a valid username and password.

Logging in

1. Tap the SARS Mobi app icon on your device.
2. Tap Login, enter your username and password, then tap Login again.

Creating and completing the tax return

1. Tap Tax Returns → This opens the Form Creation Wizard.
2. Check your tax reference number and assessment year.

Completing section (Colour matters)

• Red: Incomplete – you need to fill in info.
• Blue: Complete – all required info is filled.

Steps:

• Standard Questions: Complete the dropdown to allow return creation.
• Taxpayer Information: Fill in all required fields.
• Bank Details: Tap Edit to update if needed.
• Employee Tax Certificate (IRP5):
• Match the info with your employer’s certificate.
• If the section is red, tap Refresh to update.
• Deductions: Review pre-populated medical aid details.

Tax calculations

• Tap Tax Calc to save and calculate your return.
• Review the result (whether you owe SARS or will get a refund).

Submitting or saving

• Submit: Tap Submit only when you're sure everything is accurate.
• Save: Tap Save to come back later (not submitted yet).

View assessment

• After submission, tap View Assessment to see your results.
• Tap View ITA34 PDF to download your full tax assessment.

Understanding the outcome

• Negative amount - Refund from SARS.
• Positive amount -You owe SARS.

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