The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially announced the filing dates for the 2025 tax season, with the return window opening on 21 July 2025. All individual and provisional taxpayers are encouraged to take note of the deadlines, prepare their documentation early, and ensure their personal details are up to date to avoid any delays.
Tax Season 2025 Filing Dates
Here’s a breakdown of the key SARS tax season dates for 2025:
Individual Taxpayers (Non-Provisional):
Filing opens on 21 July 2025 and closes on 20 October 2025.
Auto-Assessment Period:
Starts from 7 July 2025 to 20 July 2025.
This applies to qualifying individuals whose tax affairs are considered straightforward.
Provisional Taxpayers & Trusts:
Filing opens on 21 July 2025 and runs until 19 January 2026.
Who Needs to File?
Not all South Africans are required to file a tax return. You do not need to file if:
- You earn less than R500,000 per year
- Your income is from a single source (e.g. a salary from one employer)
- You have no other deductions or income streams
However, if you fall outside of these criteria or were not auto-assessed, you must file your return manually through SARS eFiling.
Understanding Auto-Assessments
SARS is expanding its Auto-Assessment process in 2025 to include more taxpayers. This method simplifies tax submissions by automatically generating tax returns using third-party data from:
- Employers
- Pension funds
- Medical aid schemes
- Investment administrators
Taxpayers selected for auto-assessment will receive notifications via SMS or email. If you’re satisfied with the auto-generated return, you don’t need to do anything. If you spot missing or incorrect information, you can amend and submit your return via eFiling by 20 October 2025.
Tax Refunds and Payments
Refunds: If your return results in a refund and your banking details are correct, SARS aims to process it within 72 hours.
Payments: If you owe SARS, payment can be made via your bank’s online platform using the provided SARS reference number.
Keep Your Details Up to Date
To ensure a smooth tax season:
Double-check your banking details and contact information on SARS eFiling
If you need to update your bank account, make sure your email address and mobile number are current
No action is required if your details remain unchanged
Tips to Prepare for Tax Season:
Start gathering your documents early (IRP5s, medical aid certificates, investment statements, etc.)
Check your SARS eFiling profile for any alerts or requests
Respond promptly to any communication from SARS regarding your tax return.
