Tax season is finally here, and as usual, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) will issue auto-assessments for some taxpayers. What does this mean, and what steps can one take after the auto-assessment?
An auto-assessment, which is part of SARS’ commitment to make the fulfilment of one’s tax obligation as seamless as possible, is based on the data SARS receives from employers, financial institutions, medical schemes, retirement fund administrators, and other third-party data providers.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RECEIVE AN AUTO-ASSESSMENT FROM SARS
If you agree with your auto-assessment, there is nothing further to be done. Should you not agree with the auto-assessment, you can complete and file your tax return by visiting eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
It’s important to note that auto-assessments start from 7 – 20 July 2025 while filing season opens for non-provisional taxpayers who were not auto-assessed will start from 21 July – 20 October 2025. Lastly, the tax season for provisional taxpayers will start from 21 July – 19 January 2026.
SARS ANSWERS SOME OF THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers during tax season:
| Question | Answer |
| How does Auto Assessment work? | SARS receives data from employers, medical schemes, banks, retirement funds, and other third parties. We then use such data to populate your income tax return and calculate your income tax assessment. If we are satisfied that the data and tax calculation is correct, we issue the assessment to you through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. At the same time, we also send you a message to your preferred channel of communication (such as SMS or email) to let you know that your assessment on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp is ready for you to review. This process is referred to as Auto Assessment. |
| How do I know that the pre-populated data on my income tax return is correct? | To view your data in detail:· Log in to eFiling.· Select the “Third Party Data Certificate” search button on the menu bar.· Select the certificate type.· Submit or search any certificate that you want to verify.If there is an error in your data or the data is incomplete:· Ask the institution (such as your employer, bank, medical scheme or retirement fund) to correct the information it gave to SARS.· When you receive confirmation from the third party that your data was corrected and filed with SARS, access your income tax return again on eFiling or MobiApp.· Check that the data has been updated and file your income tax return on eFiling or SARS MobiApp. |
| Can I change any of the third-party data populated on my Auto Assessment (for example, medical-aid information)? | No, the data that SARS used to populate your income tax return is the same data provided to you by your service provider (e.g. employer, bank, medical scheme or retirement fund). To correct any information, you must ask the service provider to correct and give the right information to SARS. |
| What if I do not agree with my income tax assessment? | · You can change your <CCYY> Income Tax Return and submit it on or before 20 October 2025. · You can submit your return on SARS eFiling (https://secure.sarsefiling.co.za) or the SARS MobiApp. · For help with your return, go to https://www.sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-send-sars-my-return. |
| How will I know if I have been Auto Assessed? | From 1 July 2025, access the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) from the SARS website and click on “My Auto Assessment Status”. |
| What if a refund is due to me? | 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. You can find out your refund status on WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), SARS MobiApp, or by dialling *134*7277#. |
| What if my assessment shows that I owe SARS | Debt of R100 or more must be paid by the due date. If the Debt is less than R100 you can choose whether to pay it now or let it be carried over to the next tax year. Remember, interest is payable on any debt, whether less than R100, or R100 or more. Interest is charged on the bottom-line balance of the assessed account (it is a consolidated account). Even if the debt is not followed up by debt collection, interest will still be charged. |
| Why am I not Auto Assessed? | You will not receive an Auto Assessment if your personal information is incomplete (you can update your details on eFiling). You will also not be Auto Assessed if you received income other than employment and investment income, e.g. rental income. |
HAVE YOU RECEIVED AN AUTO-ASSESSMENT FROM SARS FOR THE 2025 TAX SEASON?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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