The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially announced the income tax return filing dates for the 2025 season. With improved digital tools and a continued focus on the auto-assessment feature, taxpayers are being promised a simpler, faster, and more efficient filing experience.
According to SARS, the tax season will kick off with automatic assessments for selected individuals, followed by traditional filing windows for other taxpayers. This structured timeline is designed to streamline operations and reduce in-person visits.
SARS Filing Season 2025: Key Dates You Must Know
The auto-assessment period begins from 7 to 20 July 2025. During this time, taxpayers with straightforward tax affairs will receive automatic assessments. SARS will notify these individuals via SMS or email.
If you’re satisfied with your assessment, there is no further action required. Refunds—if applicable—will be processed directly into your bank account within 72 hours. However, if you disagree or notice discrepancies, you must amend the return before the deadline.
For non-auto-assessed individuals, the filing season runs from 21 July to 20 October 2025. These taxpayers must manually file their returns using SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
Provisional taxpayers have until 19 January 2026 to file their returns, providing extra time due to the more complex nature of their submissions.
How Auto-Assessments Work
To access your auto-assessment, simply log into your eFiling profile or use the SARS MobiApp. Review the return carefully to verify all information. If you owe SARS, make sure to settle the amount before the due date to avoid penalties.
SARS urges users to keep their contact details up to date to ensure they receive timely communication. Taxpayers are reminded that no action is needed if they agree with the auto-assessment and a refund will be processed automatically.
Important Filing Tips from SARS
SARS advises taxpayers to be vigilant about potential scams. Fraudulent emails and SMS messages are on the rise, and users should report any suspicious activity to phishing@sars.gov.za.
Use SARS eFiling or MobiApp for all tax submissions, appointment bookings, or filing queries. This digital approach helps save time and prevents unnecessary branch visits.
Taxpayers can also watch SARS tutorial videos on YouTube for guidance and use the online tool “Do you need to submit a return?” to check filing obligations.
For those needing face-to-face support, SARS mobile tax units and pop-up branches will be available in selected areas.
With these new dates and tools, SARS is working toward a more automated and user-friendly system. Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and file early to avoid last-minute issues.
Stay informed. Stay alert. File on time.