How South Africans can check their SARS refund status easily

As the 2025 tax season continues, many South Africans are eager to know when they can expect their tax refunds. Fortunately, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made the process of checking your refund status quicker and more convenient through a variety of digital platforms.

If you’ve filed your tax return and are expecting a refund, here’s how you can easily check your refund status using any of the following channels:

1. SARS WhatsApp Service

SARS has introduced a WhatsApp service on 0800 11 7277. To use this:

• Send a simple “Hi” or “Hello” message.

• Select the option for “Refund Status.”

• You’ll be prompted to enter your ID, passport, or asylum seeker number, followed by your Tax Reference number.

• Once done, just hit “Send.”

  
  
  

This service offers a user-friendly, chat-based experience that makes tracking your refund possible within seconds.

2. SARS MobiApp

The SARS MobiApp continues to be a go-to mobile platform for tax-related services. Once logged in:

• Tap “Refund Status” from the home screen.

• Follow the prompts to enter your information.

This app is especially useful for smartphone users who want a fast and efficient method to monitor their tax return progress on the go.

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3. SARS USSD Service

For those who prefer non-internet-based services, SARS also offers a USSD option:

• Dial *134*7277# on your mobile device.

  
  
  

• Choose Option 3 for refund status.

• Enter your ID/passport/asylum seeker number, and press “Send.”

This method is ideal for users with limited data access, making tax refund checks accessible even in low-connectivity areas.

How Long Does a Refund Take?

According to the SARS Service Charter, the revenue service aims to pay nine out of every ten refunds within 72 hours—as long as the refund due is over R100. However, several conditions can delay this process:

• Your banking details must be up to date and verified.

• You should have no outstanding tax returns.

• Your return should not be flagged for verification or audit.

If any of these issues arise, your refund could take longer than the standard 72-hour window.

Double-Check Your Tax Return Status

Aside from refund status, it’s also important to track the progress of your overall tax return. You can do this by logging into your SARS eFiling profile or using the same digital channels listed above. Monitoring both your return and refund status ensures you stay on top of any outstanding actions required on your part.

SARS has significantly improved taxpayer convenience through its digital platforms. Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer basic mobile services, checking your tax refund status is now easier than ever. Just ensure your personal and banking information is correct, and respond quickly if SARS requests any additional information.

If your refund hasn’t arrived after a few days and none of the above issues apply, it may be worth reaching out directly to SARS or visiting a tax office for further assistance.

In a statement on its website, SARS wrote:

Use any of the following digital channels to check your refund status:

• SARS WhatsApp on 0800 11 7277 — just say “Hi” or “Hello” and select “Refund Status”, enter ID/passport/Asylum Seeker number provide your Tax Ref number, and hit “Send”
• SARS MobiApp – on the Home Screen, tap “Refund Status”, and follow the prompts
• SARS USSD: dial *134*7277# – Choose Option 3, enter ID/passport/Asylum Seeker number, hit “Send”

As stated in the SARS Service Charter, SARS aims to pay nine out of every ten taxpayer refunds due within 72 hours (if the refund is more than R100). The time it takes to process your refund also depends on whether your banking details are correct, and/or there are no outstanding returns, and/or you are not being audited.

You can also check your tax return status here.