SARS issues 2025 tax season update: Key dates, filing options, and what taxpayers must know

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July 11, 2025
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SARS releases 2025 tax season guide: Key dates, digital filing tools, and compliance tips for all taxpayers

As South Africa navigates the 2025 tax season, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released a detailed guide to help individuals comply with their tax obligations. The update outlines key dates, available support channels, filing requirements, and consequences for non-compliance—aimed at making the filing process clearer, faster, and more accessible.

Important Dates for the 2025 Tax Season

SARS has announced the following critical timelines:

Auto Assessment Notices: 7–20 July 2025
Non-Provisional Individual Taxpayers: 21 July – 20 October 2025
Provisional Taxpayers: 21 July 2025 – 19 January 2026
Trusts: 19 September 2025 – 19 January 2026

Taxpayers are advised to diarise these deadlines and respond accordingly to avoid penalties.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return?

Not every South African is required to file. To determine eligibility, individuals can use the “Do You Need to Submit a Return?” tool on the SARS website. However, those earning above the threshold, receiving additional income (e.g., rental or freelance work), or claiming deductions must file.

What is Auto Assessment?

SARS continues to expand its Auto Assessment system, which uses third-party data from employers, medical aids, banks, and insurers to calculate and issue assessments automatically. If you’re auto-assessed:

You will receive an SMS or email notification.
If the assessment is correct, no further action is required.
If there are discrepancies or you wish to amend it, you can do so via SARS eFiling or the MobiApp.

Go Digital: SARS eFiling and MobiApp

SARS encourages taxpayers to use its digital platforms:

eFiling: Submit returns, view notices, make payments.
MobiApp: Available via Apple App Store, Google Play, and Huawei Gallery.
If you forget your credentials, password and username recovery options are clearly provided on both platforms.

Interactive Digital Channels Available

To reduce branch visits and wait times, SARS offers multiple digital service points:

SMS (47277)
USSD (1347277#)
WhatsApp (0800 11 7277)
SARS Online Query System (SOQS)
AI Assistant “Lwazi” on eFiling and MobiApp

These tools help with tax reference number requests, document submissions, banking detail updates, and more.

Improved Security Features

SARS now offers two-factor and passwordless authentication on eFiling:

Two-Factor: Login requires username, password, and approval via push notification.
Passwordless: Login with username and push notification only.
A mobile device must be enrolled as the primary authentication tool.

How to Get or Verify Your Tax Number

You can retrieve your SARS tax number via:

SOQS on www.sars.gov.za
WhatsApp by saying “Hi” to 0800 11 7277
SMS to 47277 with your ID or Passport number
eFiling or MobiApp if already registered
Booking an appointment to visit a SARS branch
Chatbot Lwazi
1347277# USSD option
Video tutorial on SARS TV YouTube Channel

Keeping Your Details Up to Date

To update your personal details on eFiling:

Log in > Home > SARS Registered Details > Maintain Details
You can update addresses, banking info, emails, trading names, and security contacts.

If both your cell number and email have changed, call 0800 00 7277 or visit a branch.

How to Make Payments to SARS

SARS accepts payments via:

eFiling and MobiApp
Banks: Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec
EFT: Ensure correct SARS beneficiary and Payment Reference Number (PRN)

The PRN is system-generated and essential for accurate payment allocation.

Using a Tax Practitioner?

Ensure your tax practitioner is registered with both SARS and a Recognised Controlling Body. You can confirm registration on the SARS website.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to file on time or update required information may result in:

Monthly penalties ranging from R250 to R16,000, depending on income
Penalties that accumulate for each month of continued non-compliance

Scams & Fraud Prevention

SARS warns that:

It will never ask for banking or tax info via unsolicited calls, emails, or links
Always verify suspicious messages via SARS’s Scams and Phishing page

Accessing Your SARS Communications

To view SARS correspondence:

Log in to eFiling
Navigate to “Returns” > “Search Correspondence”
Look for assessments, final demands, engagement letters, and document requests

Read the comprehensive guide from SARS HERE.

What Next?

SARS’s 2025 Filing Season update emphasizes digital engagement, security, and compliance. Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of online platforms and file early to avoid penalties. Whether you’re auto-assessed or manually filing, this year’s focus is on transparency, accessibility, and responsible tax citizenship.

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