More than 1.9 million taxpayers auto-assessed by SARS
SARS has rolled out enhanced digital services for the 2026 tax filing season, with more than 1.9 million taxpayers already auto-assessed and over R8bn in refunds paid within 72 hours.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a range of enhanced digital services for the 2026 tax filing season aimed at making tax compliance simpler, faster and more secure.
In a statement, SARS said that by July 1, more than 1.9 million taxpayers had already been auto-assessed, with more than R8b in refunds paid within 72 hours.
The revenue service said the improvements form part of its commitment to improving service delivery and building a smart, modern organisation with ‘unquestionable integrity’.
ALSO READ: SARS announces phased rollout for 2026 tax filing season
SARS expects more than six million taxpayers to receive auto-assessments this year. Using information supplied by employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds and other third-party providers, tax returns can be pre-populated, reducing the amount of information taxpayers need to capture themselves.
Taxpayers selected for auto-assessment between July 1 and 12 have been advised not to visit SARS service centres unless necessary. Instead, they should wait for official communication and review their assessments through eFiling, the SARS MobiApp or other authorised digital channels.
Enhancements introduced this filing season include more accurate auto-assessments, expanded digital self-service through eFiling, the SARS MobiApp and the SARS Online Query System, enhanced security through biometric and two-factor authentication, expanded support via the Lwazi AI virtual assistant, the ability to upload supporting documents through WhatsApp, and the delivery of Notices of Assessment and Statements of Account via WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
ALSO READ: SARS urges public to ignore false claims about system breach
SARS said it has also increased capacity to manage higher volumes of taxpayers using its digital services.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the changes are intended to simplify compliance.
“Our goal is to make compliance effortless for honest taxpayers. Every enhancement introduced this filing season is designed to improve service, reduce complexity and give taxpayers greater confidence when engaging with SARS.
“We want taxpayers to spend less time dealing with administration and more time benefiting from our modern digital services.”
Makhubu also urged taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams despite the strengthened security measures.
“Taxpayers should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a refund or requests sensitive information without proper verification. Protecting personal information remains a shared responsibility between SARS and taxpayers.”
