The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that the 2026 tax filing season will begin on July 1 with a phased auto-assessment period designed to simplify tax submissions for eligible taxpayers.

The auto-assessment phase will run from July 1 to 12 and apply to taxpayers with less complex tax affairs whose information has already been submitted by employers and other third-party data providers.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the filing season would follow a structured approach rather than opening to all taxpayers simultaneously.

“While today’s launch marks the continuation of the filing season communication campaign, filing season does not open to everyone at the same time.”

The general filing period will run from July 13 to October 23, while provisional taxpayers will have until January 22, 2027, to submit their returns.

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Makhubu said SARS expects to issue about six million auto-assessments this year and urged taxpayers not to visit SARS service centres during the auto-assessment period.

He encouraged taxpayers to conduct a pre-filing “health check” by ensuring their personal details, banking information and tax records are accurate and up to date.

“By resolving these matters early through SARS’s digital channels, taxpayers place themselves in the best position for a seamless filing season experience.”

Taxpayers selected for auto-assessment are advised to wait for official notification before taking any action. If the information used by SARS is complete and accurate, no further action is required.

“If they are satisfied that the information reflected is complete and correct, they do not need to do anything – tax just happens for them.”

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Makhubu added that any refunds due would be paid within 72 hours, provided all information is correct.

SARS has also strengthened its digital infrastructure, including a virtual waiting room on eFiling and the SARS MobiApp, to manage high traffic volumes during peak periods.

Service and contact centres will remain open on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00, although taxpayers are encouraged to use digital channels where possible.

Those needing to visit a branch can book an appointment through the SARS website, by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0, or by sending an SMS with the word “Booking” and their ID or passport number to 47277.

Makhubu reiterated that tax compliance is both a legal obligation and a civic responsibility that helps fund public services and infrastructure.