Tax season begins next week: Here’s what you need to know

SARS announces dates for filing season, encourages taxpayers to gather documents early

June 28, 2026

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Taxpayers are being urged to start preparing for the upcoming tax season, set to begin next week.

The revenue service says it will begin conducting auto-assessments for non-provisional taxpayers from 1 to 12 July.

The season for non-provisional individuals who are not auto-assessed will begin on 13 July, with provisional taxpayers and trusts.

“A non-provisional taxpayer is typically a person who earns a regular salary or wage from an employer and whose PAYE is already deducted throughout the year.

“Usually, these taxpayers have simple tax affairs with no additional income sources, and they are either auto-assessed or submit their tax returns once during filing season every year,” said Sars.

Provisional taxpayers, however, earn income on top of a regular salary or from a different source altogether. This could be income from a business, freelance work, investments, or rental income.

These taxpayers must pay their tax in advance, usually in two or more instalments during the year, based on their estimated income.

“Make sure everything is up to date for a hassle-free filing experience. This year, we will again issue auto-assessments to taxpayers whose tax affairs are less complicated. If you are in agreement with your auto-assessment, there is no need to ‘accept’ the assessment. If a refund is due to you, it will automatically be paid into your bank account,” said Sars.

In the run-up to the filing season, taxpayers are further being warned not to fall prey to phishing scams.

“There will be many attempts from scammers to mimic what we do and try and get your personal details, or to pay money into an account,” warned the revenue service.

Know your dates:

Auto Assessments: 1 July to 12 July 2026
Non-provisional individuals: 13 July to 23 October 2026
Provisional taxpayers: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
Trusts: 19 September 2026 to 22 January 2027

Here’s what’s changed for 2026 Filing Season:

Less capturing, more prefilled data: Some of your information (like investment income) will already be filled in on your form — saving you time.
Simpler, easier-to understand questions: The form has been simplified with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording to help you complete it correctly.
Better guidance on residency status: New questions and date fields will help you provide the right information about your residency.
Easier medical aid selection: A dropdown list of approved medical aid schemes will help you choose the correct option and avoid mistakes.
Use WhatsApp for quick and easy access: You can now receive your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) if you are auto-assessed and don’t use email or eFiling. You can also get your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and Statement of Account (SOA) on WhatsApp and even upload supporting documents directly through WhatsApp.
Improved eFiling experience: The Income Tax Return (ITR12) has been updated with a new look and feel to make navigation easier. You will also find quick links to your Notice of Assessment (ITA34), and clearer messages if your return is overdue.
Fewer verification issues: A new declaration alert questionnaire will help identify and resolve issues earlier, reducing the chances of your return being selected for verification.

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