How to File Your SARS Tax Return 2026
Knowing how to file your SARS tax return matters most in July, when Filing Season opens. For 2026, SARS auto-assesses most salary earners first and then opens manual filing — and the real decision for many people is whether to simply accept the auto-assessment or edit and file their own return. This page explains when you can file, the two ways to do it, how auto-assessment works, and what happens with refunds and payments.
Last updated: July 2026 · Source: SARS (Filing Season 2026)
When You Can File
Filing Season 2026 runs in phases. SARS sends auto-assessment notices first, by SMS and email, then opens the general filing period. The window that applies to you depends on the kind of taxpayer you are:
| Who | Filing window |
|---|---|
| Auto-assessed taxpayers | 1 – 12 July 2026 (notice by SMS/email) |
| Non-provisional individuals (salary earners) | 13 July – 23 October 2026 |
| Provisional taxpayers | 13 July 2026 – 22 January 2027 |
| Trusts | 19 September 2026 – 22 January 2027 |
Two Ways to File
You file your return online, and there is no paper form for most people. You can use SARS eFiling in a web browser, or the SARS MobiApp on your phone (download it from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or the Huawei App Gallery). Both let you view your auto-assessment, edit and submit a return, upload supporting documents and check your refund. If you have never registered, you can register for eFiling first and then link your tax reference number. → Go to SARS Filing Season
Auto-Assessment: Should You Accept or Edit?
Between 1 and 12 July 2026, SARS sends most salary earners an auto-assessment built from the data it already has — your IRP5 from your employer, your medical scheme certificate, retirement annuity certificate and bank interest. Review it carefully. If you agree, you do not need to do anything: if a refund is due it is paid automatically, and if you owe, you pay by the due date.
You should edit and file your own return if the auto-assessment is missing something SARS could not know about — extra income, home-office costs, travel against a logbook, or deductions like medical expenses you paid yourself. Accepting a return that leaves out your deductions can cost you a refund; leaving out income you should have declared can cost you later. If you need to change it, submit your corrected 2026 return by your filing deadline (23 October for non-provisional individuals).
Documents You Need
Even though SARS pre-fills most of it, you should have these on hand to check the assessment or file your own return:
- Your IRP5/IT3(a) from your employer (income and PAYE).
- Your medical scheme tax certificate, and receipts for medical costs you paid yourself.
- Your retirement annuity contribution certificate.
- IT3(b) certificates for bank or investment interest.
- A logbook if you are claiming a travel allowance.
- Your banking details, so any refund can be paid.
Refunds, Payments and Disputes
If a refund of R100 or more is due, SARS pays it automatically within 72 hours, as long as your banking details are correct and there are no other issues. A refund or debt of less than R100 is rolled over to the next tax year. You can check your refund status on WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), on the SARS MobiApp, or by dialling *134*7277#.
If your assessment shows you owe SARS R100 or more, pay it by the due date — interest is charged on late payment even if the debt is not actively collected. And if you disagree with an assessment after filing, you can dispute it through eFiling. The golden rule is not to ignore the notice: check it, act before your deadline, and keep your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 filing season open?
Auto-assessments run from 1 to 12 July 2026. Manual filing for non-provisional individuals runs from 13 July to 23 October 2026; provisional taxpayers have until 22 January 2027.
Do I have to do anything if I am auto-assessed?
If you agree with the auto-assessment, no — any refund is paid automatically. If it is missing income or deductions, edit and submit your return by your filing deadline.
How do I file my return?
Online through SARS eFiling in a browser, or the SARS MobiApp on your phone. There is no paper form for most taxpayers.
When will I get my refund?
A refund of R100 or more is paid automatically within 72 hours, provided your banking details are correct and there are no other issues.
📋 Verified — Official sources: SARS (Filing Season) · SARS (how auto-assessment works) · SARS (changes for Filing Season 2026)
⚠️ This is general information, not financial, tax, or legal advice. KnowMyGovt is an independent service — not affiliated with or endorsed by SARS, the Department of Employment and Labour, the UIF, SASSA, or the South African government — and is not liable for decisions made in reliance on it.
