SARS Sets 1 July Start Date for 2026 Tax Filing Season

SARS has urged taxpayers not to visit Service Centres during the Auto Assessment period, stressing that the process is designed to happen automatically for eligible individuals.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will officially begin the 2026 tax filing season on 1 July, with millions of taxpayers expected to receive automatic assessments before the broader filing period opens later in the month. Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the filing season will once again begin with an Auto Assessment phase aimed at taxpayers whose tax affairs are straightforward and whose information has already been submitted by employers and other third-party institutions.

Auto Assessments to Run From 1 to 12 July

The Auto Assessment period will take place from 1 July to 12 July 2026. During this time, SARS expects to issue around six million automatic assessments using information received from employers, financial institutions and other data providers. Taxpayers selected for Auto Assessment will receive a notification from SARS through SMS, email or other official communication channels. Those who are satisfied that the information reflected is accurate and complete will not need to take any further action.

According to Makhubu, refunds due to qualifying taxpayers will be paid within 72 hours, provided banking details and tax records are correct and up to date. SARS has urged taxpayers not to visit Service Centres during the Auto Assessment period, stressing that the process is designed to happen automatically for eligible individuals.

Filing Period Opens for Other Taxpayers on 13 July

The main filing season for taxpayers who are required to submit returns will run from 13 July to 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers will have a longer filing window and must submit their returns by 22 January 2027. Makhubu explained that the staggered approach helps manage demand across SARS service channels while providing greater certainty about when taxpayers need to act. He encouraged taxpayers to carry out a "health check" before filing season begins by ensuring their personal information, banking details, contact information and outstanding tax matters are up to date. Issues such as closed bank accounts, missing third-party data or outstanding returns from previous years could delay assessments and refunds.

Digital Services Expanded to Handle High Demand

SARS has strengthened its digital platforms ahead of filing season, including the introduction of a virtual waiting room on eFiling and the SARS MobiApp to manage periods of high traffic. When large numbers of users access the system at the same time, some may be temporarily placed in a secure queue to maintain system stability. The revenue service also confirmed that Contact Centres and Service Centres will operate during normal weekday hours from 08:00 to 16:00.

Taxpayers who need in-person assistance can book appointments through the SARS website, by calling 0800 00 7277 and selecting option 0, or by sending an SMS with the word "Booking" followed by an ID or passport number to 47277.

Makhubu reminded South Africans that tax compliance remains both a legal responsibility and an important contribution to funding public services and infrastructure. He also urged taxpayers to submit accurate information, noting that SARS paid more than R35 billion in refunds during the previous filing season and remains committed to making the filing process faster, easier and more convenient for compliant taxpayers.