Individual Tax Season Updates 2025

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced various updates and time frames related to the 2025 tax season for individual taxpayers.

Before tax season begins, third-party data providers such as employers, medical schemes, and financial institutions play a key role by providing the documents and information required during tax season. Timely and accurate data submissions ensure that auto-assessments are correct, and make filing easier.

Employers who missed the 31 May 2025 deadline should submit their EMP501 reconciliations as soon as possible to avoid penalties and help their employees meet their filing obligations.

Key Dates

New “Express Access” Feature on eFiling

SARS has introduced a new section on the eFiling homepage (visible once you have logged in), referred to as Express Access, making it easier and quicker for individuals to find the links to:

• View and accept auto-assessments for the 2025 tax year;
• Submit both current and previous tax returns; and
• Update personal and banking details.

This feature is part of SARS’s push to modernise and simplify the filing experience, especially for those with straightforward tax affairs.

How Auto-Assessment Works

Auto-Assessments apply to taxpayers with simple tax profiles. SARS uses third-party data (from employers, banks, and medical aids) to prepopulate returns.

• Notification Period: 7 – 20 July 2025
• How You’ll Be Notified: SMS and/or email
• If You Agree:
  • No action is needed.
  • Refunds will be issued within 72 hours (if bank details are correct).
• If You Disagree:
  • Submit a full ITR12 return by 20 October 2025.

Prepare in Advance

To ensure a smooth tax season:

• Update your contact and banking information via eFiling, MobiApp, or SARS branches.
• Check that your login credentials are valid.
• Have the following documents ready:
  • IRP5/IT3(a) certificates
  • Medical aid certificates
  • Retirement annuity certificates
  • IT3(b) investment certificates
  • Section 18A donation receipts
  • Vehicle logbook (if claiming travel expenses)

If both your email and cellphone number have changed, you’ll need to book an appointment at a SARS branch to update them.

SARS Goes Fully Digital

From 31 May 2025, SARS no longer issues printed system-generated letters. All communication will be delivered via your SARS eFiling profile. This is part of their effort to improve communication efficiency and sustainability. Please also be aware of a rise in phishing scams.

SARS Will Never:

• Request your banking or credit card details via email or SMS;
• Send you .htm or .html attachments; or
• Include links that ask for login credentials.

Report suspicious messages to: [email protected].

If You’re Not Auto-Assessed

You must file your tax return manually if:

• You do not receive an auto-assessment; or
• You disagree with your auto-assessment.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for auto-assessment, or need help navigating your return, please visit the SARS website for guidance.

Staying informed and being prepared are the best ways to navigate tax season with confidence. Whether you’re accepting an auto-assessment or submitting a return manually, be sure to check your details, watch for SARS communication, and meet the relevant deadlines.

If you’re not a SimplePay member yet, but you’re interested in experiencing compliant payroll made simple, sign up for our free, 30-day trial today!

Take care,

Team SimplePay