Understanding South Africa's 2025 tax season: key filing dates and tips
Your complete guide to filing your tax and all your related questions answered!
Image: Pixabay
Tax season is officially in full swing. While some have already been selected for auto assessment, others will have to wait a little longer.
IOL has put together a guide to help you and answer any questions you may have.
This year’s tax filing season officially kicked off in July, with auto assessments running from 7 – 20 July.
For non-provisional taxpayers who were not auto-assessed, they will be able to submit and file their income tax returns between 21 July – 20 October 2025.
Read more here - Brace yourselves, SARS is sliding into your inbox – Tax season starts now!
How to file your tax return
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) explained that taxpayers are required to submit a tax return so that SARS can calculate their tax liability based on the income they declare and the tax-deductible expenses they have incurred for a year of assessment.
SARS added that in some cases, after completing the assessment, a refund may be due to the taxpayer. SARS has also simplified its processes.
Read more here - Tax Season | How to effortlessly file your SARS return in 20 minutes
What if I earn under R500,000?
If you earn under R500,000 annually, the good news is you may not need to file one at all.
That said, it’s not as simple as “under R500K = no tax return”. It depends on a few key factors.
Here’s a clear breakdown based on the latest guidance from SARS, so you can avoid unnecessary admin or worse, penalties.
Read more here - Tax Season | Do you need to file a tax return in South Africa if you earn less than R500,000?
If you qualify for exemption but submit a tax return anyway and make an error, you could delay any possible refunds or even receive penalties for incorrect filing.
Image: Motshwari Mofokeng, Independent Newspapers.
What if I don't file?
SARS explained that taxpayers who do not receive notifications from SARS that they are automatically assessed are encouraged to submit their tax returns in a timely and accurate manner from July 21.
Failing to file, even when no tax is owed, can lead to administrative penalties of up to R250 to R16,000 per month for each return outstanding.
"In more severe cases, persistent non-compliance may result in criminal charges, including prosecution for tax evasion. Importantly, SARS uses advanced data-matching systems and international reporting standards to detect undeclared income, so assuming you're not "under the Radar" is a risky gamble," Tax Consulting South Africa said.
Read more here - Tax Season | The real price of not filing your tax return in South Africa
Watch out for scams
SARS has warned of scams during the filing season.
"The taxpayers in the auto assessment category do not have to do anything if they are satisfied with the calculation on their tax returns.
"If the taxpayer thinks that SARS has not captured all the necessary information, they are free to make changes on their tax returns and submit the missing information through eFiling by October 20," the revenue said.
Read more here - If you get scammed we can't give you back your money, SARS tells taxpayers
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