SARS Tax Refund Status: How to Check It and How Long a Refund Takes
How to Check Your SARS Refund Status
| Channel | What to do |
|---|---|
| eFiling | Log in, open your income tax return and look at the Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and the Statement of Account |
| SARS MobiApp | Log in with your eFiling details and open your assessment |
| Send “Hi” to 0800 11 7277 from your registered cellphone and choose your statement or assessment | |
| Contact centre | Call 0800 00 7277 on weekdays |
New to eFiling? See how to register for SARS eFiling.
How Long Does a SARS Refund Take?
| Your situation | How long SARS says it can take |
|---|---|
| Assessment final, no checks needed | Refund paid within 72 hours |
| Your return was selected for verification | Up to 21 business days after SARS receives all supporting documents, then payment within 72 hours |
| SARS is checking your new bank details | Up to 21 business days after SARS receives all required documents, then payment within 72 hours |
| Your return is audited | Up to 90 business days after SARS receives all documents (unless SARS tells you otherwise), then payment within 72 hours |
What Can Delay Your Refund?
- Verification: SARS asks for supporting documents, such as your IRP5, medical aid certificate or retirement annuity certificate. Upload them on eFiling, the MobiApp or WhatsApp.
- New or changed bank details: SARS must verify them before it pays.
- Audit: SARS looks more closely at your return.
- Outstanding returns: If you have not submitted returns for other years, SARS will not pay the refund until you do.
- Money you owe SARS: SARS can deduct what you owe on another tax account from your refund.
Auto-Assessed? Your Refund Comes Automatically
If SARS auto-assessed you and you agree with the result, you do not need to accept anything. If a refund is due, SARS pays it into the bank account it has on record.
Tips to Get Your Refund Faster
- Make sure your banking and contact details with SARS are correct before you file.
- Check every number against your IRP5 and certificates before you submit.
- Upload supporting documents as soon as SARS asks.
- Submit all outstanding returns.
- Keep your Notice of Assessment (ITA34).
Beware of Refund Scams
SARS will never send you a link by SMS or email asking for your banking details, password or one-time PIN to “release” a refund. Only check your refund on eFiling, the MobiApp or SARS’s official WhatsApp number.
SARS Refund Questions
How do I check my SARS refund status?
On eFiling or the SARS MobiApp (Notice of Assessment and Statement of Account), or on SARS WhatsApp at 0800 11 7277.
How long does a SARS refund take?
Within 72 hours once the assessment is final. Verification can add up to 21 business days and an audit up to 90 business days after SARS has all your documents.
Why is my SARS refund delayed?
Common reasons are verification, new bank details, an audit, outstanding returns, or money you owe SARS.
Do I need to accept my auto-assessment to get my refund?
No. If you agree with it, SARS pays the refund automatically.
More SARS help: SARS contact numbers and the tax season 2026 deadline.