SARS Tax Season 2026 Deadline: Last Day Is 23 October for Most Taxpayers
SARS Filing Season 2026 Dates
| Who | Filing period | Last day |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-assessed taxpayers | 1 to 12 July 2026 | Nothing to do if you agree |
| Non-provisional individuals (most salary earners) | 13 July to 23 October 2026 | Friday, 23 October 2026 |
| Provisional taxpayers | 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027 | 22 January 2027 |
| Trusts | 19 September 2026 to 22 January 2027 | 22 January 2027 |
Am I a Provisional or Non-Provisional Taxpayer?
- Non-provisional: You earn a salary or wage, your employer deducts PAYE every month, and you have no other big income. Most employed people are in this group.
- Provisional: You earn income on top of a salary, or from something else, such as a business, freelance work, investments or rent. You pay tax in advance during the year.
What If SARS Auto-Assessed Me?
SARS works out some people’s tax for them using information from employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds and insurers. This is called an auto-assessment.
- If the auto-assessment is correct, you do not need to accept it. If SARS owes you a refund, it is paid into your bank account.
- If something is wrong or missing, you can edit and file your return on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before the deadline.
How to File Before 23 October
- Log in to SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. New users first need to register for eFiling.
- Open your 2026 income tax return (ITR12). Much of it is already filled in for you.
- Check every number against your IRP5 from your employer, your medical aid certificate and your retirement annuity certificate.
- Add anything missing, then submit.
- Save your Notice of Assessment (ITA34). It shows whether you get a refund or must pay.
Do not wait until the last day. eFiling can be very busy near the deadline, and SARS sometimes lets users in only in turns.
What Is New in Filing Season 2026
SARS says the 2026 return is easier:
- More information is filled in for you, such as investment income.
- Simpler questions with fewer repeats.
- A drop-down list of medical aid schemes.
- New questions to help you answer correctly about tax residency.
- WhatsApp services: check your auto-assessment status, get your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and Statement of Account, and upload supporting documents.
What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?
If you must submit a return and you miss the deadline, SARS can charge administrative penalties for every month the return is late. Submit as soon as you can, even if you are late. If you owe SARS money, interest can also be added.
How to Check If You Must Submit a Return
Use one of SARS’s free channels with the cellphone number SARS has on record:
- USSD: dial *134*7277# free of charge.
- SMS: send an SMS to 47277.
See all SARS contact numbers for more ways to get help.
Beware of Tax Season Scams
SARS will never ask for your password, one-time PIN (OTP), banking PIN or eFiling login details by email, SMS, social media or phone. Never click links in messages that promise a refund.
SARS Tax Season Questions
When is the SARS tax deadline in 2026?
For most salary earners it is Friday, 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027.
Do I need to accept my auto-assessment?
No. If you agree with it, you do not need to do anything. If SARS owes you a refund, it is paid into your bank account.
Can I still file after 23 October?
Yes, but you may be charged penalties. File as soon as possible.
How do I know if I need to file a tax return?
Dial *134*7277# or SMS 47277 from the cellphone number SARS has on record.
What is an ITA34?
It is your Notice of Assessment. It shows the result of your tax return, including any refund or amount you owe.
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