The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially announced the all-important dates for the 2025 tax season, urging taxpayers to prepare early and ensure their personal details are up to date.
According to SARS, the tax season for individual non-provisional taxpayers will begin on 21 July 2025 and close on 20 October 2025.
The period for provisional taxpayers and trusts will run from 21 July 2025to 19 January 2026.
In addition, auto-assessments – a process whereby SARS pre-populates tax returns for eligible taxpayers – will commence two weeks before tax season officially opens.
These will be rolled out between 7 Julyand 20 July 2025.
Here’s who doesn’t need to file a tax return
“All taxpayers who have not been processed through auto-assessments will be required to file their returns manually,” SARS said in a statement.
The revenue authority noted that some individuals may not be required to submit a return at all.
Specifically, taxpayers earning less than R500 000 per year may be exempt – provided they meet a set of specific criteria, such as receiving income from only one employer and having no additional deductions or income streams.
SARS has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that banking and contact details are correct on eFiling.
Updated details are essential for the swift processing of refunds and for security purposes.
“If you need to change your bank details, you must first check that your security contact details, including your email address and cell phone number, are up to date on eFiling,” the agency added.
Key dates
| Category | Opening date | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Assessments | 7 July 2025 | 20 July 2025 |
| Individuals (non-provisional) | 21 July 2025 | 20 October 2025 |
| Provisional Taxpayers | 21 July 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
| Trusts | 21 July 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
Taxpayers are encouraged to begin gathering supporting documents – including IRP5s, medical aid certificates, and retirement annuity records – in advance to avoid last-minute filing issues.
SARS has reiterated that if no changes have occurred in a taxpayer’s banking or security contact details, no action is needed.
Are you prepared for the 2025 tax season?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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