JUNE 2026 – SOUTH AFRICA
SARS FILING SEASON 2026
It is important that employers note the following:
SARS filing season 2026: Key dates and system enhancements
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the official commencement timelines and enhancements for the 2026 filing season, with important implications for employers and employees.
Key filing season dates:
SARS has introduced several system and process improvements aimed at simplifying the filing experience and improving accuracy:
- Increased pre-populated data:
- More third-party data (including investment income) will be prefilled on tax returns, reducing the need for manual capturing.
- Simplified ITR12 return:
- The return has been updated with clearer wording and fewer repetitive questions, making completion easier.
- Enhanced tax residency information:
- New questions and date fields have been added to improve the accuracy of residency status reporting.
- Improved medical aid capture:
- A predefined dropdown list of approved medical schemes will help minimise errors.
- Expanded WhatsApp functionality:
- Taxpayers can now:
- Receive Notices of Assessment (ITA34) via WhatsApp (for auto assessments where email/eFiling is not used)
- Access their ITA34 and Statement of Account (SOA)
- Upload supporting documents directly through WhatsApp
- Taxpayers can now:
- Enhanced eFiling experience:
- The updated platform provides improved navigation, quick access to tax documents and clearer alerts for outstanding returns.
- Reduced verification delays:
- A new declaration questionnaire will assist in identifying potential issues earlier, reducing the likelihood of verification.
Employers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth filing season:
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of IRP5/IT3(a) certificates and EMP501 reconciliations
- Confirm that employee personal and banking details are up to date
- Communicate filing deadlines and SARS updates to employees
- Encourage employees to review auto assessments carefully before accepting
SARS continues to enhance its systems to create a more automated and efficient filing process. Accurate payroll reporting remains essential to avoid delays, queries and potential penalties. Taxpayers are advised to monitor the SARS Filing Season webpage for further updates.
