SARS Auto-assessment | In Other News

What's New For Filing Season 2025

As South Africa enters the 2025 tax season, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced significant enhancements to its Auto-Assessment service. Designed to make tax compliance seamless, these changes bring broader taxpayer inclusion, tighter data integration, and faster refund processing.

From 7 to 20 July 2025, SARS issued Auto-Assessments to eligible individuals, including certain provisional taxpayers who opt in and those who made retirement fund “two-pot” withdrawals, even if they otherwise wouldn’t have qualified. This year’s Auto-Assessment cohort is therefore larger and more inclusive. Taxpayers will receive their Auto-Assessment notifications via SMS or email, and can then review the assessment on eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or through the Online Query System (SOQS) dashboard.

Record Uptake and Fast Refunds

In 2025, 5.8 million taxpayers received AutoAssessments - up from 5 million in 2024 - with 99.6% accepting the assessment without changes. SARS has already disbursed over R10.6 billion in refunds within 72 hours of assessment completion.

For those who agree with their assessment, no return filing is required. If discrepancies exist, such as unreported rental income or medical deductions, taxpayers can manually file an ITR12 return before the deadline.

More than 10.2 million unique users have logged in since 4 July via SARS’s digital platforms: SOQS, WhatsApp (707,000 interactions), Lwazi Chat Bot (290,000), and other AI services (1.1 million).

SARS has strengthened security by enforcing twofactor authentication, requiring users to verify contact details before proceeding. Express access tabs on eFiling streamline key functions such as viewing assessments and updating banking details.

The non-provisional filing window opened on 21 July 2025 and closes 20 October 2025. Provisional taxpayers and trusts must file by 19 January 2026. Auto-assessed individuals who wish to amend their return must also file by 20 October.

These Changes Bring A Number of Benefits:

• Eased administrative burden: By automating the assessment process, SARS reduces the need for taxpayers to visit SARS branches, queue for support, or complete lengthy forms. Service centres can instead focus on complex cases and verification needs.

• Faster refunds, improved cash flow: Refunds exceeding R100 are paid within 72 hours, improving household financial resilience. Debts under R100 are rolled forward to the next tax year.

• Inclusivity and accuracy: Expanding the AutoAssessment pool to include eligible provisional taxpayers and retirement fund withdrawers ensures fairer and efficient tax treatment.

• Data-driven and secure: SARS leverages machine learning and AI to flag fraudulent or suspicious returns, ensuring high accuracy in automated assessments. Two-factor authentication and system enhancements also safeguard taxpayer data.

• Efficient exception management: Taxpayers disagreeing with their Auto-Assessment can easily amend returns via eFiling or MobiApp. SARS retains the original assessment data but allows line-item corrections, improving responsiveness and transparency.

These enhancements to SARS’s systems reflect broader public-sector priorities: digital inclusion, operational efficiency, and data-driven service delivery. By delivering a world-class filing seasonone that reduces burden, speeds up refunds, and improves accuracy - SARS sets a benchmark for smart government services.

The extended eligibility and proactive measures also align with South Africa’s developmental goals to make public services inclusive, transparent, and responsive. As taxpayer interactions shift overwhelmingly online,

SARS’s operational model exemplifies how AI-powered tools can free up human resources, reduce physical bureaucracy, and enhance trust in state institutions.

By expanding the Auto-Assessment system, accelerating digital adoption, and reinforcing security measures, SARS continues its transformation into a modern, data-led revenue service. For public-sector leaders, these changes illustrate how streamlined digital services can enhance efficiency, boost taxpayer confidence, and support national goals for inclusive and ethical state delivery.

Ensuing A Smooth Tax Season

To ensure a smooth experience with SARS’ enhanced Auto-Assessment process for the 2025 tax season, taxpayers are encouraged to take proactive steps. First, it is essential to check and update your personal details— especially contact and banking information —on the eFiling platform. Keeping this information current is critical to avoid payment delays or communication issues.

Taxpayers should then monitor their assessment status using SARS’ digital platforms, including the SOQS dashboard, WhatsApp service, or the SARS MobiApp, to determine whether they have been selected for Auto-Assessment. These tools offer convenient, real-time status checks without requiring in-person visits or lengthy phone calls.

If you agree with the outcome of your AutoAssessment, no action is required. However, if you believe the assessment is incorrect, you must file or amend your return via eFiling or the MobiApp before 20 October 2025.

Lastly, to avoid any last-minute complications, ensure your eFiling login credentials are accurate. If you’ve forgotten your username or password, SARS offers several recovery options, including SMS, WhatsApp, and additional support channels. These steps will help ensure your compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties or delays.

Source: SARS