What to do after receiving your SARS auto-assessment notice
Image: Supplied
Tax season has officially commenced, and many South Africans have already received their auto-assessment notices from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). If you've received one by SMS or email, here's what you need to know and do.
According to the revenue service, "this season marks an important period in which the income tax returns of most taxpayers will be automatically assessed."
What is auto assessment?
SARS uses information from employers, banks, pension funds, and medical aids to fill in your tax return automatically. According to the revenue collector, if everything looks correct, you don't need to submit anything. What to do if you're auto-assessed 1. Review your return
Visit sars.gov.za, log in to eFiling, the MobiApp, or use the SARS Online Query System.
'Upon receiving your notice of assessment, you may review the details through various channels, including e-filing, the SARS online query system and the SARS Mobi app.'
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
2. Happy with it?
If everything looks correct, you don't need to do anything further. SARS will finalise your return. 3. Need to fix something?
If anything is missing or incorrect, you must log in and submit your own return before the deadline.
'If your assessment is incorrect or the information is incomplete, log in to your e-filing profile or use your SARS Mobi app to update and submit the tax return".
What about refunds or payments?
If you're owed money, SARS says it will "process your refund within 72 hours, provided your bank details are valid and you are tax compliant.'
However, if you owe SARS, ensure that you pay by the deadline indicated on your notice.
'If you owe SARS money, you must make a payment before the due date shown on the notice of assessment.'
The revenue service added that "if you have previous outstanding amounts, with no payment arrangements, the refund will first be utilised to settle your outstanding debt.'
IOL News
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Four major South African banks shut ATMs
The era of cash withdrawals at the corner ATM is quickly fading, as four of South Africa's biggest banks – Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank and Absa – significantly reduce their ATM footprints in favour of digital banking services. Over the past five years, these banks have collectively shut down 8 516 ATMs across the country, marking a major shift toward cashless banking. The move comes as more South Africans embrace digital payments, driven by convenience, security, and the growing costs of maintaining physical cash infrastructure. Standard Bank led the reductions, cutting its ATM total from 9 321 in 2019 to just 5 562 by the end of 2024 – a drop of 3 759 machines. In contrast, Capitec is expanding its ATM network – adding 3 787 machines over the same period. The bank says it remains committed to offering affordable and accessible cash services, even while digital adoption accelerates. 'We are actively increasing our branch and ATM footprint while our competitors are scaling back,' Capitec said in a statement. Capitec's strategy reflects the reality that, despite a strong digital shift, a significant portion of the population still relies on cash, particularly in underbanked or rural areas. A recent survey by Discovery Bank and Visa shows that 67% of South African consumers now use cash only a few times a month or not at all, highlighting the scale of digital transformation in financial behaviour. This aligns with broader trends in e-commerce, mobile payments, and banking app usage, which have surged in recent years – further accelerated by the pandemic and ongoing innovations in fintech. While the banks acknowledge safety concerns and the logistical challenges of handling cash, Capitec says it will continue to support cash access 'for as long as it's needed.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Beware of online car auction scams targeting South Africans
Sonja Styger Image: Supplied As the digital marketplace grows, so do the deceptive tactics of criminals looking to exploit unwary South Africans searching for bargain car deals. A concerning trend has emerged where scammers clone the websites and advertisements of recognised auctioneers and banks, tricking unsuspecting buyers into paying hefty deposits for non-existent vehicles. The South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) has issued a dire warning for potential car buyers to exercise extreme caution when navigating online platforms. They emphasised the importance of utilising official company portals rather than relying on social media platforms that could lead them straight into the arms of fraudsters. Sonja Styger, Chief Administration Officer at SAIA, said these scams predominantly thrive on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. 'Cars advertised well below market value are enticingly 'reserved' for buyers willing to pay upfront,' she explained. However, it's crucial for buyers to remember that South African law prohibits selling auction assets at fixed prices. In many instances, these so-called sellers offer vehicles at predetermined prices, pressing potential buyers to pay a deposit to avoid losing the car to auction. 'It's a blatant red flag,' Styger warned. 'Scamsters know the general public may not understand how auctions work, and they capitalise on that ignorance. An auction doesn't have a fixed price—the highest bid when the hammer falls determines the price.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The deceptive nature of these scams extends beyond auctioneers. Even top vehicle finance providers in South Africa are being impersonated, creating fake accounts on platforms like TikTok and Facebook. These accounts use stolen branding to offer repossessed vehicles at knockdown prices. Buyers often find themselves asked to pay a 'reservation' fee to secure the car before it supposedly goes to auction. What makes these scams particularly insidious is their sophistication. Fraudsters mimic the communications and logos of legitimate companies with alarming precision, making it difficult for many individuals to discern the real from the fake. Here are some clear warning signs to watch out for: Fixed pricing: Auctions must adhere to South African auction law; fixed pricing for auction vehicles is illegal. Auctions must adhere to South African auction law; fixed pricing for auction vehicles is illegal. Payments through informal channels: Watch out for requests for payment via WhatsApp or direct bank transfers. Always opt for secure, verified platforms. Watch out for requests for payment via WhatsApp or direct bank transfers. Always opt for secure, verified platforms. Lack of verification: A reputable auctioneer will have a verifiable company registration and physical address. A reputable auctioneer will have a verifiable company registration and physical address. Poor ad quality: Be cautious of poorly written advertisements with vague vehicle details. Be cautious of poorly written advertisements with vague vehicle details. No refundable deposits: Genuine auctions, registered with SAIA, require a deposit for participation but never to secure a specific car in advance. Genuine auctions, registered with SAIA, require a deposit for participation but never to secure a specific car in advance. Inspection: Always view the vehicle beforehand. Never transfer money unless you're fully satisfied with its condition. To mitigate the risk of falling victim to these scams, SAIA urges consumers to rely on SAIA-registered auctioneers and check credentials before engaging. They maintain a verified list of trusted members on their website at along with contact details to help verify any social media listing or auction advertisement. 'If a buyer is unsure about an advert or auctioneer, take five minutes to contact us for verification,' advised Styger. 'Trust your instincts. If something feels unsettling, it's better to miss a great deal than to lose your savings to a scam that was never real to begin with.'
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
iStore turns 20 as mobile phone brands compete for SA share
Competition has not deterred iStore, the authorised reseller of Apple products in South Africa. As South Africa continues to see an influx of low-cost and affordable smartphone brands, Apple products are maintaining market share in a saturated environment. According to the latest survey data from market research and network intelligence firm Analytico, Samsung currently has the biggest piece of the pie in the country, with Apple in second place, while Huawei, Xiaomi and Honor are fighting for third place, with Huawei holding on to its position at 7%. Competition However, the competition has not deterred iStore, which is the authorised reseller of Apple products in the country, as it celebrated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday. Speaking to The Citizen in Sandton on Wednesday, iStore South Africa's Chief Commercial Officer, Linda van der Nest, said the number of Apple customers has grown in the country. 'As our business has grown, we service now, through our doors, over eight million customers, and that's just the scope of it. So, we've certainly seen over the past 20 years massive growth in Apple. 'Maybe those brands have grown, I can't comment on those growth rates, but we've certainly seen at iStore Apple grow massively. Over the years, we've done very much from our side to make iPhones specifically more affordable. We are very passionate about bringing Apple and iPhones to more South Africans,' van der Nest said. ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 16e lands in SA, but should you get one? Education The iStore has more than 40 retail locations in South Africa, where they meet Apple fans both in-store and online. Through SMB and Education initiatives, and partnerships with programmes like iSchoolAfrica, iStore said it also empowers communities, supports local talent, and equips educators and students for the future. Trump tariffs With Apple expected to launch their new iPhone, possibly iPhone 17, later this year, Van der Nest said she is not aware of any price hikes in light of US President Donald Trump's tariffs. 'I can't give any insight into Apple's supply chain and how those goods flow before they hit our country. From our perspective, we purchase our product locally, from local distributors.' Van de Nest said beyond its retail footprint, iStore has built careers, fostered innovation, and supported entrepreneurs with tools to thrive. ALSO READ: TikTok removes over 1.1 million videos for violating guidelines
