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IOL News
04-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Do you owe SARS? Easy ways to check your tax debt in 2025
Tax With millions of South Africans auto-assessed by Sars in 2024, financial experts warn of potential errors that could cost taxpayers. Discover how to ensure your auto-assessment is accurate and avoid costly mistakes. Image: Freepik Tax season is still in full swing, and while many South Africans are expecting refunds, others may be shocked to discover they owe the South African Revenue Service (SARS) some money. Earlier this year, the revenue service confirmed that it will be ramping up its efforts to collect outstanding tax debts more efficiently and fairly. With nearly R2 trillion expected in revenue for the 2025/26 financial year. SARS also announced its intention to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to help achieve the revised revenue target set by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. As the revenue service continues to enhance its tax collection abilities, some taxpayers remain unsure whether they owe SARS money or how to check their tax debt status. This guide explains how taxpayers can easily find out if they have outstanding tax debt and what options are available to manage it. How to check if you owe SARS There are five ways to find out how much tax debt you owe: Log on to eFiling and request a statement of account. Log on to the SARS MobiApp and request a statement of account. Request a balance statement and/or statement of account for Personal Income Tax by sending an SMS to SARS on 47277. (This service can be accessed with or without data/airtime.) SARS USSD Channel by typing, on your mobile device, a string of characters which comprises of an asterisk (*), followed by a few digits and ending with a hashtag (#) and dialling. Balance (Space) ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number Steps on how to request tax services via the SARS USSD Channel: Step 1: Initiate USSD by dialing *134*7277# Step 2: Select the service you require Step 3: Taxpayer Verification – SARS will request you to complete either your ID/Passport/Asylum Number Step 4: Tax Resolution – Upon successful verification by SARS, a response will be displayed Legal implications of not paying debt According to SARS, " it is a criminal offence to submit a return without making the necessary payment in terms of Section 234(2)(d) read with subsection (k) of the Tax Administration Act (TAA)". "It is a criminal offence for a person to wilfully and without just cause to fail or neglect to withhold and pay to SARS an amount of tax as and when required under a Tax Act as per section 234(2)(k) of the TAA". [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The Citizen
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SARS launches 2025 tax filing with enhanced auto assessments and speedy refunds
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the 2025 tax filing season. Individual taxpayers can file returns from July 21 to October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026. This year marks a significant expansion of SARS' auto assessment process, with 5.8 million taxpayers receiving automated assessments – up from 5 million in 2024. Of these, 99.6% have not been changed by taxpayers, reflecting accuracy and trust in the system. SARS has already paid out R10.6b in refunds within 72 hours of assessment. ALSO READ: SARS disrupts illicit fuel trade with operations across three provinces The auto assessment process uses third-party data to evaluate taxpayer returns without requiring further input from most individuals. Taxpayers only need to take action if their information is incomplete, which they can correct via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the ongoing digital transformation of SARS, calling the auto assessment process 'a game changer' that aligns with the vision to 'make tax just happen'. He added that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science continues to reduce the need for in-person visits to SARS service centres. Following the auto assessment period, which ran from July 7 to 20, the broader tax filing season is now underway. Most online submissions receive an assessment outcome in less than five seconds, with SARS using advanced AI to detect risks and prevent fraudulent refunds. Digital engagement with SARS continues to rise. More than 10.2 million unique users accessed the SARS eFiling platform or the MobiApp since July 4. SARS handled over 2.1m queries digitally – 1.1 million via the SARS Online Query System, 707 000 through WhatsApp, and 290 000 with the Lwazi Chatbot. To ensure a smooth filing season, SARS urges taxpayers to file accurate information promptly. ALSO READ: SARS enhances eFiling for 2025 season Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayers' verified bank accounts within 72 hours of assessment. Taxpayers who owe SARS should pay promptly or make arrangements to avoid penalties. SARS also warned the public to remain vigilant against scams. SARS reminds taxpayers that it will never send clickable links via SMS or email to request sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to [email protected], and the latest scam alerts are available at Kieswetter emphasised the convenience of digital platforms and advised taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to service centres. He encouraged all taxpayers to use eFiling and other digital services for quicker and more secure compliance. For more information, visit or contact SARS via WhatsApp on 0800 117 277, or dial 1347277#.
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tax season opens with expanded auto assessments, faster refunds
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has opened the 2025 tax filing season. Individual taxpayers can file returns from July 21 to October 20, while provisional taxpayers have until January 19, 2026. This year marks a significant expansion of SARS' auto assessment process, with 5.8 million taxpayers receiving automated assessments – up from 5 million in 2024. Of these, 99.6% have not been changed by taxpayers, reflecting accuracy and trust in the system. SARS has already paid out R10.6b in refunds within 72 hours of assessment. ALSO READ: SARS 2025 Tax Season: What's new on eFiling The auto assessment process uses third-party data to evaluate taxpayer returns without requiring further input from most individuals. Taxpayers only need to take action if their information is incomplete, which they can correct via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the ongoing digital transformation of SARS, calling the auto assessment process 'a game changer' that aligns with the vision to 'make tax just happen'. ALSO READ: Get ready: SARS tax season starts July 7 He added that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science continues to reduce the need for in-person visits to SARS service centres. Following the auto assessment period, which ran from July 7 to 20, the broader tax filing season is now underway. Most online submissions receive an assessment outcome in less than five seconds, with SARS using advanced AI to detect risks and prevent fraudulent refunds. Digital engagement with SARS continues to rise. More than 10.2 million unique users accessed the SARS eFiling platform or the MobiApp since July 4. SARS handled over 2.1m queries digitally – 1.1 million via the SARS Online Query System, 707 000 through WhatsApp, and 290 000 with the Lwazi Chatbot. To ensure a smooth filing season, SARS urges taxpayers to file accurate information promptly. ALSO READ: EMPD brokers peace between taxi drivers and scholar transport operators Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayers' verified bank accounts within 72 hours of assessment. Taxpayers who owe SARS should pay promptly or make arrangements to avoid penalties. SARS also warned the public to remain vigilant against scams. SARS reminds taxpayers that it will never send clickable links via SMS or email to request sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to [email protected], and the latest scam alerts are available at Kieswetter emphasised the convenience of digital platforms and advised taxpayers to avoid unnecessary visits to service centres. He encouraged all taxpayers to use eFiling and other digital services for quicker and more secure compliance. For more information, visit or contact SARS via WhatsApp on 0800 117 277, or dial 1347277#. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
18-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
SARS refunds R10.6 billion to 5.8 million auto assessed SA tax payers
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has hailed a significant milestone in its digital transformation drive, confirming that 5.8 million taxpayers were issued auto assessments this year – an increase from 5 million in 2024. According to SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, 99.6% of these assessments remained unchanged by taxpayers, underscoring the growing accuracy and public trust in the automated system. So far, R10.6 billion in refunds have been paid to qualifying taxpayers – within 72 hours of assessment. That's an average refund of R1 828. 'Auto assessment has truly been a game changer,' Kieswetter said. 'We are delivering faster, more efficient services that remove the need for in-person visits, making it easier for taxpayers to comply.' SARS auto assessment is a system where SARS pre-fills tax returns using third-party data, such as salary, medical aid, and retirement contributions. For most taxpayers, no action is required, unless they need to add missing information via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. The auto assessment period ran from 7 to 20 July 2025, ahead of the manual filing season opening on 21 July. SARS also reported a dramatic increase in the use of digital platforms: 10.2 million unique logins to SARS platforms since 4 July 2.1 million digital queries processed 1.1 million handled via the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) 707 000 via WhatsApp 290 000 through the Lwazi Chat Bot 'Ultimately, our aim is to make the best service to be no service at all,' Kieswetter said, reiterating SARS's vision to make tax compliance seamless and digital-first. Auto-assessments : 7–20 July 2025 : 7–20 July 2025 Individual Taxpayers : 21 July – 20 October 2025 : 21 July – 20 October 2025 Provisional Taxpayers and Trusts: 21 July 2025 – 19 January 2026 Most online submissions now receive an assessment outcome in under 5 seconds, supported by AI-driven risk detection tools that help block fraudulent or impermissible refunds. With the growing use of online services, SARS is also warning taxpayers to remain alert for scams. They stressed that SARS will never send clickable links via email or SMS. Phishing attempts should be reported to phishing@ SARS reminded those who owe tax to make payment arrangements promptly to avoid penalties and interest. Only refunds over R100 will be automatically paid into taxpayer accounts. As the 2025 filing season officially begins, SARS is encouraging all taxpayers to use digital channels rather than visiting physical service centres. 'There is no need to queue. Use our digital tools to get assessed and stay compliant,' Kieswetter concluded. 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.
The South African
18-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
SARS launches 'waiting room' for manual tax filing
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the implementation of a virtual waiting room system for the 2025 manual tax filing season, following technical glitches that marred the launch of auto-assessments earlier this month. The measure aims to prevent system overloads as millions of taxpayers prepare to file returns online via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. Tax season kicked off on 7 July 2025, coinciding with the monthly employer filing deadline. The overlap caused unusually high traffic volumes, which crashed SARS' eFiling platform and left taxpayers and tax practitioners frustrated. Although services were restored the following day, intermittent disruptions continued, forcing SARS to extend key deadlines to protect businesses from incurring penalties. To avoid similar disruptions when manual filing opens on Monday, 21 July, SARS is introducing a virtual queue that will temporarily hold users outside the system during high traffic periods. 'To manage the surge in traffic, we have set up a virtual waiting room to keep eFiling stable,' SARS said in a statement. Users who land in the queue will receive a screen message notifying them of their place in line and estimated wait time. Once it's their turn, they'll be automatically redirected to the login page – no need to refresh or retry. Captcha verification may also be required. SARS will conduct scheduled upgrades to its digital platforms throughout the tax season, primarily during non-business hours. While services remain accessible during upgrades, intermittent disruptions may occur. Taxpayer type Opens Closes Auto-assessments 7 July 2025 20 July 2025 Individuals 21 July 2025 20 October 2025 Provisional 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 Trusts 21 July 2025 19 January 2026 SARS has urged taxpayers to file early and make use of off-peak hours where possible. With millions expected to use online services, the agency said that these technological updates are part of its mission to modernise the tax process and ensure stability throughout the filing period. For more information, taxpayers are encouraged to visit 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.
