I Received My SARS Auto Assessment - What Now?

5 Jul 2025
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially kicked off the 2025 tax season early with a streamlined auto assessment process, now extended to include some provisional taxpayers. If you’ve received an SMS or email from SARS, it means your tax return has been pre-populated using third-party data - saving you time and effort. But what happens next depends on your situation.

✅ If You Agree With the Auto Assessment

💸 You Owe SARS Money

  • Check your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) for the payment due date.
  • Make payment via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before the deadline.
  • You can also pay directly through your bank using SARS’ payment details.
  • Keep proof of payment for your records.
💰 You’re Due a Refund

  • No action needed - just sit tight!
  • SARS will process your refund within 72 business hours, provided your banking details are correct.
  • You can update your banking info via eFiling or the MobiApp if needed.
❌ If You Do NOT Agree With the Auto Assessment

  • Log into SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to access your return.
  • Review the return data used by SARS:
    Once updated, submit a corrected tax return before 20 October 2025 (for non-provisional taxpayers).

📅 Key Dates

  • Auto assessments issued: 7 to 20 July 2025
  • Manual filing opens: 21 July 2025
  • Deadline for non-provisional taxpayers: 20 October 2025
  • Deadline for provisional taxpayers and trusts: 19 January 2026

SARS has also introduced a new “Express Access” feature on eFiling to make it easier to view your auto assessment, update details, and submit returns. It’s all part of their push to simplify compliance and reduce queues.

BE CAREFUL - SARS WILL NEVER SEND YOU LINKS TO CLICK. ALWAYS USE THE OFFICIAL SARS WEBSITE: www.sars.gov.za

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