During the 2026 filing season, incorrect or unverified banking details are one of the main reasons a SARS refund is delayed. You can update your Personal Income Tax bank account through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, but SARS may verify the change before releasing any refund.
Change the details on eFiling
- Log in directly at SARS eFiling.
- On the landing page, select “Update My Personal Income Tax Bank Account”.
- Choose your bank and enter the account information requested.
- Confirm the change and complete the OTP sent to your registered contact details.
- Submit the update and wait for the verification result.
The exact menu may differ between profiles. If you cannot see the express option, use the registered-details or RAV01 route described in SARS’s banking-details guidance.
What information must match?
Make sure your identity details on eFiling match the information held by your bank. SARS verifies bank details to reduce the risk of refunds being paid into the wrong account. A mismatch, financial hold or incomplete profile can cause the validation to fail.
Do not use a random third-party account simply because it is convenient. Follow the account-holder declaration and supporting-document requirements shown by SARS. Never give your OTP or banking PIN to someone offering to update the details for you.
How long does verification take?
Bank-detail verification can take up to 21 business days. Once the details are verified, a valid refund should generally follow within 72 hours, unless the return is also selected for verification, audit or debt equalisation.
This is why changing your details after receiving an assessment can push the payment beyond the normal three-day expectation. You can read CodeCash’s related guide on why bank verification delays SARS refunds.
How to confirm the update
Return to your eFiling profile and check that the account is shown correctly. You can also use SARS digital channels to check your refund status. If the details are still pending after the stated period, contact SARS through the official website or call 0800 00 7277.