Filing your tax return on SARS eFiling does not have to be stressful. Whether it is your first time or you just need a refresher, this guide walks you through every step, from registering to checking your refund.
Do You Need to File a Tax Return?
Not everyone needs to file. You do NOT need to file if:
- You earn below R99,000 per year (under 65) or R153,250 (65 and older)
- You only have one employer and no additional income
- You have no deductions to claim (medical, retirement, travel)
- Your employer submitted your IRP5 correctly
You SHOULD file if you want to claim deductions for medical expenses, retirement annuity contributions, travel allowance, or home office expenses. Filing could get you a refund.
How to Register for SARS eFiling
- Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za
- Click Register
- Enter your ID number, personal details, and contact information
- Create a username and password
- Verify your email and cellphone number
- You will receive a tax reference number if you do not already have one
You can also register on the SARS MobiApp, which works the same way.
Documents You Need Before Filing
- IRP5/IT3(a): Your tax certificate from your employer (usually auto-populated by SARS)
- Medical aid tax certificate: If you belong to a medical scheme
- Retirement annuity certificate: If you contribute to an RA
- Logbook: If you receive a travel allowance
- IT3(b) certificates: For investment income (interest, dividends)
- Rental income records: If you earn rental income
- Home office expenses: Lease or bond interest, rates, utilities (proportional)
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Tax Return
- Log in to SARS eFiling
- Click on Returns then Tax Returns
- Select the relevant tax year
- Your ITR12 return will open with pre-populated information from your employer and medical aid
- Check that the pre-populated information is correct
- Add any additional income (freelance, rental, investment)
- Add deductions you want to claim (medical, RA, travel, home office)
- Review the summary, SARS will show your estimated refund or amount owing
- Submit the return
Common Deductions That Get You a Refund
- Medical expenses: Out-of-pocket medical costs above the threshold
- Retirement annuity contributions: Up to 27.5% of your income (max R350,000 per year)
- Travel allowance: If you use your own car for work (needs a logbook)
- Donations: To approved public benefit organisations (Section 18A)
- Home office: If you work from home more than 50% of the time in a dedicated space
How to Check Your Refund Status
- Log in to SARS eFiling
- Go to Returns then Tax Returns History
- Check the status of your return: it will say Assessment, Refund, or Query
SARS refunds usually take 3 to 7 business days after your return is assessed, but can take longer if SARS selects your return for verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking pre-populated data (employers sometimes submit incorrect information)
- Forgetting to declare freelance or side-hustle income
- Claiming deductions without supporting documents
- Missing the filing deadline (usually end of October for non-provisional taxpayers)
- Not updating your banking details on SARS, which delays refunds