Non-provisional taxpayers must submit their 2026 income tax returns by 23 October 2026. You can file online through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. The 2026 interface has more pre-populated information, simpler questions and clearer links to your assessment.
Before you start
Gather your IRP5 or IT3(a), medical-aid certificate, retirement-annuity certificate, interest certificates, donation receipts, travel records and any other documents connected to your income or deductions. Do not guess figures. SARS can request supporting documents later.
You also need access to your eFiling profile and your registered cellphone or email for security checks. If you have not used eFiling before, register through the official SARS website rather than a link in an SMS.
Open your 2026 ITR12
- Go to SARS eFiling and log in.
- Open your Personal Income Tax work page.
- Select the 2026 ITR12 return and request or open the return when it becomes available.
- Read the pre-populated information carefully before completing the remaining sections.
The form may already contain income and third-party information. Compare it with your certificates. If an employer, bank, medical scheme or retirement fund supplied incorrect data, ask that provider to correct it before you submit.
Complete income and deductions
Work through each section that applies to you. Add income that is not shown, such as rental income, freelance work, taxable interest or a second employer. Claim only deductions and credits supported by certificates or records.
The 2026 return also includes a list of approved medical schemes. Select the correct scheme from the dropdown instead of typing a similar name. SARS says this change is intended to reduce errors.
Submit the return
Review the declaration and submit the return. Save the confirmation and your Notice of Assessment when it becomes available. If SARS asks for supporting documents, upload them through eFiling, the MobiApp, the Online Query System or the new WhatsApp service.
For the detailed screen-by-screen rules, use the SARS 2026 eFiling guide. CodeCash also has an older SARS eFiling walkthrough, but check the current 2026 labels against your live eFiling screen.
What if you miss the deadline?
Late submission can lead to an administrative penalty. If you are a provisional taxpayer, the deadline is 22 January 2027. File early enough to resolve login, document or verification problems before the closing date.