Complete SARS eFiling Guide for South Africa 2025
Everything you need to know about tax filing online
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts About SARS eFiling
- SARS eFiling is completely free to use
- Registration takes 5-15 minutes if you have SA ID
- Filing deadline: 20 October 2025 (non-provisional taxpayers)
- Refunds processed in 72 hours if details are correct
- Available 24/7 on computer or phone
Table of Contents
What is SARS eFiling?
SARS eFiling is a free online service from the South African Revenue Service. It lets you do your taxes on your computer or phone. You can submit tax returns, check refunds, and update your details.
You never need to visit a SARS branch if you use eFiling. Everything is done online from anywhere with internet. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SARS eFiling started in the early 2000s. It has now become the main way South Africans file their taxes. Over 8 million people used it in 2025.
Who Must File a Tax Return in 2025?
You must file a tax return if any of these apply to you:
Income Requirements:
- You earned more than R95,750 in a year (if under 65 years old)
- You earned more than R148,217 (if you are 65-74 years old)
- You earned more than R165,689 (if you are 75 years or older)
- You run a business or do freelance work
- You receive rental income from property
Other Reasons You Must File:
- You made capital gains or losses over R40,000
- You have foreign assets worth more than R250,000
- You made a “two-pot” retirement fund withdrawal
- SARS sent you a letter telling you to file
- You want to claim tax back that you overpaid
Even if you earn less than these amounts, you should still file if you want a refund. Many people who work normal jobs pay too much tax during the year. Filing helps you claim this money back.
How to Register for SARS eFiling
Registration is free and takes about 10-15 minutes. Here is what you need:
What You Need:
- Your South African ID number or passport number
- A working cellphone number
- An email address that you check regularly
- Your cellphone must be with you during registration
Step-by-Step Registration:
Step 1: Go to the SARS Website
Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za and click on the “Register” button.
Step 2: Choose Your User Type
Select “Individual” if you are registering for yourself. Choose “Company/Trust” if you own a business.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
Type in your ID number or passport number. Make sure it matches your official documents exactly. Add your cellphone number and email address.
Step 4: Face Recognition (May Apply)
SARS may ask you to do face recognition using your phone camera. This is to prove you are who you say you are. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Step 5: Get Your OTP
SARS will send a One-Time PIN (OTP) to your phone via SMS. You will also get one by email. Enter this OTP on the website.
Step 6: Create Username and Password
Choose a username that you will remember. Create a strong password with capital letters, small letters, numbers, and symbols. Write down your username and password in a safe place.
Step 7: Wait for Approval
SARS checks your details. This usually happens immediately. Sometimes they need more documents. If so, upload them within 21 days.
Important: If you are a first-time taxpayer with a South African ID, SARS will automatically give you a tax number during registration. You do not need to apply separately.
✅ How to File Your Tax Return
Once you are registered, here is how to file your personal income tax return (ITR12):
Before You Start – Gather These Documents:
- IRP5 certificate from your employer (they must give you this)
- Medical aid tax certificate
- Retirement annuity certificates
- Bank statements showing interest earned
- Receipts for donations (if you donated to charities)
- Proof of business expenses (if you are self-employed)
Filing Steps:
Step 1: Log In
Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za. Enter your username and password. You will need to enter an OTP sent to your phone.
Step 2: Find the Tax Return
Click on “Returns” in the menu. Select “Individual Income Tax Return (ITR12)”. Choose the correct tax year (usually 2025 for this season).
Step 3: Check Pre-Filled Information
SARS already has some of your information. Check that your employer details, medical aid, and bank interest are correct. If something is wrong or missing, you can add it.
Step 4: Fill in Additional Income
Add any income that SARS does not know about. This includes rental income, freelance work, or business income. Be honest about all income you earned.
Step 5: Claim Deductions
Add any deductions you can claim. Common ones include retirement annuity contributions, travel costs for work, and home office expenses (if you work from home).
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload copies of your certificates and receipts. Keep the file sizes small. Use PDF or JPG format.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Check all your information carefully. SARS will show you if you owe tax or if you get a refund. Click “Submit” when you are sure everything is correct.
You will get a confirmation email when your return is received. SARS usually takes a few days to process it.
⚠️ Critical Tax Filing Deadlines for 2025
Missing these deadlines can cost you money in penalties. Mark them in your calendar now.
| Taxpayer Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Non-Provisional Taxpayers (most people) | 20 October 2025 |
| Provisional Taxpayers (self-employed, directors) | 19 January 2026 |
| Trusts | 19 January 2026 |
| Companies | 12 months after financial year end |
Late Filing Penalties: SARS charges R250 per month for each month you are late. The penalty can go up to R16,000 per year for outstanding returns.
Even if you owe no tax, you must still file. Not filing can lead to penalties that keep adding up every month.
What is an Auto Assessment?
An auto assessment is when SARS does your tax return for you. They use information they already have from your employer, bank, and medical aid.
How It Works:
- SARS sends you an SMS or email between 7 July and 20 July 2025
- They tell you if you owe tax or get a refund
- If you agree with it, you do nothing
- Refunds are paid within 72 hours to your bank
- If you owe money, you must pay by the due date
Who Gets Auto Assessed? People with simple tax affairs get auto assessments. This usually includes employees who earn salary from one or two employers only. You have no rental income, no business, and no foreign income.
What If You Disagree? You can file your own return if the auto assessment is wrong. Log in to eFiling and submit a full ITR12 return. You must do this before 20 October 2025.
Check the Auto Assessment Carefully: Make sure SARS included all your income. Check that they have your correct medical aid information. Confirm they included your retirement annuity payments.
🚨 URGENT: Tax Season Scams to Avoid
Scammers are very active during tax season. These criminals pretend to be SARS to steal your money and information.
Common SARS Scams in 2025:
1. Fake Refund Emails
You get an email saying SARS owes you a big refund. The email has a link asking for your banking details. This is fake. SARS never sends links to other websites.
2. Audit Threats
Scammers send SMS messages saying SARS is auditing your tax refund. The message has a link to click. The link takes you to a fake website that steals your login details.
3. Legal Threat Scams
You receive an email about a letter of demand. It says you will be taken to court if you do not pay immediately. The scam email has fake bank account details to pay into.
4. Profile Hijacking
Criminals use stolen information to access your real eFiling account. They change your banking details to their own. Your refund goes to them instead of you. One victim lost R37,000 this way.
5. Phone Call Scams
Someone phones claiming to be from SARS. They say you owe money and must pay now to avoid arrest. They ask for payment via EFT to a specific account. SARS never demands immediate payment by phone.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never click on links in emails or SMS messages about tax
- SARS never sends links to other websites
- SARS never asks for banking details by email or SMS
- Always go to www.sarsefiling.co.za directly
- Do not give your eFiling password to anyone
- Check your banking details on eFiling regularly
- Use two-factor authentication for extra security
- Report suspicious emails to phishing@sars.gov.za
If You Clicked a Scam Link: Contact your bank immediately. Report it to SARS on 0800 00 7277. Change your eFiling password right away. Open a case at your nearest police station.
Remember: SARS will never ask you for passwords, PINs, or full banking details via email, SMS, or phone calls.
Common eFiling Problems and Solutions
Problem: I Forgot My Password
Solution:
- Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za
- Click on “Forgot Password”
- Enter your username and ID number
- SARS sends an OTP to your registered phone and email
- Enter the OTP and create a new password
Problem: I Forgot My Username
Solution:
- Click on “Forgot Username” on the login page
- Enter your ID number
- SARS sends your username to your registered email
- You must recover your username before you can reset your password
Problem: My Phone Number Changed
Solution:
If you are a South African citizen with an ID, you can update your number using face recognition. Go to the SARS homepage and click “Update Contact Details”. Follow the face verification steps. If you are not a South African citizen or face recognition fails, you must call SARS on 0800 00 7277 or visit a branch.
Problem: I Cannot Receive the OTP
Solution:
- Check that you entered the correct cellphone number
- Make sure your phone has signal
- Check your email spam folder for the email OTP
- Wait 5 minutes and try again
- Use the “Update Contact Details” function if your details are wrong
Problem: My Banking Details Are Wrong
Solution:
- Log in to eFiling
- Click on “Maintain SARS Registered Details”
- Click on “My Bank Accounts”
- Update your bank details
- Upload a recent bank statement or confirmation letter
- Click “Done” and then “Submit”
Problem: Registration is Pending
Solution:
SARS needs more documents to verify you. Log in with your temporary credentials. Go to Home, then User, then Pending Registration. Upload the documents SARS requests. You have 21 business days to do this. SARS will email you when your registration is approved.
Problem: Website Not Working
Solution:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
- Make sure pop-ups are allowed for the SARS website
- Use the SARS MobiApp instead of the website
- Try again during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
How to Get Help from SARS
SARS offers several ways to get help with eFiling and tax questions:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone (South Africa) | 0800 00 7277 Monday-Friday 8:00-16:00 Closed Wednesdays 8:00-9:00 |
| Phone (International) | +27 11 602 2093 |
| 0800 11 7277 Save number and send “Hi” |
|
| USSD (Basic phones) | Dial *134*7277# |
| Online Query System | https://tools.sars.gov.za/soqs |
| SARS Branch Visit | Book appointment online first |
| Report Scams | phishing@sars.gov.za Fraud Hotline: 0800 00 2870 |
SARS Complaints: If you are not happy with SARS service, call the Complaints Office on 0800 12 12 16.
Tax Ombud: If SARS does not resolve your complaint, contact the Tax Ombud on 0800 662 837 or email complaints@taxombud.gov.za
✅ Top 10 Tips for Successful Tax Filing
- Register Early: Do not wait until deadline to register. Register now even if you are not ready to file yet.
- Keep Documents Safe: Collect all your tax certificates as you receive them during the year. Store them in one safe place.
- Check Your Details: Before tax season starts, log in to eFiling and check your banking details and contact information are correct.
- File Before the Rush: Do not wait until 20 October. File in July or August when the system is less busy.
- Be Honest: Declare all your income. SARS gets information from many sources and will find out if you hide income.
- Claim Everything: Claim all deductions you are entitled to. This includes retirement savings, medical expenses, and business costs.
- Keep Proof: Keep all receipts and documents for 5 years. SARS can ask to see them later.
- Use the App: Download the SARS MobiApp on your phone. It is often faster than the website during busy times.
- Watch for Scams: Never click links in tax-related emails or SMS. Always go directly to www.sarsefiling.co.za
- Get Help If Needed: If you do not understand something, contact SARS. Do not guess or leave it blank.
What Does SARS eFiling Cost?
SARS eFiling is completely free. You pay nothing to register. You pay nothing to file your tax return. You pay nothing to check your refund status.
You only need an internet connection to access the service. You can use free WiFi at libraries, community centres, or internet cafes if you do not have data.
Be Careful of Scams: Some companies offer to do your eFiling for a fee. You do not need to pay anyone. SARS eFiling is designed for you to do it yourself for free.
If you need help, rather use the free SARS services listed above. Only pay a tax practitioner if you have very complicated tax affairs.
Other Ways to Submit Your Tax Return
While eFiling is the easiest method, SARS offers alternatives:
SARS MobiApp
Download the free SARS MobiApp from Google Play or Apple App Store. It works exactly like the website but on your phone. Good for people who do not have computers.
SARS Branch Visit
You can visit a SARS branch for help filing. You must book an appointment first online or by phone. Bring your ID, tax number, and all your certificates. SARS staff will help you complete your return.
Registered Tax Practitioner
If your tax is very complicated, you can hire a registered tax practitioner. Check they are registered with SARS. They charge a fee for their service. Only use this if you really cannot do it yourself.
Our Final Recommendations
SARS eFiling is the best way to manage your tax affairs in South Africa. It is free, fast, and available 24/7. Most refunds are paid within 72 hours if your details are correct.
Register for eFiling today even if you do not need to file yet. This way you are ready when tax season comes. Make sure you understand who must file a tax return. Even if you think you do not need to file, check the requirements carefully.
Be very careful of scams during tax season. Never click links in emails or SMS messages about tax. Always type www.sarsefiling.co.za directly into your browser. Never give your password to anyone.
If you have problems, contact SARS on 0800 00 7277. They have staff who speak all South African languages. You can also use WhatsApp to contact them.
Remember the deadline: 20 October 2025 for most people. Filing late costs money in penalties. Start early to avoid stress and get your refund faster.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Tax regulations, procedures, and deadlines may change. Always verify current information with SARS before making tax decisions. Visit www.sars.gov.za or call 0800 00 7277 for the most up-to-date information.
This guide does not constitute professional tax advice. For complex tax situations, consult with a registered tax practitioner.
For complaints or disputes with SARS, contact the Tax Ombud on 0800 662 837 or visit www.taxombudsman.gov.za