Tax season can feel overwhelming, but for some South Africans, the process might be simpler than expected.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has outlined who is required to file a return and more importantly, who doesn’t need to.
While SARS hasn’t officially confirmed when the 2025 tax season will open, it’s expected to start mid-July. Auto-assessments are usually issued two weeks before the opening. The deadlines are:
Individuals: 20 October 2025
Provisional taxpayers: 19 January 2026
Trusts: 19 January 2026
Not every taxpayer needs to submit a return. If your income meets certain criteria, you may be off the hook, but only if all your income falls within the limits set by SARS.
You do not have to file a return if you are a South African resident or deceased estate, and your income for the year came only from the following:
A single employer, with total income below R500,000, and PAYE was deducted.
Interest from a local source, as long as it’s not from a tax-free investment, and it’s:
Under R23,800 if you’re younger than 65,
Under R34,500 if you’re 65 or older,
Under R23,800 for a deceased estate.
Dividends, if you’re a non-resident and they’re tax-exempt.
Payouts from a tax-free investment.
A lump sum from a retirement or pension fund, where tax was already deducted under a directive from SARS.
Even if your income seems simple, you’ll need to submit a return if:
You received travel, accommodation, or subsistence allowances.
You got taxable benefits from your employer.
You earned income from work outside of South Africa.
Since 2021, SARS has been sending out auto-assessments for qualifying individuals. If you receive one and everything looks correct, you don’t have to file, just review and accept the assessment.
However, you must confirm that the auto-assessment reflects your full financial picture. If it’s incorrect or you don’t accept it, you’ll need to submit a tax return as usual.
SARS is trying to simplify the tax season, but it’s still your responsibility to make sure your information is accurate. If you’re unsure whether you need to file or not, or if you need help understanding your auto-assessment, we’re here to guide you.
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