#YourTaxMatters: Auto Assessment – SARS has made it easier for you to file
This year SARS will, once again, issue auto-assessments to taxpayers whose tax affairs are simple, straightforward and without complications.
Importantly, SARS has made your tax submission much easier this year. Thus, if you are in agreement with your auto-assessment, you do not need to “accept” the assessment. SARS will automatically do the work for you.
If you are not in agreement with the assessment, you can access your tax return via eFiling or SARS MobiApp, complete the return, and file it. This must be done within 40 business days from the date that your assessment was issued to you.
When you are auto-assessed, you will be notified via your preferred channel of communication eg. SMS or email. So there will be no need for you to call us or visit a branch.
Auto-assessments are based on data we receive from employers, financial institutions, medical schemes, retirement annuity fund administrators, and other 3rd party data providers.
If you want to view third-party data certificates submitted by service providers on your behalf, simply log in to eFiling and click on the Third-Party Data Certificate Search menu option displayed in the left menu.
If you are happy with the results of your auto-assessment and there is a refund due to you, the refund will be paid by SARS, usually within 72 hours, provided your banking details with SARS are correct. A negative (-) amount indicates that a refund is due to you.
If you owe SARS money, you can make a payment or arrange for payment on eFiling, via EFT or the SARS MobiApp by the specified due date on your Notice of Assessment.
As mentioned above, if you are not in agreement with the assessment, you can access your tax return via eFiling or SARS MobiApp, complete the return, and file it within 40 business days from the date that SARS issued your assessment to you.
If we accept the updates in your tax return, we will issue a reduced or additional assessment to you. If we do not accept the updates in your tax return, we will let you know why not. If you disagree with the reason(s) why we did not accept the updates in your tax return, the normal objection and appeal facility will be available to you.
If you cannot file the tax return within 40 business days, you can request an extension via eFiling or MobiApp.
If you are required to submit a tax return and do not submit it by the deadline of 24 October 2022, you will be charged an administrative penalty which must be paid over to SARS. Administrative penalties recur each month that the taxpayer is non-compliant.
Remember, there is no need to visit a SARS branch. We have made it easy to engage with us through our digital platforms, including:
- SARS eFiling – we made numerous enhancements to make your life easier.
- SARS MobiApp – similar to eFiling but available only on a mobile phone or a tablet. You can download the App on Google Play for Android, Huawei App gallery and App Store for Apple devices. If you are auto-asses, you are not required to file a tax return, but if you need to file one to correct your auto-assessment and you are not sure how to do it, you can use our Help-You-eFile service on eFiling.
- The SARS Online Query System is an easy-to-use online platform that is accessible via the SARS Website (www.sars.gov.za). You can use this service without going into a SARS branch or calling. Via this service you can:
- Submit a payment allocation query
- Request your tax reference number
- Submit supporting documents if we requested you to do so
- Report a new estate case
- Updates to registered representative
- Request your tax compliance status
- Verify your tax compliance status
Taxpayers are reminded that if they do need to visit a branch, they first need to make an appointment. They can do this through the following channels:
- Call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. A SARS official will book the appointment on your behalf.
- Send an SMS to 47277 (iSARS) with the word Booking (Space) ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number.
- Go to the SARS website and click on the “Book an Appointment” icon. Complete the online form.
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