When SARS sends you an SMS or email about your Auto Assessment – between 7 and 20 July 2025 – you’re being informed that your personal income tax return has been pre-populated using third-party data and is ready for your review. This guide walks you through the exact steps to take next.
1. Access Your Auto Assessment
- Log in to the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) on the SARS website, or open the SARS MobiApp.
- Navigate to My Auto-Assessment Status and enter your Tax Reference Number, ID number, cellphone number and email address.
- View your full Notice of Assessment (ITA34), which details whether you owe tax or are due a refund.
2. Review the Assessment Details
- Check whether SARS calculated a refund or a payment due date.
- Compare the figures against your own records: salary certificates (IRP5/IT3(a)), bank interest statements, medical scheme and retirement fund contributions.
- Identify any missing income sources or deductions not captured in the auto-assessment, such as home-office expenses or business travel costs.
3. If You Agree with the Assessment
- No further tax return submission is required.
- If you’re due a refund, SARS will deposit it into your bank account within 72 business hours – provided your banking details are correct on eFiling or the MobiApp.
- Keep the ITA34 reference number and proof of refund for your records.
4. If You Owe Additional Tax
- Note the payment due date on your ITA34.
- Pay the amount via eFiling, the SARS MobiApp or your online banking using SARS’s banking details.
- Retain proof of payment as evidence in case SARS queries your return.
5. If You Disagree with the Assessment
- Log in to eFiling or the MobiApp and select the option to amend or manually submit your ITR12 return.
- Update any incorrect or missing data – add extra income, claim legitimate deductions – and upload supporting documents.
- Submit your corrected return before the non-provisional taxpayer deadline of 20 October 2025 (provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 19 January 2026).
6. Ensure Data Accuracy
- If third-party data (employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds) is incorrect, contact the provider to submit amended EMP501 or relevant certificates before SARS deadlines.
- Double-check that your contact and banking details on eFiling or the MobiApp are up to date to avoid delays and misdirected communications.
7. Stay Secure and Beware Phishing
- SARS will never include clickable links or attachments in SMS or email notifications.
- Always navigate directly to the SARS website, eFiling portal or MobiApp to log in and view your assessment.
- Report any suspicious SMS or email claiming to be from SARS via the official SARS contact channels.
