Filing Season 2020 for Individuals

Individual income tax return filing dates

1 September to 16 November 2020: Taxpayers who file online – CLOSED NOW.
1 September to 22 October 2020: Taxpayers who cannot file electronically can do so at a SARS branch by appointment – CLOSED NOW.
1 September 2020 to 15 February 2021: Provisional taxpayers who file electronically.

Individual filing opening

Taxpayers, your turn to file your tax return starts on 1 September this year. The good news is that a significant number of individual taxpayers will be auto-assessed this year, and this process will happen in August. No need to call us, we will send you an SMS if you are selected to be auto-assessed. If you accept your auto-assessment, any under or overpayment of tax will be processed as normal. If you want to edit your return, you can file your return on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. For more info on how to prepare for Filing Season, see the communique to taxpayers.

No need to call

Taxpayers, your tax matters are in better hands when you make use of eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. Register your profile now to ensure a smooth filing experience. No need to call us, you can register online or download the MobiApp on your phone or tablet.

We will do the filing for you

Taxpayers, your tax matters, we continue to make it easier for you to comply. In August, we will be assessing a significant number of taxpayers automatically. If you accept the outcome you do not have to file a tax return at all. We auto-assess based on the data we receive from employers, financial institutions, medical schemes, retirement annuity fund administrators and other 3rd party data providers. If you have not yet received your IRP5/IT3(a)s and other tax certificates like medical certificate, retirement annuity fund certificate and other 3rd party data that are relevant in determining your tax obligations, you should immediately approach your employer or medical scheme or retirement annuity fund or other 3rd party data providers to make sure that they have complied with their submission requirements. See more info on Auto Assessment.

What to prepare before filing starts

Now is a good time to get your tax matters ready to ensure a smooth filing experience! Make sure that you have received your IRP5/IT3(a)s and other tax certificates like medical certificate, retirement annuity fund certificate and any other 3rd party data that are relevant in determining your tax obligations. Reset your eFiling username and password if you have forgotten them. Update your personal information such as banking details, address and contact details online on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.

See the prototype/example ITR12 form.

Making it easy for taxpayers

Through the increased use of third-party data, SARS will be completing your tax return for you more accurately than ever. Where we have the required information, we will provide you with a proposed assessment without the need to file a tax return. This enables you to view, accept or edit your proposed assessment from the comfort of your home or place of work using eFiling or SARS MobiApp.

Top tip: SARS will be calling taxpayers to assist them with their tax returns – Here is some information on which taxpayers will be called and how you will know it’s not a scam.

Follow us on Social Media for daily Tax Tips or keep an eye on this webpage for all the information (links on the top right of this website).

Need help?

Our online service Help you eFile is available. The SARS YouTube channel as well as this website provide detailed guidance on how to file. If you have no other choice but to visit a SARS branch by appointment to assist you to file, you can do so until 22 October 2020.
If you have forgotten your password you can reset it by calling our SARS Contact Centre and following a simple procedure. See our simple self-service process.
To see all current SARS surveys, emails and SMSs, click here.

To access this page in different languages click on the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Why must I register for Income Tax?

If your earnings for a given tax year are above...

FAQ: What is remuneration for tax purposes?

Remuneration is any amount of income which is paid/payable to...

FAQ: What is the foreign tax credit limit for individuals?

The rebate is limited to the foreign tax payable and...

FAQ: What are penalties for not submitting my income tax return?

The penalties for not submitting a tax return are set...

FAQ: Can a registration for income tax be backdated?

Yes

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