The 2026 SARS Filing Season is now underway, and there are a few important changes every taxpayer should be aware of.

📌 Auto Assessments are currently being issued between 1 and 12 July. If you qualify, SARS will send you an SMS or email informing you that your return has already been calculated using information received from your employer, bank, medical aid, retirement fund, and other institutions.

But remember — an Auto Assessment does not always mean everything is correct. Always review your information carefully before accepting it.

📌 Filing deadlines
• Individual taxpayers have until 23 October 2026 to file or amend their tax returns.
• Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027.

📌 New traveller declaration requirement
From 1 July 2026, anyone entering or leaving South Africa by air, road, rail, or sea must complete an online traveller declaration before travelling. This can be done using the SARS Traveller Declaration Portal or the SATMS app.

📌 More digital services
SARS continues to expand its online services. Taxpayers can now receive notices, check Auto Assessment statuses, and even upload supporting documents through WhatsApp. The SARS AI assistant, Lwazi, is also available to help answer common questions.

📌 Beware of scams
Tax season is prime time for fraudsters. SARS will never ask for your password, OTP, or banking details via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.

📌 Trusts under the spotlight
SARS is taking a tougher stance on trusts with outstanding returns, with penalties ranging from R250 to R16,000 per month per return for non-compliance.

At Tax A Sured, we help individuals, businesses, and trusts stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes during filing season.

Tax A Sured (Pty) Ltd
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