How to File Personal Income Tax in South Africa: Tips, Do’s & Don’ts

By Admin · Jul 23, 2025

It’s Tax Season in South Africa: What to Look Out for, The Do’s and Don’ts When Preparing to File Your Personal Income Tax

Let’s face it - tax season in South Africa doesn’t exactly spark joy. But whether you’re a full-time employee, freelancer, side hustler, or small business owner, filing your personal income tax is something you must get right. SARS (South African Revenue Service) isn’t the type of authority you want to ignore or underestimate. So, how do you prepare properly and avoid the common mistakes?

In this post, we’ll guide you through what to expect, what to do (and what to absolutely avoid), and how to file your personal income tax return without unnecessary stress. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s demystify tax season together.

1. Understand If You Need to File

Not everyone in South Africa is required to submit a tax return. Here’s a basic rule of thumb: If you earn more than R500,000 a year from a single employer, with no other income (such as rental, freelance work, or side gigs), and no travel allowances or deductions, you might be exempt.

However, if you:

Changed jobs during the year,
Earned any additional income (including investments or freelance work),
Want to claim deductions (like medical aid, retirement annuities, or donations),
Are registered for provisional tax,
then yes—you need to file.

Always double-check with SARS or a tax professional to confirm your filing obligation.

2. Know the Key Dates

Tax season for individual taxpayers usually runs from July to October each year (for non-provisional taxpayers). For provisional taxpayers, deadlines extend to January the following year.

Tip: File as early as possible. Avoid the last-minute rush and reduce the chances of missing documents or system issues on the SARS eFiling platform.

3. Register on SARS eFiling (If You Haven’t Already)

The easiest and most efficient way to file your tax return is through SARS eFiling. If you’re not registered:

Visit the eFiling website,
Follow the prompts to register,
Keep your ID, tax number, and contact details handy.

Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to receive your auto-assessment (if applicable), submit returns, upload supporting documents, and receive correspondence from SARS directly.

4. What You Need to Prepare Before Filing

Here’s a checklist of essential documents you should gather before filing:

IRP5/IT3(a) from your employer(s)
Medical aid certificates
Retirement annuity contribution certificates
Tax certificates from investment accounts or banks (IT3(b) and IT3(c))
Travel logbook (if you have a travel allowance)
Proof of expenses for income-generating activities (like freelancing)
Donations certificates (Section 18A)

Keep everything in a secure, digital folder so that you can refer to it if SARS requests supporting documents.

5. The Do’s of Filing Personal Income Tax

✅ Do review your auto-assessment carefully.
Since 2020, SARS has been issuing auto-assessments for many taxpayers. These are pre-populated tax returns based on third-party information. Don’t just accept it blindly—double-check everything before hitting ‘submit’.

✅ Do keep records for at least five years.
Even after filing, SARS may audit your return. Having your documents organized and stored (digitally and/or physically) will save you time and stress.

✅ Do claim legitimate deductions.
If you’re entitled to deductions—such as medical aid, RA contributions, or business expenses—claim them. It could reduce your tax liability or even earn you a refund.

✅ Do update your personal details.
Ensure that SARS has your correct address, contact info, and banking details to avoid missed notices or delayed refunds.

6. The Don’ts of Filing Personal Income Tax

❌ Don’t ignore the deadline.
Missing the filing deadline can result in penalties and interest. Even if you owe nothing or expect a refund, late filing is still penalized.

❌ Don’t lie or omit income.
SARS has access to third-party data from banks, employers, and medical schemes. Failing to disclose income (e.g., from Airbnb or side gigs) could trigger an audit or penalties.

❌ Don’t guess or assume.
If you’re unsure about deductions or tax codes, rather consult a tax practitioner or financial advisor. A wrong move could cost you more in the long run.

❌ Don’t submit without checking.
Even one typo in your banking details or ID number can delay your return processing or refund. Review everything before final submission.

7. Seek Help If Needed

You don’t have to go it alone. SARS offers free online resources and virtual appointments. Alternatively, you can work with a tax practitioner—especially if your finances are complex or if you’re self-employed.

For people with simple tax affairs, SARS auto-assessments are often sufficient. But if you're dealing with multiple income streams, expenses, or deductions, professional assistance can save you money and headaches.

8. What Happens After You File?

After submission, SARS may:

Issue a Notice of Assessment (ITA34),
Request supporting documents (keep an eye on your eFiling inbox),
Make a refund to your account, or
Send a letter of audit or verification.

If your return is straightforward and you’ve submitted everything correctly, your refund (if applicable) usually arrives within 7–21 business days.

Final Thoughts

Tax season in South Africa doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of preparation, attention to detail, and honest reporting, you can file confidently—and possibly even walk away with a refund in your account.

Remember: tax isn’t just a financial responsibility; it’s part of being a well-informed, empowered adult in a country that needs its citizens to participate responsibly.