Latest News
SARS Confirms 2025 Tax Season Dates
SARS has announced that the 2025 individual tax filing season will open on 7 July 2025 and close on 20 October 2025 for most non-provisional taxpayers.
From 7 to 20 July, SARS will issue auto-assessments to selected taxpayers via SMS or email. If you are satisfied with your auto-assessment, no further action is needed. However, if you believe important deductions or income have been excluded, you can access your profile on SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp and submit a revised tax return before the deadline.
If you do not receive an auto-assessment, your filing window will be from 21 July to 20 October 2025.
Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 19 January 2026 to submit their returns.
SARS advises all taxpayers to ensure that their contact details and banking information are up to date to avoid refund delays and communication issues.
To read the official SARS notice, visit: https://www.sars.gov.za/latest-news/tax-filing-season-opens-on-7-july-to-20-october-2025
COIDA Return of Earnings (ROE) Submission Due Soon
All employers in South Africa who employ one or more workers are required to register under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).
Employers must submit their Return of Earnings (ROE) for the 2024/25 assessment period between 1 April and 31 July 2025 to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Late submissions may result in penalties and interest. Ensure compliance by filing on time. For more details, visit the South African Government’s official page on submitting earnings statements.
Only Registered Tax Practitioners May File Returns – And “Refund-Based” Fees Are Prohibited
Taxpayers are reminded that only individuals registered as tax practitioners with both SARS and a recognised controlling body may legally file income tax returns on behalf of others. This requirement is prescribed under the Tax Administration Act and applies regardless of whether the preparer operates as part of a business, privately, or informally.
It is also important to note that fees based on the outcome of a return — so-called “contingency fees” — are not permitted. For example, if a tax preparer offers to submit your return in exchange for 10% of your SARS refund, this arrangement is illegal. SARS has confirmed that such a practice is in contravention of the law.
As stated in SARS Tax Practitioner Connect Issue 47:
“A contingency fee is a fee that is based on the outcome of a matter, in this case, the value of the refund or reduction of the taxpayer’s tax liability. Charging such a fee is in contravention of the law.”
Taxpayers remain fully liable for the contents of any return submitted in their name. Engaging unregistered individuals, or agreeing to impermissible fee arrangements, increases the risk of non-compliance, penalties, and audits.
Always ensure that the person handling your return is properly registered, and that their fee structure complies with tax legislation