SARS urges taxpayers to prepare ahead of 2025 tax season
The South African Revenue Service has called on taxpayers to check and update their banking and contact details before the 2025 tax season begins.
SARS has called on taxpayers to update and verify their banking and contact details before the 2025 tax season, warning that outdated information could delay refunds or cause missed notifications.
Starting Monday, 7 July, SARS will begin issuing auto-assessments, giving taxpayers until Sunday, 6 July to confirm their details for a smooth filing process.
This initiative forms part of SARS’s ongoing efforts to simplify tax submissions, with many taxpayers set to receive pre-filled assessments based on data from employers, banks, and medical schemes.
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How to update your details
Taxpayers can check and update their information on sarsefiling.co.za by:
- Logging into their eFiling account
- Clicking on ‘SARS Registered Details’
- Selecting ‘Maintain SARS Registered Details’
- Choosing which section to update (e.g. bank accounts, email addresses, mobile numbers)
- Clicking ‘Done’, then ‘Submit’ to save changes
Failing to submit after updating will result in changes not being registered in the system.
Key points to remember
- No action required if you agree with the auto-assessment. Refunds will be processed automatically if banking details are correct.
- Incorrect banking details will result in refund failures. Affected taxpayers will need to manually correct their details and follow up with SARS.
- SARS will send notifications via SMS or email to inform taxpayers when their assessments are ready. Taxpayers are advised to wait for this notice before logging into eFiling or the MobiApp.
- If a refund is due and banking details are up to date, it will be paid within approximately 72 hours of the assessment.
- If you disagree with the assessment, you will need to complete and file a tax return manually via eFiling or the MobiApp before the due date indicated.
Contact details now more crucial than before
SARS has fully transitioned to digital communication, meaning all critical correspondence will be delivered via email or SMS.
This includes:
- Audit notifications
- Payment reminders
- Requests for documentation
- Dispute outcomes
- Penalty notices
Missing such notices could result in penalties, enforcement actions, or non-compliance flags – which can affect future tax filings and SARS interactions.
“Taxpayers don’t need to call or visit our branches. Most issues, including disputes, can be resolved online,” SARS emphasised in a statement.
Taxpayers are advised to ensure that they have regular access to their SARS eFiling account or MobiApp and that their registered representative details are also current, particularly for business entities.