The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has commenced Filing Season 2026, unveiling a suite of digital enhancements aimed at streamlining tax filing and bolstering security for taxpayers. Since the beginning of July, SARS has auto-assessed over 1.9 million taxpayers, disbursing around R8 billion in tax refunds within the initial 72 hours. The agency anticipates issuing more than six million auto-assessments throughout the course of this filing season.
A key feature of the new enhancements is the increased accuracy of auto-assessments, achieved through the incorporation of expanded third-party data. Taxpayers can now benefit from improved self-service options available via eFiling and the SARS MobiApp. Security measures have also been strengthened with the introduction of biometric verification and two-factor authentication. Furthermore, taxpayers can expect AI-powered assistance to facilitate their filing process, along with the convenience of uploading documents through WhatsApp and receiving tax notices digitally.
SARS has specifically advised taxpayers who are chosen for auto-assessment to refrain from making unnecessary visits to service centers. Instead, they are encouraged to review their assessments using the official digital platforms provided by the agency, thus ensuring a more efficient experience.
In addition to these innovative enhancements, SARS has issued a cautionary note to taxpayers to remain vigilant against phishing scams and fraudulent refund schemes. The agency has reiterated that it never solicits passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or banking information through emails, SMS, phone calls, or social media channels, urging the public to stay alert to prevent falling prey to such scams.