What to Do If You Disagree with Your SARS Auto-Assessment

When tax season opens, many South Africans receive a message from SARS with their auto-assessment — a pre-calculated tax return based on the information SARS has on file.

While this system, introduced in 2020, makes things quicker and easier for most, it isn’t perfect. Data might be incomplete, deductions may be left out, or income could be incorrectly reported.

So what happens if you check your assessment and disagree with the result?
Here’s what you need to know about the objection and dispute process, and how our firm can help you through it.

Why You Might Disagree With Your Auto-Assessment

Some common reasons people dispute their SARS auto-assessment include:

• Missed deductions — like medical expenses, retirement annuities, or donations.
• Overstated income — due to errors in IRP5s or double reporting.
• Missing allowances — such as travel or business expenses not accounted for.
• Incorrect penalties or interest applied.

If you notice anything wrong, it’s your right (and responsibility) to correct it.

Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Disagree

If you believe your SARS auto-assessment is incorrect, here’s what to do:

Review Your Auto-Assessment

When you log in to SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, you’ll see your auto-assessment.

• Carefully check all the figures — income, deductions, and credits.
• Compare it to your own documents (like medical receipts, RA certificates, logbooks, etc.).

Remember: SARS has removed the “accept” option, so there’s nothing you need to click to agree. If you do nothing and the deadline passes, SARS considers the auto-assessment as final.

Request a Correction

If you spot errors or missing deductions, you can still file a correction.
Here’s how:

• On eFiling or the app, choose the option to open and edit your return.
• Enter the correct figures and upload supporting documents (e.g., medical expenses, RA certificates, logbooks, or updated IRP5s).
• Submit the corrected return before the filing deadline.

SARS will then reassess based on your updated return and issue a revised outcome.

Lodge an Objection if Needed

If you submit a correction but SARS still issues an assessment you believe is wrong, you can take it a step further and lodge an official Notice of Objection (NOO).
You have 80 business days from the date of assessment to do this on eFiling.

Make sure to:

• Clearly explain why you disagree.
• Include all relevant supporting evidence.

SARS will review your objection and respond, usually within 60 business days.

Escalate to an Appeal

If your objection is rejected and you still disagree, you can escalate your case to an appeal, and if necessary, to the Tax Board or Tax Court.
Most disputes are resolved at the objection stage, but it’s good to know your rights.

How We Can Help You

Dealing with SARS disputes can feel daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
That’s where we come in!

Our experienced tax professionals can:

• Review your auto-assessment and identify errors.
• Prepare and file your return with the correct information.
• Draft and lodge your objection with a strong supporting case.
• Handle all communication with SARS on your behalf.
• Guide you through the appeals process if necessary.

We’ll help you avoid unnecessary stress, ensure your rights are protected, and maximise your legitimate deductions.

Final Thoughts

While SARS’ auto-assessments are designed for simplicity, they’re not always accurate.
If you spot mistakes, don’t just accept it — take action to correct your tax record and avoid overpaying.

And remember: you don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact us today, and let us help you resolve your SARS assessment quickly and efficiently.