The wait is over. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially announced the opening dates for Tax Season 2026, giving millions of South Africans clarity on when they can start filing their income tax returns.
Whether you’re expecting a refund, need to review an auto-assessment, or are preparing to submit your annual tax return, knowing the official filing dates is essential to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth filing experience.
SARS Tax Season 2026 Official Opening Dates
SARS has confirmed the following Filing Season 2026 dates for the 2025/2026 year of assessment:
| Taxpayer Category | Filing Period |
|---|---|
| Auto-Assessments | 1 July 2026 – 12 July 2026 |
| Non-Provisional Taxpayers | 13 July 2026 – 23 October 2026 |
| Provisional Taxpayers | 13 July 2026 – 22 January 2027 |
| Trusts | 13 July 2026 – 22 January 2027 |
These dates apply to income earned between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026.
Tax Season 2026 Opens on 1 July for Auto-Assessed Taxpayers
The first phase of Tax Season 2026 begins on 1 July 2026, when SARS starts issuing auto-assessments to qualifying taxpayers. This process runs until 12 July 2026.
An auto-assessment means SARS uses information received from employers, banks, retirement funds, medical schemes, and other third-party institutions to calculate your tax position automatically.
If you receive an auto-assessment, it is important to:
- Review all information carefully
- Verify that income and deductions are correct
- Check your banking details
- Confirm your contact information is up to date
- Accept the assessment if everything is accurate
Many taxpayers mistakenly assume an auto-assessment requires no action. However, reviewing the information remains a critical step in ensuring accuracy.
Filing Season Officially Opens on 13 July 2026
For taxpayers who are not auto-assessed, Tax Season officially opens on 13 July 2026. From this date, taxpayers can begin submitting their Income Tax Returns (ITR12) through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
This filing window remains open until 23 October 2026 for non-provisional taxpayers, and 22 January 2027 for provisional taxpayers and trusts.
Why the Tax Season Opening Dates Matter
Every year, thousands of taxpayers leave filing until the last minute. This often results in:
- Missed deadlines
- Filing errors
- Delayed refunds
- Administrative penalties
- Increased stress during peak filing periods
Knowing the opening dates allows taxpayers to prepare early, gather supporting documents, and address any issues before the filing rush begins.
What Taxpayers Should Do Before 1 July 2026
With Tax Season approaching, now is the ideal time to get organised.
Before filing opens, ensure you have:
- Your IRP5 or IT3(a) certificates
- Medical aid tax certificates
- Retirement annuity contribution certificates
- Investment income statements
- Travel logbooks (if applicable)
- Updated banking details on eFiling
- Correct contact information registered with SARS
Preparing early can significantly reduce filing delays and improve the accuracy of your return.
Key Filing Season 2026 Deadlines at a Glance
1 July 2026
Auto-assessments begin.
12 July 2026
Auto-assessment period ends.
13 July 2026
Tax Season officially opens for non-provisional taxpayers.
23 October 2026
Deadline for non-provisional taxpayers.
22 January 2027
Deadline for provisional taxpayers and trusts.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Deadline
The announcement of the official Tax Season 2026 opening dates provides taxpayers with ample time to prepare for filing season.
Whether you receive an auto-assessment on 1 July or plan to submit your return from 13 July onwards, early preparation remains the best way to avoid mistakes, reduce delays, and stay compliant with SARS requirements.
As the saying goes, the taxpayers who prepare first are usually the taxpayers who file with confidence.
