Double-check before you accept: Tips for navigating your SARS auto-assessment

702's Gugs Mhlungu spoke to resident certified financial advisor, Paul Roelofse.

Listen to their conversation below.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will initiate its 2025 auto-assessment season from 7 to 20 July 2025.

Statistics indicate that approximately 60% of the tax base falls into this category.

Auto-assessments work by preloading your tax data, such as IRP5s, retirement annuity and medical aid certificates, using information already submitted by third parties.

While Roelofse praises the revenue service on its e-Filing system, he warns that the ultimate responsibility rests with individual taxpayers as the system is not fail proof and leaves room for errors that could lead to penalties.

"It's still your prerogative, however, to make sure that what they have and what you have do agree. If they've left out something and you ignore it, you're still responsible. Auto assessments don't necessarily just get you through the system without any questions. It's still your obligation to make sure that that information is accurate."

- Paul Roelofse, certified financial advisor

Here are Roelofse's top tips for navigating auto-assessments:

• Review all preloaded information: Log into eFiling and make sure details from your employer, medical aid, and investment providers are accurate.
• Flag missing or incorrect data immediately: If they've left out something and you ignore it, you're still responsible.
• Take action before 20 July: You can accept, edit, or object to the assessment. If no action is taken, SARS will process it automatically.
• Still allowed to object later: Even after receiving a refund, you can raise a dispute or submit additional info.
• Beware of scams: SARS won’t ask for personal or banking details by email.

If you’re not auto-assessed, you’ll need to file manually via eFiling by 20 October 2025.

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