The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a number of updates for the 2025 tax season to simplify tax compliance and improve efficiency. One of the key changes is the launch of a new feature called “Express Access” on the SARS eFiling platform, which became available on 1 July 2025. This section appears on the eFiling dashboard when users log in and offers quick access to important tasks such as viewing and accepting auto-assessments, submitting tax returns, and updating personal or banking information. The aim is to streamline the filing process, especially for the more than five million taxpayers who will be auto-assessed this year.
In terms of timelines, SARS has laid out a clear schedule. Auto-assessments will be issued between 7 and 20 July 2025, with notifications sent via SMS or email. Taxpayers who are not auto-assessed can file manually from 21 July to 20 October 2025. For provisional taxpayers and trusts, the filing window runs from 21 July 2025 to 19 January 2026. SARS has also stated that if you accept your auto-assessment and everything is in order, refunds will typically be processed within 72 hours.
A significant change this year is that SARS will extend auto-assessment to certain provisional taxpayers, making it easier for a broader group of individuals to take advantage of the streamlined process. This reflects SARS’s ongoing commitment to using data and automation to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
At the same time, SARS has issued a fraud alert warning taxpayers to be extra cautious. Taxpayers should be aware that SARS will never send hyperlinks in official SMS messages. Any messages claiming to be from SARS that contain links or ask for personal details should be treated with suspicion, as phishing and scam attempts tend to increase during tax season.
Another important update is related to customs and VAT on low-value e-commerce imports. Starting from 1 September 2024, SARS began applying VAT plus a 20% customs duty on small parcels from online retailers like Shein and Temu. This change brings South Africa in line with international trade standards and is aimed at creating fairer competition for local businesses by ending the VAT exemption on certain imports.
In summary, the updates introduced by SARS aim to make tax filing more efficient while also strengthening security and ensuring fair tax practices on imported goods. Taxpayers are encouraged to make use of the new Express Access feature, be aware of key dates, and remain vigilant against scams. Those who regularly shop online should also factor in the additional VAT and duties that now apply to imported parcels.
