SARS eFiling in South Africa (2026) — Complete Guide to Registration, Login & Auto Assessments
SARS eFiling (sarsefiling.co.za) is the official online platform for filing tax returns, making tax payments, and managing your tax affairs. The 2026 Filing Season is open — here are all the dates, steps, and guides you need.
🆕 Register for eFiling
First time using eFiling?
How to register →📝 File my tax return
Already registered — file your ITR12
How to file →🤖 Check my auto assessment
Received an SMS/email from SARS?
Auto assessment guide →How to register for SARS eFiling
- Your South African ID number (or passport for foreign nationals)
- Your SARS income tax reference number (if already registered for income tax — find this on any old SARS correspondence or via the SARS Online Query System)
- An active email address
- A South African cellphone number
Two ways to register:
Route 1 — eFiling website
(Recommended for first-time users)
- Go to sarsefiling.co.za and click "Register"
- Choose your registration type (individual / tax practitioner / company)
- Complete your personal details (ID, name, surname)
- Create a username and password
- Verify via OTP (sent to your email and/or cellphone)
- SARS verifies your information — confirmation sent by email
Route 2 — SARS MobiApp
- Download the SARS MobiApp from Google Play, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery
- Open the app and tap "Register"
- Follow the same verification steps as above
Once registered, you must activate the relevant tax types on your eFiling profile (e.g., income tax/ITR12, VAT, PAYE) under: Home → Tax Types → Manage Tax Types.
SARS verification: SARS verifies the information you capture during registration. The outcome is communicated on the eFiling registration verification page or via email.
📄 Official guide GEN-ELEC-18-G01 — How to Register for eFiling
Logging in to eFiling and recovering your account
Standard login: Go to sarsefiling.co.za → enter your username and password → submit OTP if prompted.
Forgot your eFiling password?
- Go to sarsefiling.co.za
- Click "Forgot Password" on the login screen
- Enter your username and registered email address
- SARS will send a password reset link to your email
- Follow the link to set a new password
Forgot your eFiling username?
- Go to sarsefiling.co.za
- Click "Forgot Username"
- Enter your South African ID number and email address
- Your username will be sent to your registered email
Need to update your contact details (email or cellphone)?
If your contact details have changed, update them on eFiling before the filing season to ensure you receive auto assessment notifications and OTPs.
- On the eFiling login screen, click "Update Contact Details"
- Enter your full name and South African ID number
- Complete the biometric verification (facial recognition)
- Enter your new contact details
- Submit the OTP sent to your new number or email
Can't access your registered email or phone?
If you cannot access the email or phone number registered to your eFiling account, visit a SARS branch (appointment required) with your original ID document. SARS can assist with account recovery and contact detail updates.
2026 Filing Season — dates, auto assessments, and deadlines
| Period | Dates | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Assessments | 1 July – 12 July 2026 | SARS issues auto assessments to qualifying taxpayers |
| Filing Season opens | 13 July 2026 | All taxpayers who need to file or correct an auto assessment |
| Non-provisional deadline | 23 October 2026 | Salaried employees, pensioners, and others without additional income sources |
| Provisional + Trusts deadline | 22 January 2027 | Provisional taxpayers (freelancers, rental income, business income) and trusts |
What is an auto assessment?
An auto assessment is when SARS calculates your income tax for you using data already received from your employer (IRP5), your bank (investment income), your medical scheme, and your retirement fund. If SARS has selected you for an auto assessment, you will receive an SMS or email notification between 1 and 12 July 2026.
How to check your auto assessment status: Visit the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) at sars.gov.za and click "My Auto Assessment Status".
What's new for 2026 Filing Season?
- More prefilled data: Investment income and other third-party information is automatically filled in — less manual entry required
- Simpler, clearer ITR12 form: New look and feel with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording
- Better residency questions: New fields help you provide correct tax residency information
- WhatsApp services: New for 2026 Receive your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and Statement of Account (SOA) via WhatsApp; upload supporting documents through WhatsApp (no eFiling or email needed for these)
- Declaration alert questionnaire: A new feature that identifies potential issues earlier, reducing the chance your return is selected for verification
- Quick links: From the ITR12, you now have quick links to your ITA34 and clearer messages if your return is overdue
How to file your ITR12 on SARS eFiling
- Your IRP5 (employer tax certificate) for the year
- Medical aid tax certificate
- Retirement annuity tax certificate (if applicable)
- Bank interest certificates (IT3b — pre-populated in 2026)
- Logbook (if claiming travel allowance)
- Any other income or deduction information
7-step filing process:
- Step 1: Log in to eFiling Go to sarsefiling.co.za → enter username and password → verify OTP if prompted.
- Step 2: Request your ITR12 return Navigate to: Returns → Returns Issued → Income Tax (ITR12) → select the relevant year of assessment → click "Request Return".
- Step 3: Answer the return wizard questions The wizard customises your return — only the sections relevant to your income sources will appear. Answer each question accurately to avoid unnecessary complexity.
-
Step 4: Review pre-populated information
SARS pre-populates data from your IRP5, medical scheme, and retirement fund.
Verify every pre-populated field: You are responsible for the accuracy of your return, regardless of what SARS has pre-filled.
- Step 5: Add any missing information If you have income or deductions not pre-populated (e.g., rental income, home office deduction, additional medical expenses), add them manually.
- Step 6: Review and submit Check your return carefully before submitting. Once submitted, errors can only be corrected by filing an objection.
-
Step 7: Pay or receive your refund
- If you owe tax: pay before the deadline via eFiling, internet banking (using SARS as the beneficiary with your PRN), or at a SARS branch.
- If SARS owes you a refund: ensure your banking details are correct on eFiling — the refund will be processed automatically.
How to check your SARS refund status on eFiling
On eFiling:
- Log in to sarsefiling.co.za
- Navigate to: Returns → Returns History
- Select your ITR12 return for the relevant year
- Check the status — common statuses include:
- "Submitted" — received by SARS, not yet processed
- "Assessment Issued" — SARS has calculated your tax; check your ITA34 (Notice of Assessment)
- "Refund Issued" — payment has been processed
On WhatsApp New for 2026:
You can now receive your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) via WhatsApp. Add the SARS WhatsApp number and message "ITA34".
On the SARS MobiApp:
Open the app → navigate to Debt / Refund status → view your current position.
SARS typically processes refunds within 7–21 business days of assessment. Delays occur if SARS selects your return for verification, if your bank details are incorrect, or if you have outstanding tax returns or debt.
Source: Accounter.co.za (citing SARS process)
Registered and verified on eFiling before or at the time of submission. Check via: eFiling → Maintain SARS Registered Details → My Bank Accounts.
The SARS MobiApp — file and manage tax from your phone
What the MobiApp does:
The SARS MobiApp is the official SARS mobile application, available free on all major app stores. It allows you to:
- File your ITR12 income tax return
- View your Notice of Registration (IT150)
- Check outstanding returns and make payments
- Enquire on outstanding debt
- New for 2026: Receive your ITA34 (Notice of Assessment) and upload supporting documents
How to file on the MobiApp:
- Open the app and log in with your eFiling username and password
- Tap on "Returns" → select "Income Tax (ITR12)"
- Request and complete your return (same process as eFiling)
- Review and submit
Ideal for taxpayers with simple tax affairs (salary income only); auto-assessed taxpayers reviewing their assessment; taxpayers who prefer to file on mobile.
For complex returns (multiple income sources, business income, capital gains), the full eFiling website offers more options and a larger workspace.
Common eFiling problems and how to fix them
Problem 1: "I can't log in / forgotten username or password"
→ Use "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" on the eFiling login screen. Jump to Section 3 →
Problem 2: "My OTP is not arriving"
→ Check that your cellphone number on eFiling is correct. Request a new OTP. If your number has changed, use "Update Contact Details" on the login screen. If the OTP still doesn't arrive, try the email OTP option or contact SARS.
Problem 3: "My ITR12 is not showing / I can't request a return"
→ Ensure you have activated the "Income Tax (ITR12)" tax type on your eFiling profile under Home → Tax Types → Manage Tax Types. You cannot request a return unless the tax type is active.
Problem 4: "There is a pre-populated amount I don't recognise"
→ A third party (employer, bank, or medical scheme) has submitted that information to SARS. Contact the relevant third party to verify the figure. If incorrect, they need to resubmit a corrected certificate. You can proceed with filing but should add a note and follow up.
Problem 5: "I uploaded supporting documents but SARS keeps requesting them"
→ Ensure documents are uploaded in the correct format (PDF, JPEG) and within the maximum file size. Upload via the return's "Supporting Documents" tab, not via email. SARS may still select the return for verification even after documents are uploaded.
Problem 6: "eFiling is slow or unresponsive"
→ eFiling experiences high traffic during filing season (particularly around the July open date and the October deadline). Try filing early in the morning. Use a supported browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended). Clear your browser cache. Alternatively, use the SARS MobiApp.
Problem 7: "My return is showing as 'Overdue'"
→ The return has passed its deadline and not been filed. Submit immediately — late submission attracts administrative penalties. Contact SARS if you believe the status is incorrect.
eFiling for businesses and tax practitioners
Business returns on eFiling: All major business tax returns are submitted via SARS eFiling:
| Return | Who files it | Navigate to |
|---|---|---|
| ITR14 — Company income tax | Companies (all sizes) | Returns → Income Tax (ITR14) |
| EMP201 — Monthly employer dec. | Employers (PAYE, UIF, SDL) | Returns → Employer → EMP201 |
| EMP501 — Annual reconciliation | Employers | Returns → Employer → EMP501 |
| VAT201 — VAT return | VAT-registered vendors | Returns → VAT → VAT201 |
| IRP6 — Provisional tax | Provisional taxpayers | Returns → Provisional Tax (IRP6) |
| ITR12T — Trust return | Trusts | Returns → Income Tax (ITR12T) |
Registered tax practitioners can link their clients' profiles to their eFiling account via: Home → Tax Types → Manage Tax Type Transfer. This allows practitioners to file on behalf of clients.
Company tax return (ITR14) guide → VAT201 filing guide → PAYE / EMP201 guide → Provisional tax (IRP6) guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto assessments: 1–12 July 2026 (SARS notifies by SMS/email). Filing season opens: 13 July 2026. Non-provisional taxpayers deadline: 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers and trusts: 22 January 2027.
Go to sarsefiling.co.za and click "Register", or download the SARS MobiApp and tap "Register". You will need your SA ID number, tax reference number, an email address, and a cellphone number. SARS verifies your information and confirms registration via email.
Go to sarsefiling.co.za → click "Forgot Password" → enter your username and registered email address → SARS sends a reset link. If you have also forgotten your username, click "Forgot Username" and enter your ID number and email address.
An auto assessment is SARS calculating your income tax using data from your employer, bank, and medical scheme. If you receive a notification (SMS or email between 1–12 July 2026) and agree with the assessment, no action is required — any refund due is paid automatically. If you disagree, file a corrected ITR12 via eFiling or the MobiApp between 13 July and 23 October 2026.
Log in to eFiling → Returns → Returns History → select your return and check the status. If your status shows "Refund Issued", the payment has been processed. You can also receive your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) via WhatsApp (new for 2026). Ensure your bank details are up to date on eFiling to receive the refund.
Log in to eFiling → navigate to Home → Tax Types → Manage Tax Types → tick the relevant tax type (e.g., Income Tax ITR12, VAT, PAYE) → click Register/Save. You cannot file a return for a tax type that is not activated on your profile.
Yes. Download the SARS MobiApp from Google Play, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. Log in with your eFiling credentials and file your ITR12 directly from the app. The app also allows you to view your Notice of Assessment and upload supporting documents.
Your return has passed its submission deadline. Submit it immediately via eFiling or the MobiApp. Administrative penalties apply for late submission and escalate monthly. If you believe the status is incorrect, contact SARS via the eFiling helpdesk or by visiting a SARS branch.
eFiling (sarsefiling.co.za) is SARS's full online platform accessible from a browser on any device. The SARS MobiApp is the official mobile app for Android, iOS, and Huawei devices. Both allow you to file returns, make payments, and check your tax status. The MobiApp is more convenient for simple returns and on-the-go access; the eFiling website offers more options for complex returns and business tax.
Related guides
Personal tax guides
Business tax guides
Calculators & forms
Sources and references
All eFiling information on this page is sourced from, or verified against, the following official references:
- SARS — Register for eFiling — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/register-for-efiling/
- SARS — Use our Digital Channels — sars.gov.za/individuals/i-need-help-with-my-tax/use-our-digital-channels/
- SARS — Filing Season 2026 — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/filing-season/
- SARS — Get Ready for Filing Season 2026 — sars.gov.za/latest-news/get-ready-for-filing-season-2026/
- SARS — How Does Auto Assessment Work — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/filing-season/how-does-auto-assessment-work/
- SARS — Are your SARS details up to date? — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/filing-season/are-your-sars-details-up-to-date/
- SARS — GEN-ELEC-18-G01 — How to Register for eFiling and Manage Your User Profile (External Guide)
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Consult a registered tax practitioner for advice specific to your situation.
Last reviewed June 2026 by Solly Maanaso, CA(SA). Next review: as soon as SARS announces 2027 Filing Season dates — typically June 2027. Also update if SARS announces any eFiling platform changes during the 2026 filing season.