Frequently Asked Questions

If you earn a standard monthly salary from a single employer, you generally only deal with Income Tax (PAYE). If you earn freelance, rental, or business income, you likely need to pay Provisional Tax. If you run a registered company, you will deal with Corporate Tax. Browse our Tax Guides to find the exact rules for your situation.

You can contact the SARS National Call Centre on 0800 00 7277. Alternatively, you can book an appointment via the SARS MobiApp or visit your nearest branch. If you need step-by-step help with the online platform, read our complete eFiling guide.

You can reset your password or recover your username directly on the www.sarsefiling.co.za homepage by clicking "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username". You will need your ID number and tax reference number.

An IRP5 is a tax certificate issued when your employer has deducted PAYE tax from your salary. An IT3(a) is issued when no tax was deducted (for example, if your income was below the tax threshold, or you are an independent contractor). You need these certificates to file your tax return.

The individual tax season typically opens in July. Non-provisional taxpayers usually have until late October to file online, while provisional taxpayers have until late January. For exact dates and current penalties, please check our 2026/2027 Tax Deadlines tracker.

If you are due a refund and your banking details are verified, SARS typically processes payouts within 7 to 21 business days after issuing your ITA34 assessment. Ensure your details are correct on eFiling to avoid delays.

Yes. If you disagree with a SARS auto-assessment, you have the right to edit and submit a corrected ITR12 return. However, you must do this within 40 business days of receiving the auto-assessment notification. If you miss this window, the assessment becomes final.

If you suspect a tax scam or wish to report tax evasion, you can contact the SARS Anti-Corruption and Fraud Hotline on 0800 00 2870. Always ensure you are on the official sars.gov.za website before entering any personal details.

No. SarsTax.co.za is an independent, private educational resource. We simplify South African tax laws to help citizens understand their obligations. We are not affiliated with the South African Revenue Service or the National Treasury.

Yes. All our calculators (Income Tax, Travel Allowance, Capital Gains) are rigorously updated against the official National Treasury Budget Speech and SARS Tax Tables for the current 2026/2027 tax year. Try our free calculators here.

Absolutely not. Our tax calculators run locally in your browser. We do not store, transmit, or save any of the salary or financial data you enter into our tools. Your privacy is 100% guaranteed.

For standard salaried employees with basic deductions, filing is often simple enough to do yourself via eFiling. However, if you earn freelance income, run a business, or have complex investments, hiring a registered tax practitioner can ensure you remain compliant and maximize your legal deductions.