The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has kicked off its Filing Season for 2026, unveiling a set of digital innovations aimed at streamlining the tax filing process and bolstering security measures for taxpayers. As of July 1, 2026, the agency has already auto-assessed over 1.9 million taxpayers and disbursed around R8 billion in tax refunds within just 72 hours. SARS plans to issue upwards of six million auto-assessments throughout this filing period.
These new features include more precise auto-assessments driven by enhanced third-party data, along with upgraded self-service options available via eFiling and the SARS MobiApp. Taxpayers can also expect biometric verification, two-factor authentication, and AI-powered assistance to facilitate their filing experience. Additionally, the introduction of WhatsApp document uploads and digital delivery of tax notices further simplifies the process.
SARS advises those who have been selected for auto-assessment to refrain from unnecessary trips to service centers. Instead, they are encouraged to review their assessments using the agency’s official digital platforms, which have been designed to handle these tasks more efficiently and conveniently.
In light of these advancements, SARS also issued a caution to taxpayers to remain vigilant against phishing scams and fraudulent refund schemes. The agency reiterated that it never solicits passwords, one-time PINs, or banking details via email, SMS, phone calls, or social media, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security in their communications.