For many South Africans, tax season can be a source of confusion, frustration, or even anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little preparation and the right information, filing your taxes can be a straightforward—and even rewarding—process.

In this Tax Season Survival Guide for 2025, we’ll walk you through what you need to know, from important deadlines to new changes from SARS, and practical steps to help you maximise your refund or reduce what you owe.

📅 Key Dates to Remember

SARS (South African Revenue Service) typically announces tax season dates each year around June. For 2025, these are the expected timelines:

• 1 July 2025 – Tax season opens for individual taxpayers

• 24 October 2025 – Deadline for non-provisional taxpayers using eFiling or the SARS MobiApp

• 31 January 2026 – Deadline for provisional taxpayers filing online

It’s critical to file before these deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

📋 Who Must File a Tax Return?

You must submit a tax return if you:

• Earn more than R500,000 per year from multiple sources

• Have additional income such as rental, freelance, or investment income

• Want to claim deductions, such as medical expenses or retirement annuities

• Are provisional taxpayers (e.g., freelancers or business owners)

Even if you earn below the threshold, filing can still benefit you—especially if you’re eligible for a tax refund.

🆕 What’s New in 2025?

Here are a few updates and changes to keep in mind for the 2025 tax season:

1. Automated Assessments Are Expanding

SARS continues to improve its automation. If you receive an auto-assessment via SMS or email, you must accept or edit it through SARS eFiling or MobiApp within 40 working days.

2. Updated Tax-Free Thresholds

The tax-free threshold has been adjusted to R96,000 for taxpayers under 65. Be sure to check where you fall in the latest tax brackets.

3. Crypto Assets & Foreign Income Disclosure

SARS has tightened regulations around cryptocurrency and offshore investments. If you trade crypto or hold assets abroad, disclosure is mandatory.

🧾 Documents You’ll Need

Before filing, make sure you’ve gathered:

• Your IRP5/IT3a from employers

• Medical aid certificates

• Retirement annuity contribution statements

• Proof of donations (Section 18A certificates)

• Travel logbooks (if claiming for vehicle use)

• Rental income and expense records

• Certificates for tax-free savings accounts (TFSA)

• Any documents showing interest, dividends, or capital gains

Being prepared with the right documents saves you time and prevents mistakes.

💸 Deductions You Shouldn’t Miss

Here are some of the most overlooked deductions that could reduce your taxable income:

• Retirement annuity contributions (up to 27.5% of income, capped)

• Medical expenses not covered by your medical scheme

• Home office expenses (for those working remotely, under strict conditions)

• Donations to registered public benefit organisations (PBOs)

• Travel expenses (if you receive a travel allowance and kept a logbook)

Always verify that your deductions are valid and supported by documentation.

💻 How to File

You can submit your tax return through:

1. SARS eFiling – The most popular online platform.

2. SARS MobiApp – Mobile-friendly and great for quick submissions.

3. Tax practitioner – If your situation is complex, it’s wise to use a registered tax professional.

4. SARS branches (by appointment) – Available but increasingly limited.

Tip: Always verify your SARS profile details, including your banking info and contact details, before filing.

❗ Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Ignoring your auto-assessment or accepting it without reviewing

• Forgetting to declare rental income or freelance earnings

• Misreporting capital gains on property or investments

• Not disclosing cryptocurrency transactions

• Missing the deadline—leading to penalties up to R250/month

Being honest and meticulous is not just legal—it’s financially smart.

✅ Final Tips for Success

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last week of October or January.

• Keep digital records: Store all receipts and documents in the cloud or a secure drive.

• Use a checklist: SARS provides one, or we’ll send you one if you subscribe to our newsletter.

• Get professional help: Especially if you have multiple income sources, capital gains, or a business.