SARS adds WhatsApp feature to simplify tax submissions
SARS has introduced several new changes to the tax submission process to improve convenience and reduce errors.
Tax season is upon us. From 1 to 12 July, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will open the auto-assessment period.
An auto-assessment means that SARS works out your tax return based on information received from your employer, bank, medical scheme, retirement funds, insurers and other third-party data providers. Using the information available to it, SARS calculates your tax return on your behalf.
After the auto-assessment has been completed, you will receive an SMS from SARS informing you that your assessment is ready for review. You can then check and verify the information. If you owe SARS money, the SMS will indicate that you have an outstanding amount to pay. If you are due for a refund, the assessment will also indicate this, and the refund will be paid directly into your bank account once the assessment has been accepted. You will also be able to access your assessment status through SARS channels.
If you do not receive an auto-assessment, the filing season for non-provisional individual taxpayers will run from 13 July until 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers will be able to file from 13 July until 22 January 2027, while trusts will also be able to submit returns during this period.
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New features aimed at improving convenience
Along with the opening of tax filing season, SARS has announced several new features aimed at improving convenience, including the use of WhatsApp.
SARS has introduced a WhatsApp service that will allow taxpayers to receive their Notice of Assessment (ITA34) if they are auto-assessed. Taxpayers will also be able to receive their Statement of Account through WhatsApp and upload supporting documents directly on the platform.
This is a game-changer since WhatsApp is used by millions of South Africans. Some people may not have regular access to email, be able to visit the SARS offices while others may not be familiar with eFiling. Because many people already know how to use WhatsApp, this feature makes tax filing simpler and more accessible.
Medical Aid selection feature
In addition to the WhatsApp feature, SARS has also introduced an easier medical aid selection. Going forward, taxpayers will be able to choose from a list of approved medical schemes when completing their returns.
This is important because it helps users avoid mistakes by selecting options that already exist on the SARS system.
SARS will also pre-populate certain information, reducing the need for taxpayers to manually enter information that SARS already has on record.
The tax return form has also been simplified with fewer repeated questions and clearer wording to help taxpayers complete their returns correctly and with greater ease.
The eFiling platform has received a refreshed look, making it easier to navigate. In addition, new residency-status questions have been included to help taxpayers provide the correct information regarding their tax residency.
All these changes are important because they make tax filing easier and more efficient.
Importance of paying tax
The use of WhatsApp and the other enhancements is expected to reduce some of these barriers and make tax compliance less stressful.
Paying tax remains important because it helps government fund essential services and programmes that contribute to improving the lives of South Africans.