SARS makes tax returns easier for non-residents with new 2025 online enhancements
Non-residents earning income from South Africa can now activate the correct tax return option online. Here’s how...
Things may be a bit easier for non-resident taxpayers who earn money from SA sources in terms of paying tax with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
SARS has introduced new enhancements to the 2025 tax return process.
"These enhancements aim to ensure that non-residents complete the correct required fields in the return. An interim solution to activate this part of the tax return has been introduced via the SARS Online Query System (SOQS). This allows non-resident taxpayers to request the non-resident section of the tax return. A more permanent solution, directly on the tax return through the tax return “wizard”, SARS said.
According to a report by IOL, there are some updates to the ITR12 tax form and it is important that the correct sections are completed and accurate returns are submitted by non-residents.
How to activate the non-resident option on your tax return using SOQS:
Start by visiting the SARS website and selecting the SOQS icon on the homepage. From there, go to the section labelled “Non-Resident Tax Return Type”.
Fill in your personal details as requested.
After SARS verifies your information, you’ll receive a One-Time Pin (OTP) sent to the contact details they have on file.
Select the 2025 tax year and respond to the series of yes/no questions that appear.
Based on your responses, your return will be correctly configured and made available on eFiling for submission as usual.
The revenue authority has stated that a taxpayer’s details will be retained and applied in the following assessment year, unless there has been a change in the taxpayer’s circumstances. In contrast, non-residents are only taxed on income that comes from a South African source.
For more information, go to the SARS website.
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