What’s new with SARS eFiling this tax season?

The 2023 SARS eFiling season started on 7 July 2023, and the deadline to file is October 23 2023 for individual taxpayers. Unless you’ve already submitted your tax return through SARS eFiling, there are a couple of changes to the online portal you should know about.

SARS EFILING SEASON IN FULL SWING

First things first, the revenue service insists you must check if you have been auto assessed before logging onto SARS eFiling. The revenue service has sent out its auto assessment notices, and if you received one you must not file a return

ALSO READ: What to do if you receive a SARS Additional Assessment

SARS says you can now check whether they have been auto assessed via the SARS Online Query Service functionality. To do so, click HERE.

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN AUTO ASSESSED, THEN WHAT?

Then we recommend submitting a straightforward income tax return through SARS eFiling. Get this done as soon as possible. That way you can get a refund as soon as possible and complete your return well before the system comes under strain from people rushing before the 23 October deadline.

WHAT’S CHANGED ON SARS EFILING?

To improve its service in tax season 2023, SARS has initiated a few changes to eFiling that you should be aware of. We’ve collated what we believe are the most relevant ones below:

• For non-provisional eFilers who owe SARS money after their assessment, the payment due is now due 30 days after a notice of assessment has been issued to you.
• If you are auto assessed and owe SARS money, payment is due 30 days after the tax season 2023 closing date, so November 23 2023.

SARS SAYS THESE TAXPAYERS DON’T NEED TO SUBMIT

A person, or the estate of a deceased person, does not need to submit an income tax return in tax season 2023 if:

• Their remuneration does not exceed R500 000 for the year from a single source.
• If they earn Interest income from a South African source not exceeding.
• R23 800 if you are younger than 65 years.
• R34 500 if you are 65 years or older.
• R23 800 for a deceased person’s estate.
• Amount were accrued from tax-free investments.
• Income came from a single lump sum received from a pension fund, provident fund, pension preservation fund, provident preservation fund or retirement annuity fund and tax has been deducted in terms of a tax directive.

Exemptions to these changes for tax season 2023 do apply if:

• You are paid certain allowances relating to business travel, accommodation or subsistence.
• Are granted taxable benefits relating to the use of a motor vehicle.
• Receive income for service rendered outside South Africa.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

To submit income tax return (ITR12) via SARS eFiling, simply register at www.sarsefiling.co.za and complete the return accordingly. We’ve made a glossary if important terms that will help you, click on it HERE.

You can submit your income tax return on your phone via the SARS MobiApp. Download the app from the following devices:

Apple App Store for Apple devices.
Google Play Store for Android devices.
Huawei App Gallery for Huawei devices.

Once downloaded, simply register, complete your ITR12, save and submit for evaluation.

FILE ELECTRONICALLY AT ANY BRANCH

If you feel you need in-person assistance but still want to file electronically through eFiling, an agent at one of the SARS branches will be able to assist you. Just be sure to bring along all your supporting documentation.

To make an appointment to visit a SARS branch, call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 and select option 0 (zero). A SARS official can book an appointment on your behalf. Alternatively, you can make an appointment HERE – or send an SMS to 47277 (iSARS) with this information and format: Booking (Space) ID number/Passport number. This SMS service is only available to registered taxpayers.

ALSO READ: SARS eFiling issues: Here’s what you do to fix the problem

All queries for SARS eFiling, including finding your individual tax number, changing of banking details and how to reset your password can be done via the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 (SARS). The centre is open between 08h00-17h00 (excluding weekends and public holidays). Or go to www.sarsefiling.co.za/ to resolve these issues online.

ALSO READ: UPDATED: Where you’ll find SARS mobile tax units for August

For any queries about your tax return, send us an email at info@thesouthafrican.com, or you can send us a WhatsApp on +27 60 011 0211.

Don’t forget that you have until October 23 2023 to file a tax return.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax or legal advice. For further details consult the SARS website or get in touch with a tax specialist.

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