Get Ready for Tax Season 2025: Important Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss

Humairaa Moola
3 days ago
2 min read

It’s that time of year again—SARS filing season is just around the corner, and we want to ensure you’re fully prepared to make the most of available deductions and avoid any penalties.

Here’s a quick overview of key filing dates and important information for both individuals and business owners:

📅 2025/2026 Tax Season Filing Deadlines

For Individuals:

Auto-Assessments:
7 July – 20 July 2025

SARS will auto-assess many individual taxpayers. If you agree with the assessment, you won’t need to file. If not, you’ll need to submit a return from 21 July.
Non-Provisional Taxpayers (who are not auto-assessed):
21 July – 20 October 2025
(three month window to submit tax returns)
Provisional Taxpayers:
First Provisional Payment: 31 August 2025
Second Provisional Payment: 28 February 2026

Final Income Tax Return Due: 19 January 2026

For Companies:

Provisional Tax Payments:

First Payment: 31 August 2025

Second Payment: 28 February 2026

Annual Income Tax Return:

typically due 12 months after financial year-end, e.g., February year-ends = due 28 February 2026

What SARS Doesn’t Auto-Populate

Ensure you manually capture any of these items—SARS won’t include them in your auto-assessed return:

Individual Deductions

Logbook – Travel Allowance Claim
Working From Home (WFH) Claim
Donations (Section 18A certificates)
Expenses against Commission / Contracting Income

Additional Sources of Income

Multiple IRP5s (pre-populates on e@syFile™, but won’t auto-assess)
Foreign Interest & Dividends
Rental Income

Complex Transactions

Sale of Shares, Property, Crypto
Foreign Income beyond simple interest/dividends
Consulting or Side-Hustle Income as Sole Proprietor

Our Top Tax Season Tips

Don’t ignore auto-assessments. If you’re selected and miss the deadline to file or correct, SARS may impose penalties.
Check your records early. Start pulling together bank statements, invoices, receipts, logbooks, and medical aid certificates.
Avoid last-minute stress. The earlier you file, the more time you have to correct any issues.
Plan cash flow for provisional tax. Budget now for August and February provisional payments.
Ask questions. We're here to help you maximise your return and avoid unnecessary tax.