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SARS Auto-Assessments: Your Essential Review Checklist

Jul 22, 2026 | Financial News

Published by Weyers Accounting Services

What Is a SARS Auto-Assessment?

A SARS auto-assessment is generated using information received from employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds, insurers and other third-party data providers.

It remains your responsibility to review the assessment and ensure that it accurately reflects your tax position.

If the assessment is correct, no further action is required. If it is incorrect or incomplete, you may need to correct the relevant information and submit an updated Income Tax Return.

Your 60-Second Auto-Assessment Checklist

Verify Your Personal Details
Check that your identity, contact, banking, marital status and residency information is correct where applicable.
Review Your Income
Confirm that all income has been correctly reflected, including salary, investment, rental, foreign and other taxable income applicable to you.
Check Your Tax Deductions and Credits
Review qualifying retirement fund contributions, medical scheme information, qualifying medical expenses, section 18A donations and any other deductions or tax credits that may apply to your circumstances.
Confirm Your Banking Details
Ensure that SARS has your correct bank account details. Incorrect or unverified banking details may delay your refund. Update your details only through official SARS channels.
Review Your Supporting Certificates
Compare the information on the assessment with your IRP5 or IT3(a), medical scheme certificate, retirement fund certificate, investment certificates and section 18A receipts.

If Something Does Not Look Right

Where inaccurate information was submitted to SARS by an employer, bank, medical scheme, retirement fund or other third party, ask that institution to correct the information supplied to SARS.
Once the correct information is available, complete and submit an updated ITR12 through SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before the filing deadline applicable to you.

When Will a Refund Be Paid?

A valid refund of R100 or more is generally paid automatically within 72 hours.

A refund may be delayed if:

  • Your banking details require verification.
  • Your return is selected for verification or audit.
  • You have outstanding tax returns.
  • SARS requires supporting documents or you have outstanding tax debt.

Refund Season Is Also Scam Season

Fraudsters often send SMSes, emails and WhatsApp messages claiming that a tax refund is ready. These messages may ask you to click on a link, provide personal details or verify banking information on a fake website.

How to Protect Yourself

Do not click on links in unsolicited or suspicious messages.
SARS will never ask you to disclose your eFiling password, banking PIN, one-time PIN or login credentials through email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media or telephone.
Use only verified SARS channels, including SARS eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, the official SARS website, SARS SOQS or the official SARS WhatsApp service.

How Weyers Accounting Services Can Help

We review your SARS auto-assessment, check the available third-party data and supporting documents, identify deductions and tax credits that may apply to your circumstances, and assist with correcting and submitting your Income Tax Return where necessary.

Our aim is to help ensure that you remain fully compliant and pay only the tax that you are legally required to pay.

Need Help Reviewing Your SARS Auto-Assessment?

Contact Weyers Accounting Services
083 413 3674
mari@weyersas.co.za

Accurate. Reliable. Trusted

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