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Tax season 2026

SARS tax season 2026: key dates and deadlines.

Everything you need for this year's filing season in one place, straight from SARS: when it opened, when it closes and what to have in hand before you file.

Filing season dates

Non-provisional returns close

14

days to 23 October 2026

The non-provisional deadline has passed. Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027.

  1. Auto-assessments

    SARS issues auto-assessments. If you agree with yours, you do not need to do anything else.

  2. Filing opens

    Non-provisional individuals can submit returns on eFiling and the SARS MobiApp.

  3. Non-provisional deadline

    Last day for individuals who are not provisional taxpayers to submit their 2026 return.

  4. Provisional taxpayers and trusts

    Final filing date for provisional taxpayers and trusts.

Dates from SARS, sars.gov.za filing season.

Before you file

What to have ready.

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  • IRP5 / IT3(a) certificates

    From your employer and third parties, usually available by the end of May.

  • Medical scheme tax certificate

    Plus slips for anything your scheme did not pay.

  • Retirement annuity certificates

    From each fund you contribute to.

  • Section 18A receipts

    One for every donation to an approved public benefit organisation.

  • Rental income and expenses

    Rent received, levies, rates, bond interest statements and repair invoices.

  • Travel logbook

    If you claim business travel or have a travel allowance.

  • Home office details

    Floor area of the office and the whole home, and the running costs.

Common questions

Tax season, answered.

  1. 01

    When does the 2026 tax season close?

    For individuals who are not provisional taxpayers, returns are due by 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers and trusts have until 22 January 2027.

  2. 02

    I got an auto-assessment. Do I need to do anything?

    SARS issued auto-assessments from 1 to 12 July 2026. If you agree with yours, you do not need to do anything else. If you have deductions it did not include, such as out-of-pocket medical costs, Section 18A donations or retirement annuity contributions, you can file a return with the full picture.

  3. 03

    What happens if I file late?

    SARS can charge administrative penalties of R250 to R16 000 a month, depending on your taxable income, for as long as the return is outstanding.

  4. 04

    Which tax year is this season for?

    The 2026 filing season covers the 2026 year of assessment: 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Expenses you capture in Mali-X now count towards the 2026/2027 year, which you will file in 2027.

Source: SARS filing season, checked 9 October 2026.

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