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SARS Tax Season Dates (2026)

Complete guide to SARS tax season dates and deadlines for 2026 in South Africa. Learn when tax season opens, filing deadlines, payment due dates, and important tax dates throughout the year.

Tax Expert
March 1, 2026
11 min read
SARS Tax Season Dates (2026)

SARS Tax Season Dates (2026)

Knowing important SARS tax dates and deadlines helps you file returns on time, avoid penalties, and manage your tax obligations effectively. This comprehensive guide covers all important tax dates for 2026 in South Africa.

Tax Year Overview

2026 Tax Year

Tax Year Period:

  • Starts: 1 March 2025
  • Ends: 28 February 2026
  • Filing season: July 2026 onwards
  • Deadlines vary by taxpayer type

Important:

  • Tax year is March to February
  • Different from calendar year
  • Filing season follows tax year end
  • Deadlines are critical

Tax Season Opening

When Tax Season Opens

Expected Dates (2026):

  • eFiling opens: Early July 2026
  • Manual filing: Mid-July 2026
  • Auto-assessments: Early July 2026
  • Check SARS website for exact dates

What Happens:

  • Returns become available
  • Can start filing
  • Auto-assessments issued
  • Processing begins

Filing Deadlines

Individual Taxpayers

Standard Deadline:

  • eFiling: 23 October 2026 (expected)
  • Manual filing: Mid-September 2026 (expected)
  • Check SARS for exact dates
  • May vary slightly

Important:

  • File before deadline
  • Late filing incurs penalties
  • Extensions may be available
  • Plan ahead

Provisional Taxpayers

Deadline:

  • 23 January 2027 (expected)
  • Extended deadline
  • More time to file
  • Check exact date

Note:

  • Provisional taxpayers get extra time
  • Must still file by deadline
  • Penalties for late filing
  • Plan accordingly

Payment Deadlines

Tax Payments

When Due:

  • Usually 30 days after assessment
  • Or by specified due date
  • Check assessment notice
  • Pay promptly

Important:

  • Late payment incurs interest
  • Penalties may apply
  • Pay by due date
  • Keep proof of payment

Provisional Tax Payments

Payment Dates:

  • First payment: 31 August 2025
  • Second payment: 28 February 2026
  • Final payment: When filing return
  • Mark on calendar

Important Dates Calendar

January 2026

Key Dates:

  • Provisional taxpayer deadline (if applicable)
  • Payment due dates
  • Other obligations

February 2026

Key Dates:

  • Tax year ends: 28 February
  • Provisional tax second payment
  • Year-end obligations

March 2026

Key Dates:

  • New tax year begins: 1 March
  • Prepare for filing season
  • Gather documents

July 2026

Key Dates:

  • Tax season opens (expected)
  • Auto-assessments issued
  • Filing begins
  • Start preparing

September 2026

Key Dates:

  • Manual filing deadline (expected)
  • eFiling deadline approaching
  • Finalize returns

October 2026

Key Dates:

  • eFiling deadline: 23 October (expected)
  • Last chance to file
  • Avoid penalties

Planning Your Tax Season

Before Tax Season

Preparation:

  • Gather documents
  • Organize records
  • Review previous returns
  • Plan ahead

Documents Needed:

  • IRP5 certificates
  • Bank statements
  • Expense receipts
  • Other income documents

During Tax Season

Action:

  • File early if possible
  • Review auto-assessment
  • Complete return accurately
  • Submit on time

Benefits:

  • Avoid last-minute rush
  • Faster processing
  • Earlier refunds
  • Less stress

After Filing

Follow-Up:

  • Track return status
  • Monitor refunds
  • Respond to queries
  • Keep records

Deadline Reminders

Setting Reminders

Methods:

  • Calendar alerts
  • Phone reminders
  • Email notifications
  • Physical calendar

Important Dates:

  • Filing deadlines
  • Payment due dates
  • Provisional tax dates
  • Other obligations

Consequences of Missing Deadlines

Late Filing

Penalties:

  • Fixed penalty per return
  • Additional penalties
  • Interest on amounts due
  • Escalating consequences

Avoid:

  • File on time
  • Request extension if needed
  • Don't ignore deadlines
  • Plan ahead

Late Payment

Consequences:

  • Interest charges
  • Penalties
  • Collection action
  • Compliance issues

Avoid:

  • Pay by due date
  • Set up payment arrangements
  • Don't ignore amounts due
  • Communicate with SARS

Extensions and Exceptions

Requesting Extensions

When Possible:

  • Valid reasons
  • Circumstances beyond control
  • Request in advance
  • SARS approval needed

Process:

  • Contact SARS
  • Explain circumstances
  • Request extension
  • Get approval
  • File by new deadline

Best Practices

Stay Organized

Tips:

  • Mark all deadlines
  • Set reminders
  • Plan ahead
  • Don't procrastinate

File Early

Benefits:

  • Avoid last-minute issues
  • Faster processing
  • Earlier refunds
  • Less stress

Keep Records

Maintenance:

  • Note all dates
  • Keep deadline records
  • Track payments
  • Maintain calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

When does tax season open?

Usually early July, but check the SARS website for exact dates each year.

What is the filing deadline?

For most individual taxpayers, it's usually 23 October via eFiling. Check SARS for exact dates.

What if I miss the deadline?

You may face penalties. File as soon as possible and contact SARS to explain if you have a valid reason.

Can I get an extension?

Extensions may be available for valid reasons. Contact SARS to request one.

When are payments due?

Usually 30 days after assessment, or by the date specified on your assessment notice.

Do deadlines change?

Deadlines may vary slightly each year. Always check the official SARS website for current dates.

Conclusion

Knowing important SARS tax dates helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties. By marking deadlines, filing early, and planning ahead, you can manage your tax obligations effectively. Remember that deadlines are strict, so plan accordingly and file on time.

For the most current dates and deadlines, always check the official SARS website.


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About the Author
Tax Expert

Tax Expert

Specializing in South African tax law, SARS eFiling, and tax compliance with extensive knowledge of the South African Revenue Service.