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.
Related Articles:
Official Resources:
