Completing a Tax Return Online via e-Filing
- Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za.
- Login to your e-Filing profile. You’ll need to use the same username and password you chose when you registered for e-Filing. Remember, if a tax practitioner registered for you, you need to request these details from them. This information is legally yours. If this isn’t possible, call SARS on 0800 00 7277 and answer the security questions to get access to your e-Filing.
3. Once logged into SARS eFiling, click on “Returns” at the top right-hand corner of the home page.
- Then click on “Returns Issued’ on the left-hand side of the screen and then on “Personal Income Tax (ITR12).
5. You will then need to select the tax year by clicking on the arrow next to “Request Return” on the right-hand upper corner and then click on “Request Return”
6. Once the return is loaded click on “Open” to view the return. This can be found on the right-hand side of the website.
7. Once the page has loaded click on “My Tax Return (ITR12)” to go into the return.
8. A pop-up note will appear. Read it and click “OK”
9. A form creation wizard will load. Read the information and click “OK”
10. Wait for the page to load fully before moving forward.
11. Your tax return should load automatically.
The example below uses a standard IRP5 and includes medical aid and retirement annuity deductions. Please note that this is an example based on a basic return. If you feel that your return is more complex, please speak with a tax consultant or SARS before submitting your return.
Based on the example the different sections are displayed:
- Form Wizard
- Taxpayer Information
- Bank Details
- Employee Tax Certificates
- Taxpayer Information – Deductions
The first page contains questions that are relevant to your specific situation and will look like this:
- The moment you start to fill out the information, you’ll notice that the form begins to change, depending on the answers that you have already given.
- Once you’ve completed the standard section on the form wizard, move on to the next section.
6. Fill out your personal details on the “Taxpayer Information” section.
7. Confirm your banking details on the “Bank Details” section.
8. On the following
- If you have medical aid and/or retirement policies they should automatically be selected when the return opens. If not, click on the appropriate sections. These fields will then prepopulate on
“Taxpayer Information – Deductions” section of the return. Check that the figures match that of your actual policies. - If you have earned interest, tick that appropriate block on page one and type in the rand value in the required field on the return.
- Anything you haven’t filled out will be highlighted by SARS in red.
- If you’re happy that everything is accurate and complete on your return, click File return.
TOP TIP!
You can use the tax calculator on the SARS eFiling website to see whether you need to pay SARS, whether you can expect a refund or need to pay in.
Submitting a Tax Return on the SARS MobiApp
The SARS MobiApp is a mobile channel from which you can complete and submit your Income Tax Return (ITR12). You can install the SARS MobiApp from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
On the SARS MobiApp you can register, complete, save and submit your income tax returns.
You may also use the app for the following:
- Register for eFiling
- Reset your username and password
- File your return
- Upload and submit supporting documents
- Make a payment to SARS
- Set up a Call Back from the SARS Contact Centre
- View a Notice of Assessment
- Request and view the Income Tax Statement of Account
- View the status of the return
- Use the tax calculator
Which devices are compatible with the SARS MobiApp?
- iOS version 10 to latest
- Android version 5.0 to latest
Steps to submit and income tax return on the SARS MobiApp
- The Home screen will appear once you
login . - A welcome message will be shown, select Next to continue.
- Tap on Tax Returns.
- Your latest returns will show up. Make sure the right Year of Assessment is selected and tap on Edit Return.
- The Standard Form will load and tap Ok
- Wait for all sections to fully load.
- This section is similar to the web version and has the following fields that must be completed:
- Form Wizard
- Taxpayer Information
- Bank Details
- Employee Tax Certificates
- Taxpayer Information – Deductions
8. Please see section “Completing a Tax Return Online via e-Filing” for an in-depth explanation of the different sections.
9. Once all sections have been filled out correctly you can either save the return, do an estimate on what you owe with the tab “TAX CALC”, refresh the page if any of IRP5’s, medical aid or retirement annuities were updated or you can submit your return.
10. If you are unsure of anything on the MobiApp you can call SARS or speak with a registered tax practitioner for advice.
11. Once you have successfully submitted your return and it has been assessed by SARS select logout when you are done.
12. Should SARS require additional supporting documents, they will let you know via SMS, email or you can view it by going to the SARS MobiApp home page, then go to Notifications and then Correspondence.
Submitting a Tax Return at a SARS Branch
Call SARS or search online to find the closest branch to you. Make sure to take along all necessary documents in order to avoid multiple trips to SARS.
Documents that are most commonly required are:
- Id copy (certified and not older than 3 months)
- Proof of bank account (original and not older than 3 months)
- Proof of address (certified and not older than 3 months)
- Any documents concerning the submission of your income tax return. I.e. IRP5, medical aid
etc .