How to file your tax return online: Expert Tips for South Africans – 3279

Imagine it’s a sunny Saturday morning in Cape Town, and you’re sitting at your favourite coffee shop, scrolling through your phone. Between sips of your flat white, you see a message from SARS: “Tax season is open!” Your heart skips a beat. Maybe you’re thinking about that side hustle you started last year, or the medical bills you paid, or that investment account you opened at FNB. You know you should file your tax return, but the idea of logging into SARS eFiling feels about as appealing as a Monday morning traffic jam on the N1. Don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through the whole process, step by step, just like I would if we were chatting over coffee.

Why Filing Your Tax Return Matters (Even If You Think It Doesn’t)

Let’s be honest, most of us would rather binge-watch the latest series than think about taxes. But here’s the thing: filing your tax return isn’t just about compliance. It’s about making sure you’re not leaving money on the table, especially if you’re entitled to a refund. And with SARS cracking down harder than ever, it’s also about avoiding unnecessary stress and penalties.

Take Thando, for example. She’s a teacher in Johannesburg who also tutors on weekends. Last year, she didn’t realise she needed to declare her tutoring income because her main job already deducted PAYE. Fast forward a few months, and she got a letter from SARS asking questions. It took weeks of back-and-forth to sort out, and she missed out on claiming some legitimate medical expenses. If she’d filed online and declared everything upfront, she could have saved herself a lot of hassle.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return in 2024?

Not everyone has to file a tax return. If you earn less than R95,750 for the year (and you’re under 65), have only one employer, and don’t have any other income or deductions, SARS might auto-assess you, and you’re off the hook[5]. But if you’re like most South Africans juggling multiple income streams, side gigs, or investments, you’ll need to file.

Here’s the deal for 2024: if you earned more than R500,000, had more than one employer, received rental income, made money from investments, or want to claim medical expenses or retirement fund contributions, you must file a return[5]. And if you’re a provisional taxpayer (think freelancers, consultants, or anyone with business income), your deadline is a bit later, but we’ll get to that.

Getting Your Documents in Order

Before you even think about logging into SARS eFiling, gather your paperwork. You’ll need your IRP5 from your employer (that’s the tax certificate showing how much you earned and how much tax was deducted), any certificates for interest earned (from Standard Bank, Capitec, or wherever you bank), proof of medical expenses, retirement annuity fund certificates, and details of any other income or deductions[4]. If you have a travel allowance or use a company car, dig out your logbook and related documents.

Let me tell you about Sipho, a graphic designer in Durban. He banks with ABSA and has a side gig designing logos for small businesses. Last year, he almost missed his deadline because he couldn’t find his IRP5. He ended up filing late and had to pay a penalty. Don’t be like Sipho. Get your documents sorted early.

Registering for SARS eFiling

If you’re new to this, you’ll need to register on SARS eFiling. It’s easier than you think. Head to the SARS eFiling website, click “Register,” and follow the prompts[6]. You’ll need your ID number, tax reference number (usually on your IRP5 or any previous SARS correspondence), and some basic personal info. If you’re married, you’ll need to indicate whether you’re in or out of community of property. You’ll also set up a username, password, and security questions.

Pro tip: If you bank with Nedbank, FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, or Capitec, you might already have a profile with SARS if your employer registered you for PAYE. But if you’re self-employed or have multiple income sources, you’ll need to register yourself.

Filing Your Return: Step by Step

Once you’re registered, log in to eFiling. You’ll see a dashboard with options for individuals, businesses, and tax practitioners. Click on “Individuals” and look for the ITR12 form. This is the main form for personal income tax[6]. SARS has made it easier by pre-populating some of your info based on data they get from employers, banks, and medical schemes. But don’t just accept everything at face value. Double-check the numbers against your own records.

Here’s where it gets real. You’ll need to enter your income from all sources. That includes your salary, any bonuses, rental income, freelance work, interest, dividends, and even that R500 you made selling old clothes online. If you’re not sure whether something counts as income, err on the side of caution and declare it. SARS has access to a lot of data, and it’s better to be upfront than to get a nasty surprise later.

Next, you’ll enter your deductions. This is where you can claim for medical expenses, retirement annuity contributions, and certain other costs. If you paid for medical aid, make sure you have your certificate from the scheme. If you contributed to a retirement annuity, get that certificate too. These deductions can make a big difference to your final tax bill, so don’t skip this step.

Let me share a story about Lerato, a nurse in Pretoria. She didn’t realise she could claim for her medical expenses because she thought only the main member of the medical scheme could do so. After a chat with a colleague, she learned that anyone who pays for medical expenses out of pocket can claim, even if they’re not the main member. She ended up getting a nice refund, which she put towards her daughter’s school fees.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not declaring all their income. Remember, SARS gets data from banks, employers, and even platforms like Airbnb. If you leave something out, chances are SARS will find it. Another common error is not keeping proper records. If you’re claiming for business expenses, make sure you have receipts and a logbook if you use a company car.

Another trap is missing the deadline. For most people (non-provisional taxpayers), the deadline is Monday, 21 October 2024[1][3]. If you’re a provisional taxpayer (that’s anyone with business income or income not subject to PAYE), you have until Monday, 20 January 2025[1]. Mark these dates in your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, do whatever it takes to remember. Late filing can lead to penalties and interest, and trust me, you don’t want that.

And here’s a tip: if you’re not sure about something, don’t guess. SARS has a helpline, and there are plenty of tax practitioners who can help. It’s worth paying a bit for peace of mind, especially if your situation is complicated.

Submitting Your Return and What Happens Next

Once you’re happy with your return, hit submit. You’ll get a confirmation from SARS, and the waiting game begins. SARS will assess your return and let you know if you owe tax or if you’re getting a refund. This can take a few weeks, so be patient.

If you’re due a refund, SARS will pay it directly into your bank account. Make sure your banking details on eFiling are up to date. If you owe tax, you’ll need to make a payment. You can do this via eFiling, at a SARS branch, or through your bank’s internet banking (FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, Capitec, and Nedbank all offer this service).

Let me tell you about Tumi, a young professional in Bloemfontein. She filed her return online, declared everything correctly, and got a refund within three weeks. She used the money to pay off a small credit card debt. It’s a great feeling when things go smoothly.

What If You Make a Mistake?

Mistakes happen. If you realise you made an error after submitting your return, don’t panic. You can request a correction via eFiling. It’s a straightforward process, and SARS is usually understanding if it’s an honest mistake. Just don’t ignore it, because that’s when things can get messy.

Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Season

Here are a few insider tips to make your life easier. First, keep all your tax documents in one place throughout the year. A simple folder on your computer or a physical file will do. Second, if you have complex investments or overseas income, consider getting professional help. Third, don’t wait until the last minute. The eFiling system can get slow as the deadline approaches, and you don’t want to be stuck in a virtual queue.

And remember, SARS is there to help. They have guides, videos, and a helpline. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out. There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when it comes to something as important as your finances.

Actionable Next Steps

So, what should you do right now? First, check if you need to file a return. If you’re not sure, use the SARS questionnaire or give them a call. Second, gather all your documents—IRP5, interest certificates, medical aid certificates, retirement annuity certificates, and anything else relevant. Third, register on SARS eFiling if you haven’t already. Fourth, log in, complete your ITR12, and submit your return before the deadline (21 October 2024 for most people, 20 January 2025 for provisional taxpayers)[1][3]. Finally, keep a record of your submission and any correspondence from SARS.

If you run into trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend who’s been through it before, a tax practitioner, or SARS itself, there’s support available. And next year, when tax season rolls around again, you’ll be a pro.

Filing your tax return online might not be the most exciting way to spend a Saturday, but it’s one of those adulting tasks that pays off. You might even get a refund to treat yourself to another flat white—or put it towards something more practical. Either way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re sorted with SARS, and that’s worth its weight in gold.