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

Imagine it’s a bright Saturday morning in Johannesburg, and you’re sitting at your favourite coffee shop in Sandton, scrolling through your phone. Between sips of your flat white, you notice a WhatsApp from your friend Thando: “Hey, have you done your tax return yet? SARS is open, and I just got my refund!” Suddenly, that nagging feeling you’ve been ignoring all month comes rushing back. Tax season. You know you should file, but the thought of forms, deadlines, and possibly owing money makes you want to close the app and order another coffee instead. But here’s the thing: filing your tax return in South Africa doesn’t have to be a headache, especially if you do it online. Let me walk you through it, step by step, like we’re chatting over that second cup.

Why Filing Online Is Easier Than You Think

I get it. The idea of dealing with SARS can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not a numbers person. But here’s a secret: SARS has made it surprisingly easy to file online, whether you’re using your laptop at home or the SARS MobiApp on your phone. You don’t need to queue at a branch (unless you really want to), and you don’t need to be a tax expert. All you need is your ID, a few documents, and a bit of patience. Think of it like online banking with FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, Capitec, or Nedbank—once you’re registered, it’s just a few clicks to get things done.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return in 2024?

Let’s clear up a common myth: not everyone in South Africa has to file a tax return. If you earn less than R95,750 for the year (and you’re under 65), and all your income comes from one employer who deducts PAYE, SARS might auto-assess you, meaning you don’t have to lift a finger[5][7]. But if you’re like most people—maybe you have a side hustle, rent out a room, earn interest from your Capitec savings account, or just want to claim medical expenses—you’ll need to file. The same goes if you earn more than R500,000, have more than one job, or want to claim a refund[5]. If you’re not sure, SARS has a handy questionnaire online to help you check.

Getting Ready: What You Need Before You Start

Before you log in, gather your documents. You’ll need your IRP5 (that’s the tax certificate from your employer), any certificates for local interest (like from your FNB or Standard Bank account), details of medical expenses and retirement annuity contributions, and any other proof of income or deductions. If you use a company car or get a travel allowance, dig out your logbook. Having everything in one place will save you time and stress. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you left your medical aid certificate in the car.

Registering for SARS eFiling

If you’re new to eFiling, you’ll need to register first. Head to the SARS eFiling website or download the MobiApp. You’ll need your ID number, tax reference number (usually on your IRP5 or a previous SARS letter), and some basic personal info. The process is straightforward—just follow the prompts, choose a username and password, and you’re in. If you’re married, you’ll also need to specify whether you’re married in or out of community of property. Once you’re registered, you can log in anytime to file your return, check your status, or even chat with SARS if you have questions[6].

Filling Out Your ITR12 Form

The main form you’ll use is called the ITR12. Don’t let the name intimidate you—it’s just a series of questions about your income, deductions, and tax credits. SARS often pre-populates some of the info based on what they already know (like your salary from your employer), but you’ll need to check everything carefully and fill in any gaps. For example, if you earned interest from your Nedbank savings account, you’ll need to add that. If you paid for private medical aid, you can claim a tax credit—just make sure you have the certificate from your medical scheme.

Here’s a tip: take your time. If you rush, you might miss a deduction or make a mistake that could delay your refund or even trigger an audit. If you’re not sure about something, there’s help available—either through the SARS website, their call centre, or a registered tax practitioner. And if you’re a provisional taxpayer (maybe you’re self-employed or have a lot of investment income), your deadlines and process are a bit different, so keep that in mind.

Real-Life Examples: Making It Relatable

Let’s talk about Sipho, a teacher in Cape Town who also rents out his garage as a storage space. He needs to declare both his salary and his rental income. Or Thandi, a graphic designer in Durban who freelances for a few clients and has a side gig selling handmade crafts online. She needs to report all her income, not just her main job. And then there’s David, a retiree in Pretoria who lives off his pension and some interest from his ABSA fixed deposit. He might not need to file if his total income is below the threshold, but if he wants to claim medical expenses, he’ll need to submit a return.

The point is, everyone’s situation is different. What matters is that you’re honest and thorough. SARS isn’t out to get you—they just want to make sure everyone pays their fair share and gets the refunds they’re entitled to.

Deadlines and What Happens If You’re Late

For the 2024 tax year, if you’re a non-provisional taxpayer, you need to file by 21 October 2024[2][5]. Provisional taxpayers have until 20 January 2025. If you miss the deadline, you could face penalties and interest, and it might take longer to get any refund you’re owed. But if you’re running late, don’t panic—just file as soon as you can. It’s always better to file late than not at all.

What If You Make a Mistake?

Mistakes happen. Maybe you forgot to include some interest income from your Capitec account, or you overstated your medical expenses. If you realize you’ve made an error after submitting, you can request a correction through eFiling. SARS is usually understanding if it’s an honest mistake, but if you deliberately leave out income or claim deductions you’re not entitled to, you could face penalties or even criminal charges. When in doubt, be upfront and ask for help.

Getting Your Refund (or Paying What You Owe)

If SARS owes you money, you’ll usually get your refund within a few weeks if everything checks out. Make sure your banking details on eFiling are correct—this is how SARS will pay you. If you owe money, you can pay directly through eFiling, at a SARS branch, or via EFT. If you can’t pay the full amount right away, you can sometimes arrange a payment plan with SARS. It’s always better to communicate than to ignore the problem.

Expert Tips to Make Tax Season Less Stressful

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years that can make tax season a lot easier. First, keep good records all year. Save your payslips, medical certificates, and any proof of income or expenses. It’s much easier to file if you’re not scrambling to find documents at the last minute. Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help. SARS has a call centre, and there are plenty of registered tax practitioners who can assist if your situation is complicated. Third, file early. The closer you get to the deadline, the busier the system gets, and the more stressed you’ll feel.

Finally, remember that filing your tax return is part of being a responsible South African. It’s how we fund schools, hospitals, and roads. And if you’re owed a refund, it’s your money—don’t leave it with SARS any longer than you have to.

What About Non-Residents?

If you’re not a South African resident but you earn income here—maybe you own a holiday home in Knysna or consult for a local company—you might also need to file a tax return. The rules changed in 2025, and now there are separate forms for residents and non-residents[1][3]. The deadline for non-resident individuals is 20 October 2025. If you’re not sure whether you need to file, it’s worth checking with a tax expert or SARS directly.

Actionable Next Steps

So, what should you do right now? First, check if you need to file a return. If you do, gather your documents and register for eFiling if you haven’t already. Log in, take your time with the ITR12 form, and double-check everything before you submit. If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for help—SARS is there to assist, not to intimidate. And once you’re done, treat yourself to something nice. You’ve earned it.

Filing your tax return online might not be as fun as a weekend braai, but it’s a lot easier than you think. And once it’s done, you can relax, knowing you’re sorted for another year. Now, go enjoy that coffee—you’ve got this.