📢 TAX SEASON 2026 — IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS — ARE YOU READY??

Issued by The Tax Shop Alberton — 17 June 2026

 

Tax Season 2026 officially opens in July, and SARS has already confirmed the key filing dates. To ensure a smooth, stress‑free season — and to help you avoid penalties or missed refunds — please read the information below carefully and start preparing early.

The 2026 Tax Year covers 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026.

 

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📅 1. Key SARS Filing Dates for 2026

Auto‑Assessments (Non‑Provisional Taxpayers)
1 July – 12 July 2026

Non‑Provisional Taxpayers (not auto‑assessed)
13 July – 23 October 2026

Provisional Taxpayers & Trusts
13 July 2026 – 22 January 2027

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⚠️ 2. Auto‑Assessments — Why You MUST Still Check

SARS may issue an auto‑assessment using information from your employer, bank, medical aid, retirement fund, etc.

However, SARS does NOT know about many deductions you may qualify for — for example:

• Retirement annuity contributions paid privately
• Out‑of‑pocket medical expenses
• Donations
• Travel claims
• Rental property expenses
• Business/side‑hustle income and expenses

If you simply accept the auto‑assessment or skip filing because you’re “below the threshold”, you may lose out on a refund.

Our recommendation:
Before accepting anything from SARS, let us run a full tax calculation to ensure nothing is missed.

 

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📌 3. Who Must Submit a Tax Return?

You must file if you:

• Earn above R500,000 from one employer
• Earn any additional income (rental, freelance, business, investments, crypto, etc.)
• Receive commission
• Are a provisional taxpayer
• Sold property or investments
• Are a beneficiary of a trust
• Want to claim deductions not reflected on your IRP5

If you’re unsure — ask us. Most taxpayers benefit from filing even when not strictly required.

 

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📝 4. Documents You Need for Tax Season 2026

Please start gathering the following as soon as possible:

Income Documents

• IRP5 / IT3(a) certificates
• IT3(b) – interest & dividends
• IT3(c) – capital gains/losses
• Rental income statements
• Business/sole proprietor income (invoices, P&L, bank statements)

Deductions & Claims

• Medical aid tax certificate
• Out‑of‑pocket medical invoices + proof of payment
• Retirement annuity certificates
• Donations certificates (must show PBO number)
• Travel logbook (mandatory for travel claims)
• Vehicle purchase/finance documents
• Commission‑earning expenses (fuel, airtime, insurance, etc.)
• Home office expenses (if applicable)

Other

• Details of any assets sold
• Crypto trading summaries
• Subsistence allowance details (dates, accommodation costs)
• Trust distributions

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🔍 5. Changes for the 2026 Filing Season

SARS has introduced several improvements:

• More prefilled data (less manual capturing)
• Simpler, clearer questions on the ITR12
• Better residency status guidance
• Medical aid dropdown list for easier selection
• WhatsApp access to ITA34 and SOA
• Updated eFiling layout
• Fewer verification delays due to new declaration alerts

These changes aim to make filing easier — but accuracy still depends on your supporting documents.

 

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📞 6. Make Sure Your SARS Details Are Up to Date

Before filing, ensure SARS has your correct:

• Cell number
• Email address
• Physical & postal address
• Bank details
• Marital status

Incorrect details = delayed refunds.

 

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⏰ 7. Filing Deadlines & Penalties

SARS charges monthly admin penalties for late returns — even if you owe no tax.

Avoid penalties by filing early. We encourage clients to submit documents as soon as possible.

 

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🔐 8. Beware of Scams

Tax season brings a spike in fraudulent SMSes and emails pretending to be SARS.

SARS will never ask for:

• Your banking PIN
• Your login details
• Payment to release a refund

Report suspicious messages to phishing@sars.gov.za.

 

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🤝 9. Let Us Handle Your Tax Return

Tax laws change every year, and SARS auto‑assessments are not always accurate. Working with a professional ensures:

• Maximum legal deductions
• Correct tax calculations
• Faster refunds
• No penalties
• Peace of mind

We handle everything for you — from checking your auto‑assessment to submitting your full return.

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📨 Ready to Start?

Send your documents to us as soon as you receive them.
Early submissions = faster refunds + less stress.

The Tax Shop Alberton
Your trusted tax professionals. 

Email – info@taxshopalberton.co.za

WhatsApp & Calls – 064 459 3875

 

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Luke Victor

CBAC, ICB Financial Accountant
The Tax Shop Alberton

More about Luke Victor

Luke obtained a Diploma as a Financial Accountant with ICB and is a registered member of CIBA with various and extensive experience in bookkeeping, debtors, creditors, VAT, payroll, PAYE, UIF, financials, taxation, Workman’s Comp and company secretarial.

Luke has been managing and running The Tax Shop Alberton for over 4 years. With his help, we have reached our yearly targets from our head office for the last 3 years. He also has experience working in IT and Software Testing and Training and is in the process of completing his Bachelor of Accounting.

Xero Level2 Professional – Certified