Tax Season 2025 – Important Dates

Written by The Tax Shop Alberton & BVSA on 09/06/2025

The new individual tax season will open on the 7th of July 2025 and close on the 20th of October 2025.

South African taxpayers have been planning for another round of tax submissions with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).  It is crucial to ensure that you remain compliant and adhere to the due dates to ensure a smooth and hassle-free tax season.

We advise all taxpayers to start getting all their documentation prepared for the 2025 tax returns to make the processes as smooth as possible around the filing of their tax returns.

We further advise to ensure your bank details are updated with SARS before filing your tax return to ensure your refund is paid out without any delays.

Documents to get ready are as follows:

1. Employment IRP5s
2. Retirement/Pension/Lump Sum IRP5s (Payouts)
3. Investment IT3s
4. Medical Aid IT3s
5. Retirement/Pension Fund IT3s (Contributions)
6. Travel deductions (travel allowance)
   • Vehicle logbook is manditory
   • Vehicle expenses
7. Commission deductions
   • Schedules of expenses incurred to earn commission
   • Home office
   • Travel expenses (non-travel allowance)
     • Vehicle logbook is manditory
     • Vehicle expenses
8. Rental properties
   • Profit & Loss Report for each property
     • Rent invoices
     • Lease agreements
     • Schedule of expenses
     • Bank statements (to verify the income and expenses)
9. Business income (sole proprietor)
   • Profit & Loss Report
     • Customer invoices
     • Schedule of expenses
     • Bank statements (to verify the income and expenses)

Below are some key points to know about tax season 2025:

1. Important dates:

The dates for the 2025 individual filing season are:

• Auto-assessment notices: 7 July to 20 July 2025
• Individual taxpayers (non-provisional): 20 July 2025, to 20 October 2025
• Individual taxpayers (provisional): 20 July 2025 to 19 January 2026

2. Filing deadlines:

It is imperative for individuals and businesses to file their tax returns by the specified deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges, as SARS strictly enforces these deadlines.

SARS charges an admin penalty for each month that your tax return is outstanding. This can accumulate rather quickly so best to file before the deadline to not pay unnecessary expenses.

3. Ensure your details are up to date with SARS:

It is important that SARS has all your latest information to ensure a hassle-free filing experience and if any of the following has recently changed SARS should be notified thereof:

• All telephone numbers
• All addresses
• Bank details
• Marital status

4. Who needs to submit tax returns?

Submissions of tax returns are mandatory for certain individuals based on their income sources and financial activities. Generally, the following groups must file tax returns:

• Employees: Individuals earning above the annual income threshold for tax submission, which is currently set at R500,000.
• Self-employed individuals: Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and sole proprietors must report their business income and expenses.
• Commission earners: Those earning commission income, such as sales representatives, need to file tax returns.
• Additional income: Individuals with additional income sources, such as rental properties or investments, also need to submit tax returns.
• Trusts and estates: Trustees and executors are responsible for filing tax returns on behalf of trusts and estates.

5. Auto-assessments:

SARS will again issue auto-assessments to taxpayers whose tax affairs are less complicated, using data that they have received from third-party sources,, such as employers, financial institutions and medical schemes.  If you agree with your auto-assessment, no action is required other than to make payment to SARS if payment is due.  If a refund is due to you, it will automatically be paid into your account (provided that your bank details are up to date and are valid).  It is important to note that accepting an auto-assessment, if incorrect, may result in underreporting of income and potential penalties.  Discrepancies can be rectified via eFiling.

6. Individual tax deductions and credits:

Tax season is an opportunity to claim deductions and credits that can help reduce your overall tax liability or result in a refund. It is crucial to review available deductions and credits to optimize your tax return. Common deductible  items include medical aid contributions, medical expenses, contributions to a pension fund and/or retirement annuity, donations to approved charitable institutions, and interest rebates.  Where allowances are included in a salary package the relevant expenses attributable to that allowance can be claimed.  If rental income is earned, all costs relating to the property can be deducted, including bond interest, insurance, rates, maintenance, etc.

7. Importance of proper record-keeping:

Keeping accurate and organized records of your income, expenses, and deductions is crucial for smooth tax preparation. Gathering and organising the necessary documentation, receipts, and statements, can help simplify the tax filing process.  Essential documents include:

• IRP5/IT3(a) Certificates: Detailing earnings, tax deductions, and retirement fund contributions.
• Income statements: Documenting additional income sources like rental income or freelance earnings.
• Bank statements: Reflecting interest earned, dividends, and financial transactions.
• Medical aid certificates: Confirming contributions and medical expenses.
• Medical expenses: invoices and proof of payment for out-of-pocket medical expenses paid.
• Retirement annuity fund certificates: Validating contributions to retirement funds.
• Travel logbooks: If claiming travel expenses, maintaining a logbook is essential.
• Receipts and invoices: Supporting deductible expenses like work-related costs or donations.

8. Consider seeking professional help:

Although many individuals choose to prepare their own tax returns, the complexity of the tax requirements can be overwhelming. It may be beneficial to seek assistance from tax professionals or use tax software to ensure accuracy and maximize potential deductions and credits.

9. Scams and Phishing awareness:

Stay vigilant against email and SMS scams attempting to impersonate SARS. Verify any suspicious communications by contacting your tax professional or directly emailing phishing@sars.gov.za.

Paying tax is vital for the functioning of our country’s government and economy. Taxpayers are advised to consult with tax professionals and use online tools provided by SARS to keep abreast of updates and changes in tax regulations.  Compliance with these key dates and requirements ensures a smooth and efficient tax-filing process which contributes to the overall financial health of South Africa.

Luke Victor

BA(SA), 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 SAIBA with 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 3 years. With his help, we have reached our yearly targets from our head office for the last 2 years. He also has experience working in IT and Software Testing and Training.

Xero & QuickBooks Certified