Have you been auto-assessed by SARS this tax season? Here’s how to find out
Tax Tax season in South Africa has officially started
Image: Freepik
Tax season in South Africa has officially started, and while some are already ticking off their returns, others are still wondering: “Has SARS auto-assessed me this year?"
The tax season began on Monday, July 7 2025, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) stating that most taxpayers this time around will be auto-assessed.
“In line with our strategic objective to make it easy for taxpayers to comply, we have identified a large segment of non-provisional and provisional taxpayers who receive income from one or more sources from formal and other forms of employment and whose tax affairs are not complicated, have been selected to be automatically assessed.". SARS said earlier this year.
“The taxpayers in the auto assessment category do not have to do anything if they are satisfied with the calculation on their tax returns".
What is auto assessment?
Auto assessment is a process in which SARS uses data from employers, medical aids, and financial institutions to complete tax returns for individuals with straightforward tax situations.
If you fall into this category and are happy with the pre-calculated outcome, you don’t need to take any action. However, the revenue service has stressed that it’s still crucial to check your status and review your return carefully.
How to check if you've been auto-assessed by SARS
Checking your auto-assessment status is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the SARS Website
- Go to https://www.sars.gov.za/
- Access the SARS Online Query System
- Scroll down the homepage and click on “SARS Online Query System.”
- Select “My Auto-Assessment Status”
- On the Online Query System page, click “My Auto-Assessment Status.”
- Fill in Your Details
- Enter the required information, such as your ID number and tax reference number.
- Continue and Complete the CAPTCHA
- Click “Continue,” then type the characters shown in the CAPTCHA box to verify you’re not a robot.
- Submit Your Request
- Click “Submit” to see if you have been auto-assessed for the 2025 tax year.
- Choose How to Receive Your Result
- You can opt to get the result via SMS or email.
- Log Out When Done
- Once you’ve checked your status, log out of the system.
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mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za