GDW Media
South Africa’s 2025 tax season starts early this year, and SARS eFiling has introduced key upgrades. Millions benefit from the updated platform features Express Access, biometric login, enhanced security but issues like OTP delays and phishing scams are also causing concern. This guide equips you with essential info to navigate SARS eFiling smoothly in 2025.
1. Filing Season Dates What You Must Know
The official dates for SARS 2025 tax season are:
- Auto-assessment window: 7 July – 20 July 2025 (for simple tax profiles)
- General filing period: 21 July – 20 October 2025 (non-provisional taxpayers)
- Provisional taxpayers & trusts: 21 July 2025 – 19 January 2026
2. Express Access Faster Filing, Smarter Platform
New in this tax season: the **Express Access** tab gives quick access to:
- Auto-assessment summary
- Tax status and outstanding items
- Form submission (current & past years)
- Bank and contact detail updates
SARS aims to simplify filing and enhance efficiency.
3. Biometric & 2FA Login Secure but Sometimes Delayed
Security upgrades include:
- Facial recognition registration when signing up via eFiling or MobiApp
- Mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) with OTP codes sent to your phone or email
Some users reported delays or missing OTPs keep your contact info updated and check spam folders.
4. Auto-Assessment Explained
If SARS has enough data on your income and deductions, you receive an auto-assessment:
- They use IRP5, bank, medical, and other third-party data to fill in your return
- Auto-assessments start 7 July; you get SMS/email notifications
- If you agree, no further action is required; refunds are paid within ~72 hours
- Disagree? Edit manually and submit by 20 October
5. Keep Your Banking Details Up to Date
SARS urges all taxpayers to verify their banking details before 6 July 2025. Incorrect details delay refunds.
6. Beware of Phishing & Scams
With all communication going digital, scams are rising:
- SARS has stopped postal letters and now only communicates via eFiling, SMS, and email
- Fraudsters mimic SARS emails with demands, court summons, or refund threats
- Signs of scam: @unknown domains, urgent threats, request for banking info, unsolicited links
SARS never links to external sites, request bank details or attachments via email/SMS
7. Updating Personal & Banking Info
You can update your details via the Express Access tab or SARS MobiApp:
- Login → Express Access → Edit personal / banking details
- Update within 21 working days of any change
- Bank details must be confirmed by 6 July to receive refunds
8. What If OTP Doesn’t Arrive?
Issues with OTP delivery are common but fixable:
- Check spam and ensure correct email/phone
- If both outdated, book SARS branch appointment to update info
- Have backup contact like MobiApp or call centre if needed
9. Submission Deadlines Table
| Filing Type | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Assessment | 7 Jul 2025 | 20 Jul 2025 |
| Individual Tax Returns | 21 Jul 2025 | 20 Oct 2025 |
| Provisional/Trust | 21 Jul 2025 | 19 Jan 2026 |
10. Reddit & Community Insights
Users on Reddit’s r/PersonalFinanceZA report:
> “OTP took 15 minutes spam delay cleared it.”
> “Express Access tab makes it much easier to check my assessment.”
> “Be careful of emails saying you owe SARS they wanted me to click a link.”
11. FAQs
When does SARS eFiling open in 2025?
Auto-assessment begins 7 July; general filing 21 July; deadlines run to 20 October for individuals.
How does the SARS Express Access tab work?
It provides a dashboard to manage auto-assessments, update details, view compliance status, and intake returns.
My OTP didn’t arrive what now?
Check all contact info, spam folders; if both are outdated, update via branch appointment.
What if I disagree with my auto-assessment?
You can amend and submit manually within the review window before 20 October 2025.
How long are SARS refunds processed?
If you accept the auto-assessment and bank details are correct, refunds arrive within ~72 hours.
How to spot SARS eFiling scams?
Look out for unofficial email domains, urgent payment threats, external links or attachments. SARS only contacts via official channels.
12. Tips for Smooth eFiling
- Update contact & banking details before 6 July
- Check Express Access immediately after auto-assessment
- Review third-party data accuracy (employer, bank, medical aid)
- Keep OTP source reliable; update MobiApp details too
- Ignore suspicious messages confirm via eFiling
- Save proof of submission and refunds in case of audit
13. Authoritative External Links
SARS eFiling 2025 is more user-friendly, secure, and efficient but it demands up-to-date info and vigilance. With the Express Access feature, biometric login, and auto-assessment cycle, most taxpayers will enjoy a faster experience. If delays, OTP issues, or scams pop up, stay alert, verify official channels only, and meet deadlines. This guide gives you steps and tips to file confidently this tax season.
