Taxpayers selected for the auto-assessment process by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) can expect their refunds within 72 hours, provided certain conditions are met. According to SARS, this 72-hour period starts from the issuance of the auto-assessment on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
Tax Consulting SA explains that the auto-assessment process involves SARS receiving data from third-party providers, including employers, medical schemes, and retirement annuity funds. This information is pre-populated on the taxpayer’s return, but it does not include additional income. Based on this data, SARS issues an estimated auto-assessment.
Taxpayers are advised not to visit a SARS branch or contact them if they haven’t received their refund. SARS emphasizes that refunds will be processed within 72 hours if banking details are correct, no returns are outstanding, and no verification is required.
It is important to note that if the refund amount is less than R100, it will be carried over to the next tax year. This means the refund remains as a balance in the taxpayer’s account until it exceeds R100, at which point it becomes payable. Taxpayers can check their account status via SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
SARS reminds taxpayers that efficient processing of auto-assessments hinges on accurate and up-to-date information from third-party providers and the taxpayers themselves.
