Do I need to file a tax return?
Auto-assessments, thresholds and the 2026 filing season, explained without jargon.
Reviewed 4 November 2026
Many people are not sure whether they need to file a tax return at all, especially since SARS introduced auto-assessments. Here is how to think about it.
The 2026 year of assessment
The 2026 tax year runs from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Returns for that year were filed during the 2026 filing season.
Auto-assessments
Between 1 and 12 July 2026, SARS issued auto-assessments to many taxpayers. SARS builds these using information from employers, medical schemes, retirement funds and banks.
If you received one and you agree with it, nothing more is needed. If you think something is missing or wrong, for example a travel claim, a second income or a retirement annuity contribution, you file a corrected return instead.
The filing windows
Non-provisional individuals could file from 13 July to 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers and trusts can file from 13 July 2026 until 22 January 2027.
Signs you probably need to file
You likely need a full return if you earned income from more than one employer, received rental income, had capital gains, earned foreign income, ran a side business, or want to claim deductions such as travel, medical expenses or retirement annuity contributions that SARS may not have.
If you missed the deadline
It happens, and it can be put right. The calmest step is to file as soon as you can, in the right order if several years are outstanding. Leaving it rarely makes it easier.
A word on scams
SARS regularly warns taxpayers about scam messages and fake practitioners. SARS asks taxpayers to verify a tax practitioner's credentials before working with them. A genuine practitioner will never need you to share your eFiling password through a website or a message.
What to do now
Check eFiling to see whether you received an auto-assessment. Gather your IRP5 certificates and any other income or deduction certificates. If anything is unclear, ask before you submit.
If you would like a person to look at your situation and tell you whether you need to file, we can help.
This guide is general information and not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so we check your specific situation before acting.
Would you like a hand with this?
We can look at your situation and explain what tax returns would involve, before any work starts.
071 734 0710 · sk@mabutholegacy.co.za