HOW-TO

How to File Your Tax Return (ITR12) on eFiling

Filing your ITR12 tax return on SARS eFiling involves checking for auto-assessment, verifying pre-populated data, and submitting your return online.

Step by step

1. Check for an auto-assessmentEarly in filing season SARS notifies many taxpayers by SMS or email that they have been auto-assessed. Read this first, as it changes what you need to do.
2. Log in to eFiling or the MobiAppSign in at www.sarsefiling.co.za or open the SARS MobiApp. Recover your login first if needed before the deadline approaches.
3. Open your ITR12 returnRequest or open the ITR12 for the relevant tax year. SARS pre-populates it with third-party data such as your IRP5, interest and medical certificates.
4. Verify every figureCompare the pre-filled amounts against your own documents. Check that all income sources, medical contributions, retirement annuity and other deductions are correct and complete.
5. Add anything missingCapture income or deductions that SARS did not pre-fill, and keep supporting documents in case SARS asks for them. Do not overstate deductions.
6. Submit and note the outcomeSubmit the return. SARS issues an assessment (ITA34) showing whether you owe, are due a refund, or are square. A declaration questionnaire may appear if the return is flagged.
7. Act on the assessmentIf you owe, pay by the due date via eFiling. If a refund is due, track it on your Statement of Account. Keep records for at least five years.

How to File Your Tax Return (ITR12) on eFiling is a crucial process for every individual taxpayer in South Africa. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has streamlined this process through its eFiling platform and MobiApp, making it easier for taxpayers to submit their annual returns. This guide will walk you through the steps, from understanding auto-assessment to submitting your ITR12.

Whether you’re new to filing taxes or a seasoned taxpayer, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of filing your ITR12 on SARS eFiling. We’ll cover everything from what to expect with auto-assessment to how to verify your pre-populated data and submit your return.

How do I check if I have been auto-assessed by SARS?

How do I check if I have been auto-assessed by SARS?

Each filing season, SARS conducts auto-assessments for many taxpayers to simplify the tax return process. If you have been auto-assessed, you will receive a notification via SMS or email from SARS. This notification is your first indication that you may not need to file a return manually. To confirm whether you have been auto-assessed, you should log in to SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp as soon as you receive this notification.

Here’s how you can check if you have been auto-assessed:

• Log in to SARS eFiling: Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za and enter your credentials to access your profile. If you have forgotten your login details, recover them before the filing deadline to avoid any delays.
• Check your notifications: Once logged in, navigate to your notifications or messages section. SARS will have sent you a message regarding your auto-assessment status.
• Review the auto-assessment: If you have been auto-assessed, the message will include a summary of the assessment. You can also view the detailed assessment (ITA34) by opening your ITR12 return within the eFiling platform.
• Use the SARS MobiApp: Alternatively, you can download the SARS MobiApp and log in to check your notifications and review your auto-assessment status.

If you agree with the auto-assessment, you do not need to take any further action. However, if you disagree with the assessment, you must edit and file your ITR12 return by the due date. You should verify all pre-populated information against your own records to ensure accuracy.

Below is a summary of the key steps to check your auto-assessment status:

Always confirm the exact dates and deadlines on the official SARS website to ensure compliance. Keeping accurate records and understanding the auto-assessment process can save you time and prevent unnecessary complications.

What are the requirements and documents needed to file my ITR12?

To successfully file your ITR12 tax return on SARS eFiling, you need to gather specific documents and meet certain requirements. These documents ensure that your return is accurate and complete, reflecting your true financial situation for the tax year.

Firstly, you must have access to the SARS eFiling platform or the SARS MobiApp. If you are not yet registered, you will need to create an eFiling profile at www.sarsefiling.co.za or download the MobiApp from your app store. Ensure you have your tax reference number and identification documents handy during registration.

Once registered, the following documents and information are essential for filing your ITR12:

• IRP5/IT3(a) Certificate: This document is provided by your employer and details your income and deductions for the tax year.
• Medical Certificate(s): If you have medical expenses, you will need a certificate from your medical aid or healthcare provider detailing these costs.
• Proof of Contributions: This includes retirement annuity fund contributions, pension fund contributions, and other deductible contributions.
• Investment Income Details: Information regarding any interest, dividends, or capital gains earned during the tax year.
• Receipts for Deductions: Any receipts for deductible expenses such as donations, travel expenses, or other allowable deductions.
• Bank Details: Ensure your banking details are up-to-date for any potential refunds.

Plus, You should understand the concept of auto-assessment. SARS may pre-populate your ITR12 with data received from third parties. You must verify this information against your own records and make any necessary corrections before submission. If you agree with the auto-assessment, you may not need to file a return, but if not, you must edit and submit your ITR12 by the due date.

Below is a summary of the key documents and requirements:

Always confirm the exact due dates and any additional requirements on the official SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Keeping accurate records and submitting a correct return is key to avoiding penalties and ensuring a smooth tax filing process.

How do I log in to SARS eFiling or the MobiApp?

To begin the process of filing your tax return (ITR12) on SARS eFiling, you need to first log in to the SARS eFiling platform or the SARS MobiApp. This is a crucial step that allows you to access your tax information and submit your return electronically.

Here’s how you can log in:

• Visit the SARS eFiling website: Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za. If you are using the MobiApp, download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and open the app.
• Enter your login credentials: Use your username and password to sign in. If you have forgotten your login details, use the “Forgot your password?” or “Forgot your username?” links to recover them. Make sure to resolve any login issues well before the filing deadline to avoid last-minute complications.
• Navigate to your ITR12 return: Once logged in, you will see a dashboard displaying various options. Look for the section related to “Returns” and select “Income Tax Return (ITR12)” for the relevant tax year.

If you are new to eFiling, you may need to register first. Registration requires your tax reference number and some personal details. After registering, you can proceed to log in and access your tax return.

For your convenience, here is a quick reference table summarizing the login process:

By following these steps, you will be able to access your ITR12 return and proceed with the filing process. Remember to have all necessary documents and information at hand to ensure a smooth and accurate submission.

What is the process for opening and reviewing my ITR12?

What is the process for opening and reviewing my ITR12?

To initiate the process of filing your ITR12 tax return on SARS eFiling, you need to first log in to your account on the SARS eFiling website (www.sarsefiling.co.za) or through the SARS MobiApp. If you have not registered or have forgotten your login details, ensure you recover or register your profile well before the tax season deadline to avoid any last-minute complications.

Once logged in, you will need to open your ITR12 return for the relevant tax year. SARS provides a pre-populated return with data from various third-party sources such as your IRP5 (provided by your employer), medical certificates, and information on interest earned. You should verify every figure in this pre-populated return against your own records and documents. This includes checking all income sources, deductions, medical contributions, and retirement annuities to ensure they are correct and complete.

If you find discrepancies or missing information, you must make the necessary corrections or additions. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Compare the pre-filled amounts with your own documents to ensure accuracy.
• Add any missing income or deductions that SARS did not pre-populate. Ensure you have supporting documents for these, as SARS may request them.
• Do not overstate deductions; only claim what you are legally entitled to.

After reviewing and updating your ITR12, you can submit the return. SARS will then issue an assessment (ITA34) that shows whether you owe money, are due a refund, or if your account is balanced. If your return is flagged, a declaration questionnaire may appear for you to complete. Always act on the assessment promptly, making payments or tracking refunds as necessary, and keep all related records for at least five years.

How do I verify and correct my pre-populated tax data?

How do I verify and correct my pre-populated tax data?

When you file your tax return (ITR12) on SARS eFiling, the system automatically populates your return with data received from third parties, such as your employer, medical schemes, and financial institutions. This pre-populated data is designed to simplify the filing process, but You should verify its accuracy before submission.

To begin, log in to SARS eFiling at www.sarsefiling.co.za or open the SARS MobiApp. Once logged in, navigate to your ITR12 for the relevant tax year. The return will include pre-populated information that you need to review carefully. Here’s how you can verify and correct this data:

• Check Income Sources: Ensure all your income sources, such as salaries, dividends, and rental income, are correctly reflected. Compare the pre-populated amounts with your IRP5, IT3 certificates, and other relevant documents.
• Verify Deductions: Review medical aid contributions, retirement annuity fund contributions, and other allowable deductions. Make sure these amounts match your supporting documents.
• Add Missing Information: If any income or deductions are missing, manually add them to your return. Be sure to have the necessary documentation to support these additions.
• Review Tax Credits: Confirm that you have claimed all applicable tax credits, such as the foreign tax credit or the disability tax credit, if applicable.

If you notice discrepancies or missing information, you can make the necessary corrections directly in the eFiling system. It is important to ensure that all data is accurate and complete to avoid potential penalties or delays in processing your return.

After verifying and correcting your data, submit your return. SARS will issue an assessment (ITA34) indicating whether you owe tax, are due a refund, or have a zero balance. Always keep your supporting documents for at least five years in case SARS requests them for verification.

How do I submit my ITR12 and what happens after submission?

How do I submit my ITR12 and what happens after submission?

To file your tax return (ITR12) on SARS eFiling, you first need to log in to the SARS eFiling website at www.sarsefiling.co.za or open the SARS MobiApp. If you have not registered yet, you will need to do so before the filing deadline. Once logged in, you can request or open your ITR12 for the relevant tax year. The form will be pre-populated with third-party data such as your IRP5, interest, and medical certificates. You should verify every figure against your own documents to ensure accuracy. Check that all income sources, medical contributions, retirement annuity, and other deductions are correct and complete. If there are any missing items, you should capture them and keep the supporting documents handy in case SARS requests them.

After verifying and updating your ITR12, you can submit it. Upon submission, SARS will issue an assessment (ITA34) that shows whether you owe money, are due a refund, or if your account is balanced. If your return is flagged, a declaration questionnaire may appear. Here is a summary of the steps and what to expect:

• Log in: Access SARS eFiling or the MobiApp.
• Open ITR12: Request or open your ITR12 for the relevant tax year.
• Verify and Update: Check pre-populated data and make necessary corrections or additions.
• Submit: Submit your completed ITR12.
• Receive Assessment: SARS will issue an ITA34 assessment.
• Act on Assessment: If you owe, pay by the due date via eFiling. If a refund is due, track it on your Statement of Account.

Many taxpayers are auto-assessed first. If you agree with the auto-assessment, you may not need to do anything. However, if you disagree, you must edit and file your ITR12 by the season due date. Always confirm the exact dates on the official SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Keep all records for at least five years in case of future audits or inquiries.

What are the fees and timeline for filing my ITR12?

When it comes to filing your ITR12 tax return on SARS eFiling, it’s important to understand the associated fees and adhere to the strict timeline to avoid penalties. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) does not charge a fee for submitting your ITR12 electronically via eFiling or the MobiApp. However, if you require professional assistance, such as consulting a tax practitioner, additional costs may apply based on their service fees.

The filing season for individual taxpayers typically begins in July each year, with the deadline set for the end of November. SARS may adjust these dates, so always confirm the current filing season timeline on the official SARS website at www.sars.gov.za. Filing your ITR12 by the due date is crucial to avoid penalties and interest on any outstanding tax owed.

If you have been auto-assessed by SARS, you will receive an SMS or email notification early in the filing season. Here’s what you need to know about the timeline:

• Auto-assessment Notification: Early in the filing season, SARS sends out auto-assessment notifications. If you agree with the assessment, you do not need to take any further action.
• Deadline for Corrections: If you disagree with the auto-assessment, you must file your ITR12 with the necessary corrections by the end of November.
• Payment Due Date: If you owe taxes, payment is due by the end of November to avoid penalties and interest.
• Refund Processing: If you are due a refund, it will be processed after your return is assessed and verified by SARS.

To help you understand the requirements and documents needed for filing your ITR12, refer to the table below:

Ensure all necessary documents are at hand before starting the filing process to streamline your experience and minimize errors.

Related SARS and tax guides

Filing is one part of SARS eFiling. These CluedUp guides cover the rest:

• How to register for SARS eFiling
• How to log in to SARS eFiling
• How to get your SARS tax number
• How to check your SARS auto-assessment
• How to check your SARS refund status
• How to get a SARS tax clearance (PIN)

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CluedUp is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.