Step-by-step guide

South African tax return: step-by-step

Identify the tax obligation that applies to you and follow the official SARS submission process.

Responsible authority: South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Your process timeline

Tick each step as you prepare. This is temporary browser state only.

0 of 6 steps complete

1

Identify the taxpayer and tax type
Check whether you need an individual ITR12, provisional-tax submission, VAT return or employer filing.
2

Confirm the current deadline
Use the official SARS notice and the due date shown in your SARS account.
3

Prepare supporting records
Keep income, expense and certificate records privately and use only documents relevant to the return.
4

Use the official digital channel
Sign in through SARS eFiling or another official route specified for the task.
5

Review before submission
Check amounts, tax periods, bank details and outstanding SARS correspondence.
6

Save confirmation and respond
Keep the acknowledgement and meet any later verification or payment deadlines.