In South Africa, filing a personal or business income tax return with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is a mandatory process for eligible taxpayers. This tax submission allows SARS to determine your tax obligations for a specific year of assessment based on your declared income and qualifying tax-deductible expenses and in certain instances, this may result in a refund.
Income Tax Return Submission Timeline
The obligation to submit an income tax return typically coincides with the annual Tax Season, which usually opens from the beginning of July each year right up to November.
Income Tax Return Submission Channels
As a business or individual you have multiple options to submit your income tax return, and these include the following:
- Online eFiling: You can register and submit your income tax return online through the SARS eFiling website: www.sarsefiling.co.za.
- SARS MobiApp: You can utilize the SARS mobile application to complete and submit your ITR12 form. This can be downloaded from the Playstore or Appstore.
- SARS Branch Submission: You can physically file your return in person at your nearest SARS branch. Assistance from agents is available, but remember to bring all necessary documentation. Your appointments should be scheduled in advance to avoid disappointments.
Required Supporting Documents for Income Tax Return
While filling out your tax return, there are a couple of documents that you will need to be readily available. Note that these documents should not be submitted but must be retained for at least five years in case they are required by SARS for future reference:
- IRP5/IT3(a) certificates from your employer
- Medical certificates and additional claim documents
- Pension and retirement annuity certificates
- Banking details
- Travel logbook (if applicable)
- Investment income tax certificates (IT3(b))
- Where it is applicable provide a confirmation of diagnosis of disability form (ITR-DD)
- Records of capital gain transactions, if applicable
- Previously approved Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) Agreements prior to February 17, 2010, if applicable
- Financial statements for business income, if applicable
- Provide any additional documents that relates to your income or deductions.
Income Tax Return Eligibility Criteria
It’s important to note that not all taxpayers are required to submit an income tax return, but is required for those that meet a certain minimum requirement. For more information to find out if you qualify or not, please consult the SARS guidelines on their website to determine your eligibility.
