Navigating the 2024 Tax Season: A Guide to SARS Auto-Assessments

June 11, 2024, 9:55 pm
SA Revenue Service
SA Revenue Service
BusinessFinTechGoodsGovTechInformationInvestmentNewsOnlinePageService
Location: South Africa, Gauteng, Pretoria
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1997
Absa South Africa
Absa South Africa
AfricaTechFinTechInternetLifeLoanProviderService
Location: South Africa
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1888
Google
Location: United States, New York
First National Bank
First National Bank
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1838
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has set the stage for the 2024 tax season, with auto-assessments taking center stage. Here's everything you need to know to sail smoothly through this tax season.

As the 2024 tax season kicks off on July 15th, taxpayers are gearing up for the annual ritual of filing their returns. But this year, SARS is introducing a new twist with auto-assessments, aimed at simplifying the process for those with less complicated tax affairs.

So, how does this auto-assessment magic work? SARS will gather data from various sources like employers, medical schemes, and banks to calculate your tax assessment. If everything checks out, you'll receive your assessment via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, along with a notification to view it.

If you find yourself in agreement with the assessment, you can sit back and relax if a refund is due to you. But if you owe SARS, it's time to make that payment pronto to avoid any pesky interest charges. And if you're not on board with the assessment, you have until October 21st to file your tax return manually.

But what if you've forgotten your tax number in the midst of all this tax season chaos? Don't fret, as SARS has your back. Simply reach out to them via their digital channels to get the assistance you need to retrieve your tax number and stay on track with your tax obligations.

Remember, filing your return after the October 21st deadline will only lead to penalties, so it's crucial to stay on top of your tax game. And if you're missing crucial documents like your IRP5, SARS has made it easy for you to book an appointment and get the guidance you need to complete your return accurately.

So, as you navigate the 2024 tax season, keep these tips in mind to ensure a stress-free experience. With SARS auto-assessments paving the way, staying compliant with your tax obligations has never been easier.