12/07/2026
While tax preparation may be an enjoyable task for a select few, THE MAJORITY OF US groan at the thought. It need not be too arduous, though, if we are prepared which would ensure a smooth and stress-free filing experience.
We’ve got you covered with simple steps to streamline the process. View these tips and more on my digital business card (link in bio) or make contact below to have them sent your Inbox.
Jean Williams: 📞0798612088
Office: 📧[email protected] / 2 Strand Road, Bellville, 7530, Cape Town
Here's how tax season can be less taxing...
1.Get organised, early
Take note of the tax season dates on the SARS eFiling website relevant to you, then begin by gathering all the necessary documents.
2.Your Essential Tax Filing Checklist
Create a dedicated folder to keep everything in one place, so it’s easier to find what you need, when you need it. Documents you’ll require typically include:
- IRP5/IT3(a)
- Medical aid tax certificate
- Retirement annuity tax certificate
- Make sure your tax info is up to date
Contact SARS or log on to SARS e-Filing to check your tax status and make sure that your previous tax returns and details are current. If your contact information, residential address and/or banking details are not correct, you may encounter problems accessing your e-Filing profile or receiving any refund payments owed to you. Likewise, if previous tax returns are outstanding, you may be issued with a penalty. You will need to address any outstanding tax returns to ensure a smooth filing process this year.
3.Understand your SARS auto-assessment
This is a pre-populated (filled in) tax assessment issued by SARS to certain taxpayers. SARS uses tax information supplied by employers, financial institutions, medical schemes and other third-party data providers to generate an assessment automatically, without any input from you, the taxpayer. You’ll know if you’ve been auto-assessed by SARS because they will notify you by email and/or by SMS.
What should you do if you’ve been auto-assessed?
It’s very important not to approve your assessment without carefully checking it (or having your tax practitioner check it) first, as SARS may not have received all of your most up-to-date documentation, and you may miss out on claiming certain deductions. An auto-assessment simply allows tax payers to understand what tax information SARS already has.
4.Seek help if you need it
If you find yourself overwhelmed or unsure about any aspect of the tax process, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from a registered tax practitioner, who can ensure you’re compliant with all regulations and potentially identify deductions or credits you may have overlooked.
Alternatively, you could use an online service like Tax Tim (taxtim.com), which can take you through the process step by step, helping you to avoid penalties, maximise your refund and file your return in as little as 20 minutes.
5.Be aware of scams
‘Phishing’ refers to the attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login details, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information or other personal data. This is typically done through deceptive emails, text messages or fake websites that appear legitimate. SARS has a page dedicated to making the public aware of scams. Examples include emails that appear to be from [email protected] or [email protected] , indicating that taxpayers are eligible to receive tax refunds.
Beware of emails that ask for personal, tax, banking and e-Filing details. Learn more here to avoid being scammed.
