How to Apply For A PAYE Refund

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/10/25 •  4 min read

Did you know about the PAYE refund? Do you know SARs make it possible to get a refund for your PAYE? Before we look at the process of how to apply for a PAYE refund, this is what you need to know.
Individuals may be eligible for a PAYE tax refund if they have paid more income tax than required. To complete the process, you must file a tax return

- ADVERTISEMENT -
that includes precise financial information such as your income, deductions, and allowances. There are several clues that could indicate you might be eligible for a refund. These include situations like changes in your job, overpayment of taxes due to emergency tax codes, or having eligible expenses such as work-related costs. Make sure to keep an eye on your P60 and P45 forms, as they provide a summary of your income and tax contributions. 

To ensure that your submissions are accurate, consider using online platforms or professional services. These resources can help you effectively utilise the available tools and expertise to improve the quality of your submissions. By consistently keeping track of tax codes and staying informed about eligible deductions, you increase your likelihood of discovering and obtaining PAYE tax refunds.

How to apply for a PAYE refund

In South Africa, if you want to apply for a refund on your taxes, you need to submit an annual income tax return to the South African Revenue Service. Individuals have the option to request a refund for any extra taxes they might have paid during the year.

 The application usually contains all the necessary documentation and information about the excess tax that was deducted from their income.

When can I expect my SARS PAYE refund?

If you’re eagerly looking forward to receiving your SARS PAYE refund for 2025, you might be curious about its expected arrival date. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is responsible for handling the processing of tax refunds and distributing them to eligible individuals. Although we don’t have much information about your specific case, we can provide you with some general insights on how refunds typically operate.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

 Typically, individuals can anticipate receiving their refund within a reasonable timeframe of 72 business hours. Simply put, individuals can anticipate the funds to appear in their account approximately three business days after their assessment has been processed and the refund has been approved.

How do I know SARS will refund me?

If you are never uncertain about whether or not the South African Revenue Service will refund your PAYE taxes, don’t worry. We have all the information you need. Having a clear understanding of the refund process can help ease any uncertainties you might be experiencing. Now, let’s explore the information you need to know. When you access your eFiling account, you will be able to see important details about your tax refund. If you qualify for a refund, the ITSA will show the amount you are owed and when you can expect to receive the payment. Alternatively, if you have any outstanding balance with the South African Revenue Service, you can refer to the ‘Notice of Assessment’ (ITA34) to determine the due date for that particular amount. 

 You can conveniently keep track of your refund status and any pending payments by logging into your eFiling account. 

How long does SARS refund take to pay out?

Although SARs refund can take 72 working hours to pay out, the remittance can take about days to hit your account. 

This is normally dependent on the banking system and transactions. 

You should give yourself a timeline of 3-5 working days for your PAYE refund payout.
It is important for individuals to verify that their banking information is accurate to ensure that refunds are issued promptly and deposited into the correct bank account. You can access the assessment by visiting the eFiling portal or using the SARS mobile application.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Is Employee PAYE Reference Number

What Is Employee PAYE Reference Number

This blog post will help you with the steps to find your PAYE reference number and obtain a SARS PAYE number. 

How to Calculate PAYE In South Africa?

How to Calculate PAYE In South Africa?

Today we break down some basic PAYE concepts to help you better understand PAYE calculations in South Africa.

How Do I Apply For A PAYE Reference Number?

How Do I Apply For A PAYE Reference Number?

How Do I Apply For A PAYE Reference Number? Not sure how to do this? Then this is the article for you!

Can I Register For uFiling If I am Already Registered For PAYE?

Can I Register For uFiling If I am Already Registered For PAYE?

Can I register for uFiling if registered for PAYE? This article explains everything you want to know about UIF and PAYE.   

Does PAYE Get Deducted On Leave Payout?

Does PAYE Get Deducted On Leave Payout?

Today we’re unpacking the basics of how PAYE and leave payouts intersect, so you always feel confident about what your employer

Do You Pay PAYE On A Personal Loan?

Do You Pay PAYE On A Personal Loan?

So, let’s put on our beekeeper suits, grab our smokers, and dive into the buzzing world of PAYE.

What Documents Are Required For Business PAYE Registration

What Documents Are Required For Business PAYE Registration

As part of the requirements, documentation is required hence we will be sharing with you the documents that are required for business PAYE registration in South Africa. 

Can I Pay Someone if I’m Not Registered for PAYE?

Can I Pay Someone if I’m Not Registered for PAYE?

Can I Pay Someone if I’m Not Registered for PAYE? This article explains everything you want to know about PAYE. 

How to File PAYE Return EMP501

How to File PAYE Return EMP501

What Documents Are Needed to Apply For A PAYE Number?

What Documents Are Needed to Apply For A PAYE Number?

Below is the comprehensive list of documents needed to apply for a PAYE number in South Africa. 

What Does A PAYE Minus Mean On Payslip

What Does A PAYE Minus Mean On Payslip

The systematic approach mentioned here aims to simplify tax compliance for employees and tax authorities.

How to Calculate Arrears of PAYE Due In South Africa

How to Calculate Arrears of PAYE Due In South Africa

How Do I Find My PAYE Reference Number

How Do I Find My PAYE Reference Number

The reference number is extremely important for a variety of tax-related tasks, including filing tax returns, making payments, etc

How to Register An Employee For PAYE

How to Register An Employee For PAYE

While we talk about taxes, we will be taking you through how one can register as an employee for PAYE.

How to Check If You Are Registered For PAYE

How to Check If You Are Registered For PAYE

Let us find out as we try to give insight on how to check if you are registered for PAYE.