How to Dispute SARS Efiling Assessment?

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 12/19/24 •  5 min read

If you are not happy with the assessment of your tax declaration or return, you are entitled to lodge a dispute. To challenge SARS decision, you must follow a specific process within 30 days from the day the assessment is issued. This article explains everything you want to know about disputing SARS eFiling assessment. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How Do I Dispute SARS Efiling Assessment?

You can submit your dispute to SARS using the appropriate form via eFiling or visit your local branch office. When using the eFiling option, you must first log in to your account. Select “User”, then “Tax Type,” and choose “Manage Tax Types.” Follow the prompts and complete the appropriate form to file your dispute. 

Some disputes about specific SARS decisions should be lodged manually, especially if the taxpayer feels the decisions are biased. For instance, declined applications for distributing waivers under section 18A and rejected applications for exemption can lead to disputes among taxpayers.

If any of the above decisions aggrieves you, you should file the dispute manually. The dispute form you will use in this case is the Notice of Objection (ADR1). You can submit the form via email at contactus@sars.gov.za. Alternatively, you can submit the form at your nearest SARS branch. However, if you want to submit the form physically, you must book an appointment first. Make sure you file your dispute within 30 business days of getting the SARS eFiling assessment.

If you disagree with the outcome of an objection, you can appeal. Be sure to file your appeal using the prescribed form within 30 business days from the day your objection was rejected. Remember you cannot submit the ADR1 electronically via eFiling. 

How Do I Reject SARS Auto Assessment?

If you are unsatisfied with the SARS auto assessment, you should obtain and complete a tax return via eFiling within 40 working days from the day you received the assessment. This new provision came into effect on 1 July 2022. However, if third-party data was used and you are not happy with it, you can request it to be corrected before obtaining another tax return.

If you are not happy with the outcome of the auto-assessment and you can request more time to file the return. However, try to complete the tax return within 40 business days from the date you received your assessment. You can still get an extension of 21 business days to complete your tax return after the lapse of the initial 40 working days if you have reasonable grounds.

When you are convinced that the auto assessment is incorrect, you will need to access and complete your tax return and file it within 40 days. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension via SARS MobiApp or eFiling before the expiry of the 40 days. Late filing of your tax return will attract administrative penalties. 

If you disagree with the auto assessment, you can access your tax return on the eFiling site. Once you receive the auto assessment from SARS, you should follow the steps below to reject it. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

When a taxpayer submits a return indicating that they disagree with SARS auto assessment, SARS will process the return. It also provides a revised assessment that can affect the taxpayer’s outcome. 

For example, you can get an increased, reduced refund, or due payment to SARS. If you agree with the revised assessment, take no action, but if you still disagree, you can file an appeal. If you are offered a refund, it will be paid into your account within 72 hours. 

How Do I File a Dispute on Efiling?

To file a dispute, follow the steps below:

You will see the following options.

To request a new dispute, you should click “New” under “Request for Reason” or “Disputes.” Choose the type of dispute you want to pursue. 

What Does Dispute Mean on SARS?

A dispute is a disagreement between the taxpayer and SARS over the tax return decision or assessment taken by SARS. If you are aggrieved by the decision made by SARS, you can dispute or appeal another revised assessment after your initial objection. 

Most common disputes involve the following:

You have a right to file a notice of objection or notice of appeal if you have a dispute. The dispute-resolving process involves the request for reasons or suspension of payment. 

If you are not happy about the outcome of the SARS eFiling assessment, you have the right to dispute it. You can object to the decision via the eFiling option or visit your nearest SARS branch office to submit your rejection form. You also have the right to appeal the decision from the dispute you filed. Ensure you abide by the statute of limitations when you file your dispute to avoid penalties.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Does SARS Allocate Unallocated Payments?

How Does SARS Allocate Unallocated Payments?

Today we break down unallocated payments further, so you can better understand and remedy them with SARS.

How Does SARS Calculate Tax?

How Does SARS Calculate Tax?

How Does SARS Calculate Tax? And in this post, we will examine SARS's methodology to compute taxes. Let's dive in!

How to Get SARS Statement

How to Get SARS Statement

This blog post will give you the details you need to understand a SARS statement and how to obtain one online hassle-free

How to Claim Work From Home Tax Credit In South Africa

How to Claim Work From Home Tax Credit In South Africa

This handbook will guide you through claiming the work-from-home tax-related credit in South Africa.

How To Pay WTI on SARS eFiling

How To Pay WTI on SARS eFiling

But what exactly is withholding tax on interest(WTI), and how do we pay it? Here's what you need to know.

How Long Does SARS Take to Review Documents?

How Long Does SARS Take to Review Documents?

How Long Does SARSTake to Review Documents? Read on to learn how long it takes for SARS to review documents.

How Do I Register For SARS eFiling?

How Do I Register For SARS eFiling?

Registering for SARS eFiling is simple, and most people will complete it from the comfort of their homes. Here’s how to register for eFiling step-by-step.

How to Make SARS payments Manually

How to Make SARS payments Manually

In this post, you'll find detailed instructions on paying your SARS balance, using the mobile app to pay, or using Standard Bank, ABSA, or FNB.

What is a CEB01?

What is a CEB01?

However, a CEB01 must be paid by the due date specified on the form - usually the last business day of the month following the assessment month

How to Find My SARS Tax Number Online

How to Find My SARS Tax Number Online

This article aims to assist taxpayers in accessing info concerning tax duties.Today's topic revolves around how you can find your tax number online.

How to Complete IRP6 On eFiling?

How to Complete IRP6 On eFiling?

This post will let you master each stuff you should know about the eFiling IRP6 exercise, including how to register an IRP6 SARS

What Can I Use as Proof of Address for SARS?

What Can I Use as Proof of Address for SARS?

What Can I Use as Proof of Address for SARS?. Read on to learn what you can use as proof of address for SARS.

SARS Supporting Documents For A Tax Refund

SARS Supporting Documents For A Tax Refund

Today, we are unpacking everything around SARS supporting documents that you should know

How to Check Tax Refund Status 

How to Check Tax Refund Status 

This guide will tell you how to monitor the refund status with SARS, when to expect your refund, and what to do if you encounter any difficulties

How to Submit My Documents to SARS eFiling

How to Submit My Documents to SARS eFiling

How to Submit My Documents to SARS eFiling. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on submitting your documents to SARS.