How to File Tax Return On eFiling 2025?

By Craig Will •  Updated: 01/09/25 •  6 min read

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is a government agency responsible for collecting taxes in South Africa.

SARS is responsible for administering and enforcing the country’s tax laws and policies and collecting revenue from individuals, businesses, and other organizations.

SARS plays a vital role in funding the government’s operations and providing resources for public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

SARS uses various methods to collect taxes, including efiling, which allows taxpayers to file tax returns and pay taxes electronically through the internet.

SARS also has a network of branches where taxpayers can file tax returns and pay taxes in person.

In addition to collecting taxes, SARS is also responsible for educating taxpayers about their tax obligations and providing assistance to those who have questions or need help with their taxes.

SARS offers a range of resources and services to help taxpayers understand and comply with their tax obligations, including online guides, tax calculators, and taxpayer education sessions.

This article explores how to file your tax return using SAR’s online eFiling system.

How do I file tax return on eFiling?

To submit a South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax return via eFiling, you will need to follow these steps:

Go to the SARS eFiling website (https://www.sarsefiling.co.za/) and click on the “Register” button.

Follow the prompts to create a new eFiling account. This will involve providing some personal information and creating a username and password.

Once your account is set up, log in to the eFiling website and click on the “Submit Returns” tab.

Select the appropriate tax year and tax type (e.g. individual tax, corporate tax, VAT, etc.) from the drop-down menus.

Follow the prompts to complete and submit your tax return. This will involve entering information about your income, deductions, and any tax credits you are eligible for.

Review and confirm your tax return before submitting it.

If you have any supporting documents, such as receipts or bank statements, you can upload them through the eFiling website.

Once you have submitted your tax return, you will receive a confirmation email.

You can also log in to the eFiling website to view the status of your tax return and any correspondence from SARS.

It’s important to note that you must file your tax return by the deadline set by SARS, or you may be subject to penalties and interest charges.

You can contact SARS for assistance if you need clarification on any part of the process.

When can I submit my tax return to SARS?

The deadline for submitting your tax return to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in South Africa depends on your tax type and filing status.

For individual taxpayers, the deadline is usually on or around September 30th of the year following the tax year.

For example, the deadline for the 2025 tax year is September 30th, 2025. However, if you are self-employed or earn additional income from a side business, you may need to file your tax return earlier.

For corporate taxpayers, the deadline is usually on or around the last working day in November of the year following the tax year.

For example, the deadline for the 2025 tax year is November 30th, 2025.

It’s important to note that these deadlines may be subject to change, and it’s always best to check with SARS for the most up-to-date information.

You can also use the eFiling website (https://www.sarsefiling.co.za/) to check the status of your tax return and any deadlines that apply to you.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How do I use SARS eFiling online?

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) offers an online portal called eFiling (https://www.sarsefiling.co.za/) that allows taxpayers to file their tax returns, make payments, and manage their tax affairs online.

To use the SARS eFiling portal, you must register for an account by providing some personal information and creating a username and password.

Once your account is set up, you can log in to the portal and access a range of services, including:

Filing your tax return: You can use the eFiling portal to submit your tax return for the current or previous tax year.

Making payments: You can use the eFiling portal to make payments towards your tax debt or to pay any other amounts owed to SARS.

Viewing your tax account: You can view your tax account summary, including your tax debt and any payments you have made, through the eFiling portal.

Requesting a tax certificate: You can use the eFiling portal to request a tax certificate, which is a document that shows your tax status and any outstanding tax debt.

Updating your personal information: You can update your personal information, such as your address or bank account details, through the eFiling portal.

The eFiling portal is available 24/7, so you can access it anytime to manage your tax affairs.

You can contact SARS for support if you have any questions or need assistance.

How do I file my returns online?

Filing your tax returns online can be a convenient and efficient way to submit your tax documents to the relevant tax authorities.

To file your tax returns online, you will generally need to follow these steps:

Check if you are eligible to file your tax returns online.

SARS have eligibility requirements for online filing, such as having a certain type of income or being below a certain income threshold.

Set up an online account with SARS. This may involve providing some personal information and creating a username and password.

Gather the necessary documents and information. You will typically need to provide information about your income, deductions, and any tax credits you are eligible for.

You may also need to provide supporting documents, such as receipts or bank statements.

Log in to your online account and follow the prompts to complete and submit your tax return.

This may involve entering your information into an online form or uploading your documents.

Review and confirm your tax return before submitting it.

You will typically receive a confirmation email or notification once your tax return has been received and processed.

It’s important to note that you must file your tax return by the deadline set by SARS, or you may be subject to penalties and interest charges.

If you need clarification on any part of the process, you can contact SARS for assistance.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to File a 2025 Tax Return on eFiling

How to File a 2025 Tax Return on eFiling

This post will walk you through the procedures needed to file your tax return for 2024 electronically. Let's dive in!

How to Get SARS PIN

How to Get SARS PIN

Follow these simple steps, and you'll have your Tax Compliance Status SARS PIN in no time! Here's how

What Happens When You Owe SARS Money?

What Happens When You Owe SARS Money?

This article seeks to help prevent similar situations from occurring by answering all the questions in relation to SARS owing you money.

How to Pay SARS Via FNB

How to Pay SARS Via FNB

How to Pay SARS Via FNB. In this article, we will look at how customers of FNB can pay their taxes, the timelines on tax payment, efiling process.

Reasons You Still Need to File Your Tax Return 

Reasons You Still Need to File Your Tax Return 

Reasons You Still Need to File Your Tax Return. Here are some good reasons why you should file your tax return

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Get An ITA34 From SARS

How to Get An ITA34 From SARS

You can obtain an ITA34 form hassle-free from SARS. You can request a copy of the form through your eFiling account once you have registered with SARS.

How to Get a Tax Reference Number From SARS

How to Get a Tax Reference Number From SARS

This tutorial will teach you everything you need to know about SARS tax reference numbers—including how to apply for one

How to Change Portfolio Name on eFiling

How to Change Portfolio Name on eFiling

How do I change my portfolio name on eFiling? Here's how to change your portfolio name.

SARS Toll-Free Number To Dial For My Tax Number

SARS Toll-Free Number To Dial For My Tax Number

Obtaining your tax number online is a convenient method the South African Revenue Service (SARS) provides.

How to Check SARS Tax Clearance Certificate

How to Check SARS Tax Clearance Certificate

In this piece, we will walk you through the steps required to check your SARS tax clearance certificate and explain the steps you need to take to get one.

How to Request SARS Notice of Registration

How to Request SARS Notice of Registration

You can access your Sars Notice of Registration easily through different platform. Here's everything you need to know

How the SARS Income TAX Brackets Work

How the SARS Income TAX Brackets Work

This guide is meant to give you the information you need to understand and navigate the tax brackets set by SARS in South Africa easily

How to Add Additional Documents to SARS eFiling

How to Add Additional Documents to SARS eFiling

This guide will look at adding additional papers to SARS eFiling, how many documents you can upload

Why SARS May Reject Your Tax Return

Why SARS May Reject Your Tax Return

Today we look at the common reasons for rejection of a filed return, and how to resolve these issues for a smooth and compliant tax filing process