South African taxpayers are being warned of a surge in fraudulent emails and SMS messages claiming they owe money
With tax season approaching, South Africans are again being targeted by a surge in fake SARS emails and SMSes demanding urgent payments, as scammers exploit filing uncertainty, deadlines, and taxpayer anxiety.
IOL previously reported that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has set out the key rules, deadlines and filing requirements for the 2026 tax season, along with a stronger push toward digital filing and stricter enforcement of deadlines.
Although the filing season has not officially opened, SARS has already published guidance in the Government Gazette, giving South Africans a clear idea of what to expect this year.
SARS has confirmed the following deadlines:
