SARS pays out R8 billion in refunds within 72 hours of tax season opening

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has revealed that about R8 billion has already been paid out in tax refunds within just 72 hours

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has revealed that about R8 billion has already been paid out in tax refunds within just 72 hours of the opening of the 2026 filing season.

The tax season officially kicked off on July 1 2026, with more than 1.9 million taxpayers already auto-assessed. The revenue service said the early payouts show that its new digital systems are working.

"As at the end of July 1, 2026, more than 1.9 million taxpayers were auto-assessed, with about R8 billion in refunds paid out in 72 hours," SARS said.

"The improvements form part of SARS’s commitment to excellent service and its vision to build a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity. SARS aims to give clarity and certainty, and to make it easy for taxpayers to comply with their obligations."