Why you should check your SARS auto-assessment before accepting the refund

South Africans receiving SARS auto-assessments this tax season are being warned not to simply accept the information without checking

South Africans receiving SARS auto-assessments this tax season are being warned not to simply accept the information without checking it first.

IOL previously reported that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) had paid out R8 billion in tax refunds within 72 hours of the opening of the 2026 filing season.

"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 tax season officially kicked off on July 1, 2026, with more than 1.9 million taxpayers already auto-assessed.