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SARS announces new tax return changes and scam alert for 2025
South Africans who are still working through their 2025 tax returns have a new set of updates to keep in mind. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made several adjustments to the ITR12 process to address technical glitches and improve clarity for both local taxpayers and foreign nationals.
At the same time, the tax authority has issued a fresh warning about a new phishing scam doing the rounds, designed to trick eFiling users into sharing sensitive information.
Filing tweaks you should know about
SARS confirmed that it has resolved earlier filing season “niggles,” including fixing incorrect source code placements and clarifying where non-residents can access the correct documents. A temporary solution has now been introduced via the SARS Online Query System, with a more permanent fix promised in the future.
Here are the key updates:
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Antedated salary or pension: From 2025, taxpayers must provide a directive number if source codes 3623 or 3673 are included on the IRP5.
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Exempt dividends: Source codes 4306 (local) and 4307 (foreign) will now display correctly on the ITR12.
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Capital gains in partnerships: Only an individual’s portion of proceeds and base costs needs to be declared, not the entire partnership’s.
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Foreign nationals: All foreign nationals now automatically receive a “resident” ITR12 by default. Those who require a non-resident return must request it through the SARS Online Query System.
The filing season is already a third complete, with non-provisional taxpayers facing a deadline of 20 October 2025 before penalties apply.
Scam alert: ‘Process SARS letter’ email
Alongside these system updates, SARS has urged South Africans to be cautious of a new email scam. Fraudsters are sending messages from an address that looks similar to the official SARS eFiling system, with the subject line “PROCESS QUOTE LETTER.”
The email instructs recipients to process a SARS letter and includes a link to a fake website. SARS has made it clear that this is fraudulent and that taxpayers should never click suspicious links or share personal details.
Other scams currently circulating include threats of legal summons, blacklisting, stop orders, or fake notices about delayed payments, audits, and outstanding balances.
How to stay safe this tax season
SARS has repeated its golden rule: it will never ask for your banking or credit card details by email or SMS. Nor will it send hyperlinks to third-party sites. Any official communication will come directly through the secure eFiling platform.
Taxpayers are advised to:
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Avoid opening or responding to emails from unknown senders.
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Watch for fake email addresses, and hover over links before clicking.
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Report suspicious emails to [email protected].
With scams on the rise and new system changes rolling out, South Africans are reminded to stay alert and double-check before hitting “submit” this tax season.
Also read: Why South Africa’s high electric car taxes could stall the future of transport
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Nexia SAB&T
