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SARS Warns: Update Your Banking Details Before Tax Season or Risk Delayed Refunds
Auto-assessments start 7 July, but incorrect info could cost you money and time
It’s almost that time again, tax season in South Africa. And this year, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has a clear message for all taxpayers: make sure your banking and contact details are correct — or risk missing out on your refund.
With thousands of auto-assessments set to roll out from 7 July 2025, SARS is hoping to streamline the process and reduce the queues (both digital and physical). But the system only works if your information is up to date. Forget to update your bank or email details? You could be left in the dark and without your money.
SARS Is Watching the Clock And So Should You
South Africans have until 6 July to log into eFiling or the MobiApp and check their details. If your bank account on record is outdated, your refund could bounce, leaving you to navigate a maze of follow-up emails, calls and verifications.
“We want taxpayers to have a hassle-free filing experience,” SARS said. “If your banking details are wrong, we can’t process your refund.”
While that may sound like common sense, thousands of taxpayers are caught out every year, some because they changed banks and forgot to update, others because their accounts were closed or incorrectly linked.
What Is Auto-Assessment, Anyway?
SARS introduced auto-assessments in recent years to simplify tax filing for individuals with straightforward income sources (such as salaries and interest). Based on third-party data from employers, banks, and medical schemes, SARS pre-fills your tax return and sends you a notice.
This year, you don’t even need to click “accept.” If the data is accurate and a refund is due, the payment will land in your account within 72 hours, provided your details are correct.
However, if you disagree with the assessment say, your medical credits or deductions look off , you can still access the full return via eFiling or the MobiApp and submit it manually before the deadline.
Your Inbox Is Now Your Postbox
Gone are the days of SARS letters in the mailbox. The tax authority has gone fully digital, meaning if your email or cellphone number is wrong, you may never receive critical communication.
And it’s not just refund updates at stake. System-generated letters often include:
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Audit notifications
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Payment reminders
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Requests for documents
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Dispute outcomes
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Penalty notices
Miss one of these and you could face fines or even be flagged as non-compliant — which can affect future applications for loans, tenders, or tax clearance certificates.
How to Check or Update Your Details on eFiling
SARS has made it relatively simple to keep your info current. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
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Log in to www.sarsefiling.co.za
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Go to ‘SARS Registered Details’
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Click on ‘Maintain SARS Registered Details’
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Choose what you want to update:
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Bank account
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Email or cellphone
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Trading name (for businesses)
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Security questions or login info
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Once done, click “Submit” to save the changes. If you forget this step, nothing gets recorded.
Social Media: Some Praise, Some Panic
On Facebook and X, some users praised the system’s automation for making refunds quicker. But others vented frustration over past refund delays and the confusion around auto-assessments.
“SARS owes me money from 2023 and now they want my bank info AGAIN?!” one user wrote.
Another replied: “Mine came through in two days last year. Just keep your stuff updated — it’s that simple.”
With over 6 million taxpayers expected to be auto-assessed this season, the pressure is on both SARS and the public to get it right.
Don’t Wait ,Check Today
In short, don’t assume your details are fine. Take five minutes to log in and double-check. Because when it comes to tax season in South Africa, a small slip could mean a big delay.
And if you do everything right and a refund is due well, that’s a little winter bonus that could arrive just in time.
? Need help with your eFiling login or forgot your password? Visit the SARS Help Centre or call 0800 00 7277.
? Tip: If you’re self-employed or earn freelance income, you’ll likely need to file manually, don’t rely on auto-assessment alone.
{Source: BusinessTech}
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