SARS schedules digital platform upgrade with possible service interruptions ahead of 2026 tax season

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced scheduled maintenance to upgrade its digital platforms and technology infrastructure, warning taxpayers and traders of possible intermittent service disruptions during the work.

When the upgrade will take place

The planned maintenance is scheduled for Friday, 19 June, from 18:00 to 22:00. SARS said the work is part of ongoing efforts to modernise systems, strengthen security and improve the reliability of its digital services.

Which services may be affected

During the maintenance window, users may encounter interruptions when accessing SARS eFiling, tax-related digital services and customs platforms. The revenue service emphasised that its technology assets play a critical role in providing certainty, simplifying compliance and building public trust.

SARS on the upgrade

“To provide clarity and certainty, make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations and build public trust and confidence, our technology assets must demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security,” SARS said.

SARS also described its wider ambition as becoming a smart, modern organisation with “unquestionable integrity” that is trusted and admired by taxpayers and traders.

What taxpayers and traders should do

The revenue service encouraged taxpayers and traders who need to access online services to plan accordingly and, where possible, complete urgent transactions before the scheduled maintenance window begins.

Broader strategy

SARS said the maintenance forms part of a broader strategy to deliver streamlined digital services while ensuring systems remain secure and capable of supporting growing demand.