The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a new digital feature—‘Express Access’—as part of its eFiling platform upgrade for the 2025 tax season.
This enhancement is designed to simplify the way taxpayers access and manage their auto-assessments, file returns, and update key personal details.
According to SARS, the move aligns with its broader strategic goal of modernising tax administration and increasing voluntary compliance.
Quick Access to Returns, Refunds, and Records
The newly introduced ‘Express’ tab, now visible on the eFiling landing page, allows taxpayers to:
- View their 2025 auto-assessment
- Submit current and past tax returns
- Update contact and banking information
SARS said this upgrade is expected to improve service delivery and eliminate delays, particularly for taxpayers with straightforward affairs who are eligible for automated assessments.
Auto-Assessment Rollout Begins 7 July
The 2025 auto-assessment process will kick off on 7 July, two weeks before general filing begins.
Taxpayers with uncomplicated tax profiles will receive pre-populated assessments based on third-party data collected by SARS.
If the taxpayer accepts the auto-assessment, no further action is needed, and any refund due will be processed within 72 hours.
If a taxpayer disputes the outcome, they must reject the assessment and submit a manual return through eFiling or the MobiApp.
South Africa Introduces Express Tax Filing Tool Ahead of 2025 Season: Filing Periods for 2025 Tax Season
SARS confirmed the following tax timelines:
| Taxpayer Category | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Assessed | 7 July 2025 | 20 July 2025 |
| Individual Filers | 21 July 2025 | 20 October 2025 |
| Provisional Taxpayers | 21 July 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
| Trusts | 21 July 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
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Updated Details, Faster Refunds
A central aim of the Express Access tab is to prompt taxpayers to verify their contact and banking details.
SARS previously warned that incorrect bank information is a major cause of refund delays.
Additionally, outdated contact details may result in missed communication—including urgent audit notices, payment reminders, and assessment outcomes.
Such oversights can lead to penalties, legal escalation, or a loss of tax compliance status.
SARS Gears Up with New Recruits and Enforcement Tools
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter recently announced that the agency has received R1 billion in additional funding to recruit 1,700 staff during the 2025 tax season.
This new workforce will focus on:
- Taxpayer engagement
- Addressing unpaid historical debts
- Enforcing compliance among delinquent filers
According to Kieswetter, even gentle reminders, such as SMS messages or calls, have proven effective in recovering outstanding taxes.
However, SARS has made it clear: if soft nudges don’t work, the agency will not hesitate to escalate enforcement.
From Nudge to Enforcement
Tax experts at Tax Consulting South Africa have cautioned that SARS’ next steps may include:
- Third-party appointments (e.g., instructing banks to withhold funds)
- Civil judgments against non-compliant taxpayers
- Freezing bank accounts or seizing assets in extreme cases
SARS maintains that these steps are consistent with its obligation to maintain revenue collection and fairness across the tax net
Tax Technology Meets Compliance Mandate
The rollout of Express Access reflects a broader push by SARS to use technology as a compliance lever.
By reducing manual errors, providing real-time refund tracking, and allowing secure self-service access, the revenue service hopes to encourage early, accurate submissions and restore taxpayer trust.
Conclusion: Prepare Early, Stay Compliant
With the 2025 filing season fast approaching, SARS is urging all taxpayers to:
- Log into eFiling and explore the new Express tab
- Verify banking and contact details
- Respond promptly to any SARS communication
As tax administration in South Africa grows increasingly digitised, staying compliant and proactive is more important than ever.
