With 2026 on the way, it’s worth pencilling in some important dates and deadlines. Keeping track of these dates can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easier for you.
Quick link to the SARS Income Tax Rates https://www.sars.gov.za/tax-rates/income-tax/
Quick link to the SARS Tax Season Notices https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/filingseason/
Some Important Dates
19 January
The last day for provisional taxpayers to get their filing completed.
28 February
1 March
Start of the new 2027 tax year which means your personal submissions later in the year are for the 2025-2026 Tax year.
Estimate E-Filing will open mid July 2026 for provisional and non-provisional taxpayers
Provisional taxpayers can submit from about mid-July 2026 to January 2027
Individuals and Non-provisional taxpayers have between mid July 2026 and 23 October 2026
July
31 August
This is the last day for your first provisional tax payment of 2027. You are required to pay half your total estimated tax liability for the present tax year.
October 2026 – the closing date for personal returns to be submitted.
October
November
Income Tax submission deadline for those submitting online. This is the last day for non-provisional and provisional taxpayers.
January 2027 Is the closing date for provisional taxpayers returns to be submitted.
January 2027
Below is an extract from the SARS website and the link
What are the Income Tax return filing dates?
- Auto Assessments: 1 July to 12 July 2026
- Non-provisional individuals: 13 July to 23 October 2026
- Provisional taxpayers: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
- Trusts: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027
Filing Dates and What They Mean for You
Auto Assessments
1 –12 July 2026
If you receive an Auto Assessment from SARS:
- Review it carefully.
- Check that all information is correct.
- Ensure your banking and contact details are up to date.
- Accept the outcome if everything is accurate.
Non-Provisional Individuals
13 July – 23 October 2026
Do not wait until the last minute.
- File early to avoid pressure.
- Gather your supporting documents in advance.
- Submit your return accurately and on time.
Provisional Taxpayers and Trusts
13 July 2026 – 22 January 2027
You have a longer filing period, but early preparation is key:
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Diarise your deadline now.
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Start preparing well in advance.
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Avoid rushed and incomplete submissions.
Link here: https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/filing-season/
The “tax year” runs from 1 March to 28 February the following year. However, “tax season” (when you file your return) usually opens in July and runs until October for most individuals, and January for provisional taxpayers.
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Tax-Free Savings: Currently, the maximum contribution is R46,000 per tax year and R500,000 over your lifetime.
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Retirement Annuity: There is no limit on how much you can contribute, but the tax deduction is capped at 27.5% of your taxable income (or R350,000, whichever is lower). If you contribute more than this, you can simply roll over the excess and claim it in future years.
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Provisional Taxpayer: Someone who earns income other than just a salary. Examples include rental income, freelance income, or significant investment income. You generally have to file two returns a year (August and February) to pay tax in advance.
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Non-Provisional Taxpayer: Someone who only earns a salary where PAYE is deducted by their employer.
