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
Individuals and Non-provisional taxpayers have between mid July 2026 and end of 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
For business owners, SARS has a widget which I hope they will keep up to date.
Link here: https://www.sars.gov.za/important-dates-4/
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 R36,000 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.
