How to file your 2025 tax return using the SARS MobiApp

This next phase is intended for individual taxpayers who were not auto-assessed

Image: Supplied

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) earlier this week confirmed that, following the “successful completion” of the auto-assessment period, the 2025 tax filing season officially opened on 21 July 2025.

This next phase is intended for individual taxpayers who were not auto-assessed, or for those who need to review or correct the information pre-populated in their returns.

"The successful completion of the Auto Assessment period, which ran from 7 to 20 July 2025, will be followed by the tax filing period via eFiling and the SARS MobiApp for individual taxpayers from Monday, 21 July–20 October 2025. Provisional taxpayers can also file from 21 July 2025 to 19 January 2026," SARS said.

According to SARS, around 5.8 million taxpayers received auto-assessments this year, with 99.6% of them accepted without changes.

The revenue service added that taxpayers whose details were not automatically captured, or those with additional income or deductions to declare, are now required to file their tax returns manually via SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.

How to file using the SARS Mobi app

Be a registered eFiler with a valid username and password.

Logging in

Tap the SARS Mobi app icon on your device.
Tap Login, enter your username and password, then tap Login again.

Creating and completing the tax return

Tap Tax Returns → This opens the Form Creation Wizard.
Check your tax reference number and assessment year.

Completing section (Colour matters)

Red: Incomplete – you need to fill in info.
Blue: Complete – all required info is filled.

Steps:

Standard Questions: Complete the dropdown to allow return creation.
Taxpayer Information: Fill in all required fields.
Bank Details: Tap Edit to update if needed.
Employee Tax Certificate (IRP5):
Match the info with your employer’s certificate.
If the section is red, tap Refresh to update.
Deductions: Review pre-populated medical aid details.

Tax calculations

Tap Tax Calc to save and calculate your return.
Review the result (whether you owe SARS or will get a refund).

Submitting or saving

Submit: Tap Submit only when you're sure everything is accurate.
Save: Tap Save to come back later (not submitted yet).

View assessment

After submission, tap View Assessment to see your results.
Tap View ITA34 PDF to download your full tax assessment.

Understanding the outcome

Negative amount - Refund from SARS.
Positive amount -You owe SARS.

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