SARS issues final warning: Miss the October 20 tax deadline, face penalties
With just four days to go before the tax deadline, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has called non-provisional taxpayers to submit their income tax returns
Image: GCIS
With just four days to go before the tax deadline, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has called non-provisional taxpayers to submit their income tax returns by 20 October 2025 or face penalties.
The revenue service said that it "has made every effort to simplify and support the filing process through enhanced digital platforms, Auto Assessment, and accessible helplines".
SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the remaining days to file their returns, adding that taxpayers have a legal obligation to file a return.
"The Commissioner urges all taxpayers not to abdicate their tax obligations: failure to submit a return by the deadline is a serious offence, and non-compliance can lead to administrative penalties and interest charges.
"As part of our strategic focus to encourage voluntary compliance and enforce the law, SARS will continue to identify and act against those who do not meet their tax obligations".
The revenue service also revealed that nearly 80% of non-provisional taxpayers have already filed their returns, with over 7.9 million submissions received so far.
"Many taxpayers wait until the last minute to file their returns, hoping to meet the deadline. However, rushing invites errors, misjudgements, unnecessary stress, and long queues at SARS branches. SARS urges taxpayers to submit returns while there is still time to think clearly and avoid mistakes. Filing early protects taxpayers from penalties and ensures a refund, if due, which is payable in 72 hours".
"With only five days left before the deadline, 7,900,531 non-provisional taxpayers have already filed their tax returns, with more than 854,408 still outstanding. In the 2024 tax year, over 6.7 million non-provisional taxpayers filed their Income-Tax returns, including those who were auto-assessed".
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