Filing your South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax return can feel like a climbing up. Yet once you hit submit, a new journey commences. What will be the next ? Let’s consider the way step by step with clarity, stories and confidence.
Introduction
Imagine Kate, a young professional, sitting at her drawing room sofa. She just clicked “Submit” on her eFiling account. She was trembled and wondered.
This article guides you that what to expect after submitting your tax return to SARS. You’ll learn what SARS does next, how much time it will take, what to watch for and what you should (and shouldn’t) do. Additionally, you’ll feel empowered and confident, especially if you decide to invest in a helpful tax efficient product.
Why This Matters
- Avoid worryness : You already filed, now know what comes next.
- Stay informed : SARS doesn’t communicate clearly always, so be ready.
- Take timely action : If something stuck up or needs attention, you’ll see it on time.
- Get confidence : You’ll understand the process and procedure, which leads to better decisions, may be even obtaining helpful services or tools to manage your taxes.
1. Submission Confirmation
After submitting via the SARS eFiling portal, you’ll receive a confirmation email or message. This is your first sign that SARS received your return. It usually includes:
- A reference number
- Date and time of submission
- Brief note that your return is under review
Pro tip : Must take screenshot or save that notification. It’s your proof of submission and you can use it when needed.
2. Initial Processing
Now, SARS begins its preliminary processing. At this stage, they run checks to make sure your return is complete and persistent. They confirm that you’re within deadlines and have attached required schedules.
Make sure nothing is missing, figures are accurate, and barcodes are readable. If everything looks like good then your return moves ahead.
Here’s one of real-life experiences :
I submitted my return on eFiling, and after one day, I received a message from SARS that “return has been received”. I felt relieved like first hurdle has been passed.
3. Detailed Verification & Assessment
If your return passes the initial analysis, SARS moves into a detailed review. Here, they may :
- Match your declared income to their records (e.g., employer or bank-submitted IRP5/ITR12).
- Verify the deductions and credits.
- Mark any unique or missing data.
Quality inspector review every product.
Tip : Secure and ready your all supporting documents like IRP5s, medical receipts, retirement annual contributions, in case of SARS asks for these.
4. Communication with SARS :
Expect it, SARS can reach at any point. This could take the form of :
- Requesting supporting documentation, like proof of medical expenses or retirement fund statements.
- Sending a notice of assessment for you to review and approve.
- Informing you about errors or discrepancies which needs correction.
Use the SARS MySARS portal or eFiling to check for updates regularly. Whenever there’s a new message you’ll receive an SMS or email. Please don’t panic, this is a standard procedure.
Here’s how reacted :
“After two weeks, I got a request for more documents. Initially, I confused but I went to the MySARS portal, uploaded the files, and it was done in a day. Much easier than expected.”
5. Notice of Assessment
Once SARS completes their review, they issue a Notice of Assessment (ITA34). This document outlines :
- Your assessed tax liability (either a refund or a balance due)
- Any interest or penalty charges
- Payment or refund instructions
Normally, you’ll be informed that the notice is ready via MySARS or eFiling, and you can directly download it. If it’s a refund, the assessment will also show your bank details for payment.
6. Refunds and Payments
If Refund is Due
- SARS processes refunds usually within 7 to 21 business days but sometimes longer.
- You can check the status in MySARS and see if the refund is “pending” or “paid”.
- Refunds go into your bank account which you entered. Check it carefully before submitting.
If Money is Owe
- The notice will mention your due date clearly.
- You can pay via eFiling, MySARS, or through a bank.
- SARS offers you that can set up a payment plan if needed.
7. Follow-Up Actions
Once you’ve received your Notice of Assessment and handled refunds or payments, what to do here :
- File your documents properly and keep all your paperwork safely for at least 5 years.
- Review the assessment carefully. If something looks off, correct it within 60 days.
- Set the reminders for next year, sometime deadlines hide by you
- Next time, consider a tax smart tool or product. For example, Taxplanners.co.za helps guide and refunds accurate. It saves time and reduces worriedness.
8. How the Auto-Tax-Saver Pro Makes the Process Smoother
Let me share one more story :
“I’ve always dreaded uploading all my documents. But when I used Auto-Tax-Saver Pro, it prepared my return itself. I still submitted on SARS, but it flagged missing data before I even got to “Submit”. After that, tracking my refund became easy. Honestly, I felt so confident.”
Why it works :
- It integrates with SARS eFiling to prefill data.
- It alerts you to missing documents or mismatches.
- It tracks your refund or payment status in one dashboard.
- It helps you pay or request payment plans seamlessly if needed.
So, after submitting, instead of feeling anxious, you can just relax, knowing the tool and SARS updates will keep you in control.
Step-by-Step Summary
| Step | What Happens | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Submission Confirmation | SARS acknowledges receipt | Save confirmation screenshot; note reference number |
| 2. Initial Processing | Quick system check for completeness | Wait; check for early flags |
| 3. Detailed Verification | SARS reviews info deeply | Keep documents ready; stay alert |
| 4. SARS Communication | Requests for docs or corrections | Respond promptly via MySARS/eFiling |
| 5. Notice of Assessment | You receive details of refund or payment | Review notice; confirm bank details |
| 6. Refund or Payment | SARS processes refund or you make payment | Confirm receipt or settlement |
| 7. Final Steps | Store documents; flag errors; plan ahead | File everything and use reminders |
| 8. Optional Tool Use | Tools like Auto-Tax-Saver Pro ease all steps | Use tool next year for efficiency and confidence |
Bringing It All Together
Filing taxes can feel heavy but once you submit it, the route is mostly manageable. SARS follows a known pat from confirming receipt to assessment and to refund or payment. During the way, your active role, checking portals and quickly response, makes a difference.
FAQ
1. How long does SARS take to process a submitted tax return ?
Usually 7 to 21 business days for refunds but it can take longer during high traffic periods. Check your status on MySARS or eFiling.
2. What if SARS asks for more documentation ?
Upload requested documents quickly via your portal. Keep copies of IRP5, IRP3a, medical receipts, and other supporting evidence. SARS may review them.
3. Can I track the refund status ?
Yes, log in to MySARS. It shows whether your refund is “pending”, “approved”, or “paid”.
4. What if I owe SARS money ?
Your Notice of Assessment will show the due amount and due date. Pay via eFiling, MySARS, or bank. For help, request a payment arrangement on the portal.
5. I realized an error after submission. what next ?
You may submit a correction within 60 days. Use eFiling’s “Amend Return” function to update details.
6. Should I consider a tool like Auto Tax Saver Pro ?
Absolutely, it helps you to avoid errors, prefills data, tracks your status, and makes the whole process smootly. If your time is valueable then it’s a good investment.
Final Thoughts
Remember, who submitted the return with a racing heart ? She remained responsible and trusted on helpful tool. By the time the refund came, she was relieved and a little proud of herself too.
You can be that confident taxpayer. Submit with care, watch the process and trust on tools that support you. Then, focus on your matters those are most important.
