SARS urges taxpayers to file returns before midnight or face penalties

Deadline day: SARS urges taxpayers to file returns before midnight or face penalties

Zuko Komisa

The deadline for non-provisional taxpayers to submit their annual income tax returns to SARS is today, Monday, 20 October 2025.
Over 854 000 taxpayers were still outstanding as of last week, despite SARS simplifying the process through digital platforms and Auto Assessment.
SARS warned that failure to submit by the deadline is a serious offence that will incur administrative penalties and interest charges.

The deadline for millions of South African taxpayers to submit their annual income tax returns is today, Monday, 20 October 2025, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed.

Non-provisional taxpayers – those who do not earn income from sources like business profits or rent – must ensure their submissions reach the revenue service by the close of business.

Last week, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter issued a final reminder for individuals to meet their obligation.

As of Wednesday, SARS reported that over 7.9 million non-provisional taxpayers had already filed their returns, but more than 854 408 submissions were still outstanding at that time.

The Commissioner stressed that SARS has worked to streamline the filing process.

“Through enhanced digital platforms, Auto Assessment, and accessible helplines, taxpayers have been empowered to meet their obligations with ease and efficiency,” Kieswetter said.

SARS has issued a stern warning against non-compliance, noting that failure to submit a return by the deadline constitutes a serious offence. Those who miss the deadline face potential administrative penalties and interest charges.

Kieswetter reaffirmed the revenue service’s commitment to enforcement.

“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,” he stated.

SARS highlighted that meeting tax obligations is crucial for “building a capable state and funding essential public services,” ultimately making a difference in the lives of many South Africans.

For context, in the 2024 tax year, over 6.7 million non-provisional taxpayers successfully filed their income tax returns, including those who were auto-assessed.