As South Africa’s tax season gets underway, thousands of hopeful taxpayers are expecting a refund from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). While that extra cash can make a big difference, it’s important to know that not everyone will get lucky this year. Just because you’ve paid taxes doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be getting money back.
Whether your employer got your PAYE deductions right or you simply don’t have qualifying deductions, there are several reasons you could be left empty-handed. Knowing the facts can help manage your expectations and avoid any surprises when your assessment arrives.
Why You Might Not Receive a SARS Tax Refund in 2025
With SARS officially opening its 2025 tax season, many South Africans have already begun receiving their auto-assessments. The window for this automatic review runs from 7 to 20 July 2025. For some, this process results in a welcome refund — typically when too much tax was deducted throughout the year. But the reality is that many people won’t see a cent back, and it all comes down to how your taxes were calculated.
One of the main reasons you might not qualify for a refund is if your employer correctly calculated your PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax deductions. Refunds usually happen when tax was overpaid, but if everything was spot-on — or worse, underpaid — you might owe SARS instead. Inaccurate PAYE deductions could mean penalties, not refunds.
Another key factor is whether you claimed any allowable deductions. Things like medical expenses, contributions to retirement annuities, charitable donations, or work-related expenses can reduce your tax liability. If you didn’t submit claims for these or didn’t have any to declare, your chances of a refund drop significantly.
Lastly, if you didn’t work for the full tax year — between 1 March 2024 and 28 February 2025 — your employer may have still calculated your PAYE accurately based on your actual earnings, leaving little or no room for a refund.
Important Tax Dates for 2025 SARS Filing Season
Here’s what you need to keep in mind for this year’s tax season in South Africa. Auto-assessments will be issued from 7 to 20 July 2025. If you’re a non-provisional taxpayer and didn’t receive an auto-assessment, you’ll need to file your return manually between 21 July and 20 October 2025. For provisional taxpayers — typically those with multiple sources of income — the deadline extends to 19 January 2026.
Knowing these timelines and understanding your personal tax situation is crucial. It can help you avoid unexpected tax bills and better prepare for your financial year ahead.
