If you are a taxpayer in South Africa, you are required to submit your income tax return annually to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Previously, taxpayers had to visit SARS branches or use manual submission methods, but now it is possible to submit your tax return online from the comfort of your own home.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to submit your income tax return online in South Africa.
Why Submit Your Income Tax Return Online?
Submitting your income tax return online offers many benefits over traditional paper methods. The eFiling system is faster, more secure, and allows you to submit your tax return from anywhere at any time.
Additionally, using eFiling eliminates the risk of lost or misplaced documents and can reduce errors in your tax return.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you can submit your income tax return online, there are a few things you will need to gather:
- Your tax reference number
- Your personal details (including your name, ID number, and contact information)
- Your banking details
- Relevant supporting documents (such as your IRP5 certificate, medical aid certificates, and retirement annuity certificates)
- Access to a computer with an internet connection
Registering for eFiling
To use the eFiling system, you must first register for an eFiling account on the SARS website. This process requires you to provide your personal details and create a username and password.
Once you have completed the registration process, SARS will send you an email with instructions on how to activate your account.
Logging In to Your eFiling Account
After activating your eFiling account, you can log in to the system using your username and password. Once you have logged in, you will be directed to your eFiling dashboard.
Filling in Your Tax Return
To start filling in your tax return, click on the “Returns” tab on your eFiling dashboard and select “Submit a Return.” From there, you can select the relevant tax year and form type.
You can then start filling in your tax return by following the prompts and entering your relevant information.
Uploading Supporting Documents
If you have supporting documents to attach to your tax return, such as your IRP5 certificate, you can upload them directly to the eFiling system.
To do this, click on the “Documents” tab on your eFiling dashboard and select “Upload Documents.”
Submitting Your Tax Return
Once you have completed filling in your tax return and attached any necessary supporting documents, you can submit your return by clicking the “Submit” button.
The eFiling system will automatically generate a confirmation page, which you should print or save for your records.
Making Payment
If you owe money to SARS, you will need to make payment after submitting your tax return.
You can make payment via eFiling using a variety of methods, including credit card, debit card, and internet banking.
SARS will provide you with the necessary payment information during the submission process.
Checking Your Tax Assessment
After submitting your tax return, SARS will assess your return and send you a notice of assessment.
You can view your tax assessment on the eFiling system by clicking on the “Returns History” tab on your dashboard. If you disagree with your assessment, you can dispute it using the eFiling system.
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