How to Check Your SARS Tax Return Status Online in 2026
If you submitted your South African income tax return to SARS, you can check your tax return status online through SARS eFiling.
Checking your status can help you find out whether your return has been processed, whether SARS needs additional information, whether you have a refund, or whether you owe SARS money.
How to Check Your SARS Tax Return Status
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official SARS website.
- Log in to your SARS eFiling profile.
- Select the relevant Income Tax option.
- Go to your tax return or return history.
- Select the relevant tax year.
- Check the current status and any correspondence from SARS.
SARS eFiling allows taxpayers to submit returns and access various tax services online.
Check Your SARS Refund Status
If SARS has determined that you are due a refund, you can check your refund information online.
SARS says the refund amount and payment date can be viewed on your Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA) on eFiling.
SARS also provides other digital channels for checking refund status, including the SARS MobiApp and SARS WhatsApp service.
What If SARS Is Still Processing My Return?
Your tax return may take time to process.
SARS may also select a return for verification or audit. If this happens, SARS will notify you and may request supporting documents.
If you are selected for verification, SARS says you can submit requested documents through eFiling or the SARS Online Query System.
What Does a SARS Verification Mean?
Verification means SARS is checking information provided in your tax return against supporting information.
If SARS finds no problem with your tax position, it will notify you that the verification is complete.
If SARS identifies a discrepancy, it may issue a revised assessment.
If the return is referred for an audit, additional information may be requested.
How to Check SARS Correspondence
SARS correspondence can contain important information about your tax return.
To view correspondence on eFiling:
- Log in to eFiling.
- Select “Returns”.
- Select “SARS Correspondence”.
- Select “Search Correspondence”.
- Search for the relevant notice or letter.
- Select “View” to open the correspondence.
SARS says correspondence can include assessment letters, requests for supporting documents and other notices.
What If SARS Requests Supporting Documents?
Do not ignore a request from SARS.
Read the notice carefully and submit the requested information through the official SARS channel before the stated deadline.
If you are an eFiler, SARS allows supporting documents to be submitted electronically in relevant verification cases.
What If I Am Due a SARS Refund?
If SARS has approved a refund, check your banking details and your Income Tax Statement of Account.
SARS says the refund payment date can be viewed on the ITSA.
Your refund can be delayed if there are problems such as incorrect banking details, outstanding returns or an ongoing verification or audit.
SARS 2026 Filing Season
For the 2026 filing season, SARS says taxpayers selected for Auto Assessment are notified between 1 and 12 July 2026.
If you receive an Auto Assessment notification, you should review the assessment carefully.
If the information is correct, no further action is required. If information is incorrect or missing, you can update the return and submit it through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
Official SARS Website
Visit the official SARS website:
Use the official SARS eFiling service when accessing your tax information.
Important SARS Safety Advice
Never give your SARS eFiling password, banking password, PIN or one-time banking password to another person.
Be careful of scams promising to release a SARS refund for a fee.
Only use official SARS websites and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my SARS tax return status?
Log in to your SARS eFiling account and check your relevant income tax return and correspondence.
How do I check my SARS refund?
You can check your refund information through eFiling. SARS also provides other digital channels for checking refund status.
How long does SARS take to process a tax return?
Processing times can vary. A return may also be selected for verification or audit, which can affect the time before a refund is paid.
What if SARS asks for supporting documents?
Submit the requested documents through the official SARS channel before the deadline shown in the notification.
Can I check my SARS status on my phone?
Yes. SARS provides digital services including eFiling and the SARS MobiApp.
Conclusion
Checking your SARS tax return status online is a useful way to keep track of your tax affairs.
Check your eFiling account regularly for assessment results, refund information, correspondence and requests for supporting documents.
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