5 ways to file your income tax return

The 2023 tax season started on 7 July 2023, and the deadline to file your income tax return is October 23 2023 for individual taxpayers. If you’re unsure how to file your income tax return, or you’ve been reluctant to submit it because you’re worried you might owe the South African Revenue Service (SARS) money, think again.

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SARS has introduced a plethora of digital technologies in 2023, so that you can file your income tax return quicker than ever. Even the experts at TaxTim say filing your return has become far less complicated that it used to be. Nevertheless, no matter how often you’ve done one, Taxtim says these five tips will help you file your income tax return.

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HOW TO FILE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN

1. GET AN INCOME TAX REFERENCE NUMBER

An income tax reference number is a 10-digit-long number that appears on your IRP5. Through SARS eFiling there is now a quick and convenient online process to register for an income tax reference number. Once you’re registered, you can also make use of the SARS MobiApp.

2. REGISTER FOR SARS EFILING

As a registered taxpayer with an income tax reference number, you are eligible to use SARS eFiling. To register, simply visit the SARS eFiling > click on REGISTER and follow the prompts. You can also download the SARS MobiApp on your phone.

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Once you have registered, you must define your role. On the portal you can file your tax return, make payments to SARS and more. If you’re battling with the website, you can also call SARS on 0800 007 277.

3. UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS AND OTHER DETAILS

It is important that you always keep your address, banking and all other details up to date the on SARS eFiling portal. Simply click on Home > SARS Registered Details > Maintain SARS Registered Details and make the changes on the online form.

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Do not forget to click SAVE and FILE before you leave the page. Although SARS does not recommend it, if you’re struggling with the website , you can take your documents directly to a SARS branch. But you must call ahead – 0800 007 277 – to book ahead of time at the relevant branch.

4. CHECK YOUR IRP5

This is issued at the end of each tax year by your employer to SARS. It is the employee’s tax certificate and a copy must be given to you. This document details all your income, deductions and related taxes for the tax year. Once your employer has submitted one, it will appear in SARS eFiling when you login. If your IRP5 is not uploaded by your employer, you must contact them directly to amend the issue.

5. CHECK IF YOU HAVE A TAX DIRECTIVE

Appearing at the bottom of your IRP5, if you received a lump sum, earned commission or your employer paid you a share option, you will receive a tax directive number. Essentially, a tax directive number is an instruction that SARS gives to your employer or fund to not deduct tax on those earnings received. For more information on tax directives click HERE.

WHATS THE NUMBER FOR THE SARS HELPDESK?

All queries, including those to receive your individual tax number, the changing of banking details and how to reset your password can be done via the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 (SARS). The centre is open between 08h00-17h00 (excluding weekends and public holidays). Or go to sarsefiling.co.za to resolve these issues online.

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Don’t forget that you have until October 23 2023 to submit your tax return.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax or legal advice. For further details consult the SARS website or get in touch with a tax specialist.