The tax filing process for the year 2025 is now going to be easier than ever for South African taxpayers. This is because of a new digital feature announced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS)—‘Express Access,’ which is being introduced in SARS’s eFiling system during tax season 2025. The main objective of this new feature is to make the process of processing tax returns faster, simple and user-friendly.
In this article, we will tell you in detail what this new Express Access tab is, what facilities taxpayers will get from this, how to file tax returns, which dates are important to keep in mind and what strict steps SARS is now preparing to take to ensure tax compliance.
What is new in eFiling? – Now filing taxes will be easy.
According to SARS, during the tax season of the year 2025, taxpayers will see a new ‘Express’ tab on the homepage of the eFiling portal. This tab is specifically designed for taxpayers who have a relatively simple tax profile and are allowed to file through auto assessment.
Through this new tab, one can perform the following tasks in a very short time:
- View the 2025 Auto Assessment Report.
- Submit tax returns for previous years.
- File the current year’s tax return.
- Update personal bank details and contact information.
SARS has clarified that this update is in line with their strategic objectives, which include modernizing tax services and increasing transparency and efficiency. Its purpose is to give clear guidelines to taxpayers and make them aware of their tax responsibilities.
What is auto assessment? – Hassle-free tax filing
Auto Assessment is a process in which SARS prepares the taxpayer’s tax return in advance by collecting the taxpayer’s information (such as salary, interest, medical expenses, etc.) from third parties. In such a situation, the taxpayer does not need to fill out the form but only has to accept or reject it by looking at it.
The auto-assessment process in 2025 will start on 7 July, which is two weeks before the start of the tax season. For those who fall under this process, filing returns can be completed in a matter of minutes.
If a taxpayer accepts the auto-assessment sent by SARS and is due to receive a tax refund, the amount is often transferred to his bank account within 72 hours. On the other hand, if someone has to make a payment to SARS, he has to make this payment through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
However, if the taxpayer feels that there is an error in the auto-assessment, he can reject it and file the tax return manually.
Tax Season 2025—Here are the important dates.
To make tax filing smooth, SARS has announced different dates according to the taxpayers. Everyone has to take care of the filing start and end dates according to their situation:
| Taxpayer Type | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Assessments | 7 July 2025 | 20 July 2025 |
| Individuals | 21 July 2025 | 20 October 2025 |
| Provisional Taxpayers | 21 July 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
| Trusts | 21 July 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
These dates are not only important for filing taxes but also a milestone for all proceedings related to auto-assessment.
Correct information is important—update bank details and contact information.
SARS has repeatedly advised that taxpayers keep their banking information and contact details correct and up-to-date. Failure to do so could result in delays in tax refunds or non-receipt of necessary communications, which could lead to problems in the future.
Another great feature of the Express tab is that taxpayers can update their bank account details instantly. In addition, SARS relies on email and mobile numbers to send security features such as OTPs or notifications. If your information is out of date, you may miss out on important messages.
According to SARS, these digital channels are often used to send audit notices, payment reminders, document requests or penalty notifications. Ignoring these could result in serious problems for taxpayers, such as legal action, penalties, cancellation of tax status or non-receipt of refund.
Old tax returns will also be updated—SARS recovery drive.
SARS is going to focus not only on the 2025 tax returns but also on old outstanding tax returns and debt recovery this time. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said that this year SARS has received an additional budget of R1 billion from the National Treasury, which will be used to appoint 1,700 new staff members.
These new appointments will be made in the next three months so that work related to taxpayers can be done quickly and effectively during the tax season. Especially those taxpayers who have no dispute but still have not paid their old tax dues—action will be taken against them.
The commissioner also said that sometimes a simple SMS or phone call also motivates taxpayers to pay. It is a “gentle reminder” that most people appreciate. But if this method fails, SARS can move towards legal action such as freezing bank accounts, confiscating property or civil judgment.
Conclusion—Tax system more efficient with Express Access
The new Express Access feature introduced by SARS is not just a technological upgrade but a major step towards making the tax filing process simpler, quicker and more reliable for ordinary citizens.
Features like Auto Assessment eliminate the hassle of filling out forms by automatically collecting data on the taxpayer’s profile. It also saves time and promotes transparency using modern technology. Also, keeping your information updated is now easier than ever with the Express tab.
SARS is not only improving technology but also adopting effective human resource strategies to ensure tax compliance. The tax filing process is no longer just a legal obligation but a responsibility of a digital and aware citizen.
FAQs
Q. What is the new ‘Express Access’ feature in SARS eFiling?
A. It’s a new tab on the eFiling homepage that simplifies access to auto assessments and return submissions.
Q. When does the 2025 tax season start for auto-assessments?
A. Auto-assessments begin on 7 July 2025 and end on 20 July 2025.
Q. Can I update my bank and contact details using Express Access?
A. Yes, the feature allows you to easily update both your banking and contact information.
Q. What happens if I accept the auto-assessment?
A. If accepted, no further action is required. Refunds are usually processed within 72 hours.
Q. What if I disagree with the auto-assessment?
A. You must reject it and manually file your tax return via eFiling.