When must non-provisional taxpayers file in 2026?

If you were not auto-assessed, SARS’s window is 13 July to 23 October 2026.

What is the provisional taxpayer deadline?

22 January 2027 if you were not auto-assessed, or if you disagree with an auto-assessment.

Deadlines · 7 min

SARS Filing Season 2026 — Deadlines That Actually Apply

The 2026 filing season dates from SARS — auto-assessment window, who must still file, and the two deadlines that matter.27 September 2026 All articles

The official 2026 dates

SARS published Filing Season 2026 on sars.gov.za. Season opens 1 July 2026. Auto-assessment notices: 1 July to 12 July 2026. Non-provisional individuals who were not auto-assessed: 13 July to 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayers who were not auto-assessed: 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027. Trusts: 19 September 2026 to 22 January 2027. These replace the 2025 dates people still quote from last year.

If you were auto-assessed

If you agree with the outcome, SARS says you do not need to take further action. If you disagree — extra income, a deduction SARS missed, a two-pot withdrawal, rental, crypto — you edit and submit. Non-provisional corrections run to 23 October 2026. Provisional corrections run to 22 January 2027. Check “My Auto Assessment Status” on the SARS Online Query System from 1 July 2026.

Provisional taxpayers can now get an auto-assessment

New for 2026: certain provisional taxpayers may receive an auto-assessment. Agree and you are done. Disagree and you still have until 22 January 2027. Do not assume “provisional” means you must always recapture the whole return.

What this season is for

Filing Season 2026 is the return for the 2026 year of assessment (1 March 2025 – 28 February 2026). The 2027 year of assessment (1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027) is the year you are living through now. Brackets and credits on that later year belong on the 2027 return, filed in 2027 — not on this season’s ITR12.

Late filing

Administrative non-compliance penalties still apply if a required return is outstanding. The monthly amount scales with taxable income. Interest runs on unpaid tax at the prescribed rate. File on time even if you cannot pay in full — a return and a payment plan beat silence.

Questions

When must non-provisional taxpayers file in 2026?: If you were not auto-assessed, SARS’s window is 13 July to 23 October 2026.
What is the provisional taxpayer deadline?: 22 January 2027 if you were not auto-assessed, or if you disagree with an auto-assessment.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance based on the South African Income Tax Act and published SARS Interpretation Notes as at the 2026/2027 year of assessment (1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027). It is not professional tax advice. Deductibility depends on your facts. Confirm current figures on sars.gov.za before you file.

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