SARS eFiling Refund Timeline 2025 – In 2025, millions of South Africans will once again be filing their tax returns through the SARS eFiling platform, hoping for a quick and hassle-free refund. But a pressing question on everyone’s mind remains the same — how long does SARS take to issue a refund after eFiling? With policy tweaks, compliance checks, and digital upgrades in place, understanding the refund timeline has become more crucial than ever. If you’re expecting money back this tax season, this detailed guide will help you understand the SARS refund process, how long it typically takes, and what you can do to speed it up. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, a freelancer, or a small business owner, staying informed can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Let’s explore the SARS eFiling refund timeline for 2025 in detail.
Refund Basics: What Triggers a SARS Refund?
A SARS refund is triggered when SARS finds that you’ve paid more tax than you were required to during the assessment period.
- Overpayment of tax during the year
- Rebates like medical aid, retirement annuities
- Tax credits or deductions exceeding tax liability
- Correction of previous errors or misfiling
Refunds can be issued only after your tax return is verified and finalized.
Key Stages in the SARS Refund Timeline 2025
The SARS refund timeline includes several steps — submission, verification, assessment, and refund payment. Below is a breakdown of the estimated time each step takes:
| Stage | Process Description | Estimated Time (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Return Submission | Filing return via SARS eFiling | Immediate |
| Auto Assessment (if applicable) | SARS pre-assessment for simple cases | Within 1–3 days |
| Manual Assessment (normal case) | SARS agent reviews your documents | 7–21 working days |
| Request for Additional Documents | SARS asks for supporting documents | +21 working days |
| Compliance/Verification Checks | Random audits or flag triggers | Up to 60 working days |
| Refund Payment Released | Once approved, refund processed | 2–5 working days |
| Refund Reflects in Bank Account | Payment transferred to taxpayer’s bank | 24–72 hours |
Factors That Affect SARS Refund Delays
Delays in refunds are often caused by internal verification procedures or taxpayer errors. The following are key reasons why your refund may take longer:
- Banking details not verified
- Outstanding documents or audit triggers
- Wrong tax return data or missing IRP5
- SARS workload during peak season
- Pending debts or admin penalties
Tips to Speed Up Your SARS Refund in 2025
To avoid delays, it’s best to ensure your return is error-free and well-documented. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Verify your banking details on eFiling
- Submit all supporting documents upfront
- Double-check your income and deduction figures
- Respond quickly to any SARS notifications
- Avoid submitting your return last minute
What to Do If Your SARS Refund Is Delayed?
If your refund hasn’t arrived after the expected period, here’s what you can do:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Use SARS eFiling to Check Status | Login and check the status of your return/refund |
| Call SARS Contact Centre | 0800 00 7277 – For individual inquiries |
| Visit a SARS Branch | Book an online appointment via eBooking |
| Submit an Online Query | Use SARS online query system for refund follow-ups |
| Lodge a Formal Complaint | If unresolved for over 60 working days |
Important SARS eFiling Refund Timeline 2025 Changes
SARS has implemented a few new systems and policy changes in 2025 to make the refund process more transparent:
- Auto-assessment expanded to include more taxpayer categories
- AI-powered fraud detection slows down suspicious claims
- New turnaround SLA (service level agreement) of 21 business days for refunds with no errors
- Updated refund status tracker added on eFiling dashboard
How to Check Your Refund Status on SARS eFiling
You can follow these steps to track the status of your SARS refund online:
- Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za
- Log in with your Tax Reference Number and password
- Click on “Returns” → “Personal Income Tax (ITR12)”
- View status under “Assessment Results” or “History”
- If refund issued, you’ll see the transaction listed
Alternatively, check your bank SMS or online banking for deposits from SARS.
Common Refund Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing under incorrect tax category (e.g., pensioner filed as employed)
- Not claiming eligible rebates (e.g., medical expenses)
- Duplicate returns or late filing penalties
- Uploading blurry or incomplete documents
- Mismatch between employer IRP5 and SARS data
By avoiding these common mistakes, you increase the chance of a smooth, quick refund process.
FAQs About SARS eFiling Refund Timeline 2025
1. How long does SARS take to pay a refund after assessment in 2025?
If no issues are found, refunds are processed within 2–5 working days after assessment.
2. What if my refund is still pending after 30 days?
Contact SARS immediately via the call centre or file an online refund follow-up query.
3. Do I need to request my refund manually?
No. If approved, SARS automatically processes your refund to your verified bank account.
4. Can a refund be delayed due to a random audit?
Yes. SARS may hold your refund for verification for up to 60 working days if flagged.
5. Will I get interest on a delayed SARS refund?
Yes, if SARS delays beyond the legal timeframe without cause, interest may be payable.
