Tax Season 2025: Key Dates

The 2025 tax filing season runs from July to November for individual taxpayers. Businesses have different deadlines based on their financial year-end. Plan ahead to avoid penalties and ensure you have all necessary documentation ready for a smooth submission process.

Individual Tax Returns

For the 2025 tax year (1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025), individual taxpayers must submit their returns according to the following schedule:

Non-Provisional Taxpayers

• Filing opens: 15 July 2025
• Auto-assessment: Early August 2025 (for eligible taxpayers)
• Online submission deadline: 21 October 2025
• Branch submission deadline: 21 November 2025

Provisional Taxpayers

• First provisional payment (IRP6): 31 August 2025
• Second provisional payment (IRP6): 28 February 2026
• Annual return deadline: 20 January 2026

Company Tax Returns

Companies must submit their annual ITR14 returns within 12 months of their financial year-end. Common year-ends and their deadlines:

February Year-End (28 Feb 2025)

• First provisional payment: 30 November 2024
• Second provisional payment: 31 May 2025
• ITR14 deadline: 31 January 2026

June Year-End (30 Jun 2025)

• First provisional payment: 31 March 2025
• Second provisional payment: 30 September 2025
• ITR14 deadline: 31 May 2026

VAT Returns

VAT vendors must submit returns and make payments by the 25th of the month following the tax period:

• Monthly vendors: 25th of each month
• Bi-monthly vendors (Category B): 25th of the month following the two-month period
• Six-monthly vendors (Category C): 25th of the month following the six-month period

PAYE and EMP201 Submissions

Employers must submit monthly EMP201 declarations and payments by the 7th of each month. Key annual deadlines:

• IRP5/IT3(a) certificates to employees: By 31 March 2026
• EMP501 reconciliation (1st period): 31 May 2025
• EMP501 reconciliation (2nd period): 31 October 2025

Preparation Checklist

To ensure timely submission, gather these documents early:

• IRP5/IT3(a) certificates from all employers
• Medical aid certificates
• Retirement annuity contribution certificates
• Interest certificates from financial institutions
• Dividend statements
• Capital gains/losses documentation
• Logbook for business travel (if claiming)
• Proof of donations to approved NPOs

Penalties for Late Submission

SARS imposes administrative penalties for late submissions:

• Individuals: Fixed penalty starting from R250 per month, up to a maximum of R16,000
• Companies: Percentage-based penalty from 2% to 10% of taxable income
• Interest: Charged on outstanding tax at the prescribed rate (currently prime + 4%)