If you’ve filed your tax return and are wondering “How long does SARS take to pay out refunds?”, you’re not alone. Many South Africans eagerly anticipate their SARS refund every year, especially after submitting their returns via eFiling.
While there’s no fixed timeframe for receiving your refund, several key factors can affect how long it takes. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you track your refund and avoid delays.
1. Tax Return Submission Kicks Off the Process
Your refund timeline starts the moment you submit your tax return. Whether you use SARS eFiling or visit a branch, make sure:
- Your return is complete and accurate
- All supporting documents are uploaded
- You meet the submission deadline (usually 30 November for non-provisional taxpayers)
Any missing or incorrect information can result in delays or SARS verification checks.
2. SARS Refund Processing Times Vary
Once submitted, your return goes into the SARS processing queue. During peak tax season (especially between July and November), turnaround times may be slower due to high volumes.
SARS generally aims to finalise straightforward returns within 7 to 21 business days, but more complex cases can take longer.
3. SARS May Review or Audit Your Return
After processing begins, SARS may perform a verification or audit of your return. This is especially common if:
- Your tax deductions or credits seem unusually high
- Your income and PAYE don’t match third-party data
- There are any red flags or inconsistencies
If this happens, SARS will ask for supporting documents, and the refund will be paused until the review is complete. This can add several weeks or months to the wait.
4. Are You Actually Owed a Refund?
You’ll only receive a SARS refund if you’ve overpaid your taxes during the year. This could be due to:
- Your employer deducting too much PAYE
- You claiming legitimate deductions like medical aid, retirement contributions, or travel expenses
- Receiving rebates or credits for donations or education
If no overpayment occurred, you won’t receive a refund—even if you filed on time.
5. SARS Will Notify You of Your Refund Status
Once SARS completes its assessment, you’ll get a Notice of Assessment (ITA34) on your eFiling profile or via SMS/email. This document shows:
- Whether you owe SARS money or are due a refund
- The refund amount, if applicable
- Any outstanding issues or document requests
Make sure to read your ITA34 carefully and respond promptly if SARS requires anything further.
6. How You Get Paid Matters
The method of payment can influence how quickly you receive your refund. For faster payouts:
- Link a valid South African bank account to your SARS profile
- Ensure your banking details are verified on eFiling
- Avoid opting for cheque payments, as they take significantly longer
Many users receive their refunds via direct deposit, which is usually quicker and more reliable.
7. Expect Delays During Peak Filing Season
If you file close to the November deadline, be prepared for slower processing times. SARS receives a surge of last-minute submissions, which may delay assessments and payouts.
To beat the rush, try to file early in the season — typically starting in July.
❌ 8. Mistakes = Refund Delays
One of the most common reasons for refund delays is errors in your tax return. These may include:
- Incorrect personal or banking details
- Misreported income or expenses
- Omitting required supporting documents
Double-check everything before submitting your return. Even small mistakes can flag your return for manual review, delaying your refund.
9. SARS Service Standards and Help Channels
SARS has general service level agreements for processing returns and issuing refunds, but actual turnaround times can vary based on:
- Your tax type (individual vs. provisional)
- Whether verification is needed
- Internal delays
To stay updated, you can:
- Log in to your eFiling account and check your refund status
- Contact the SARS Contact Centre at 0800 00 7277
- Visit your nearest SARS branch if necessary
Final Thoughts: Be Patient and Stay Compliant
Waiting for your SARS tax refund can be stressful, especially if you’re relying on it for financial relief. However, being thorough with your return, checking for accuracy, and uploading the right supporting documents will help speed things up.
If your return is clean and no verification is triggered, many taxpayers report receiving refunds in under two weeks. But if SARS needs more info, expect longer waits.
This guide is tailored for South Africans filing personal tax returns in 2025. All timelines are approximate and subject to change based on SARS systems and policies.