Question 1

How do I check if I'm due a SARS tax refund?

Accepted Answer

Compare the total PAYE deducted from your salary (shown on your IRP5) with your actual tax liability after applying all rebates, medical aid credits, pension deductions, and other allowable deductions. If your employer deducted more PAYE than you actually owe, SARS will refund the difference. You can use this calculator to get an instant estimate.

Question 2

When does SARS pay out refunds?

Accepted Answer

SARS typically processes auto-assessments and pays refunds within 72 hours of a completed return if no audit is triggered. If you file manually and SARS selects your return for verification or audit, it can take 2–4 weeks or even 6+ weeks. Ensure your banking details are up to date on eFiling to avoid delays.

Question 3

What deductions can reduce my tax in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

The main deductions and credits available to individuals in South Africa include: retirement fund contributions (up to 27.5% of income, capped at R430,000 per year); medical scheme fees tax credits (Section 6A); additional medical expenses credits (Section 6B); Section 18A donations to approved public benefit organisations (up to 10% of taxable income); and travel allowance deductions where a logbook is kept.

Question 4

How long does a SARS refund take?

Accepted Answer

Auto-assessments (where SARS pre-populates your return): refunds typically arrive within 72 hours of you accepting the assessment. Manual filing via eFiling: usually 2–4 weeks if no issues. If SARS requests supporting documents or raises an audit: the process can take 6 weeks or longer. Keeping your bank details updated on eFiling and submitting supporting documents promptly speeds things up.

Question 5

Do I need to file a tax return to get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SARS requires you to submit a tax return (ITR12) so it can calculate your actual tax liability and determine whether you are owed a refund. Even if SARS sends you an auto-assessment, you must review and accept (or edit) it before any refund is processed. Without a filed return, no refund will be paid out.

Question 6

What is the Section 6B additional medical expenses deduction?

Accepted Answer

Section 6B provides an additional tax credit for qualifying medical expenses. For taxpayers under 65, the credit is 25% of the amount by which qualifying medical expenses exceed four times the annual Section 6A credit plus 7.5% of taxable income. For taxpayers aged 65 and over, the credit is 33.3% of qualifying out-of-pocket expenses plus medical scheme fees above three times the annual Section 6A credit.

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Tax Return & Refund Calculator South Africa 2026

SARS Tax Refund Estimator

Tax Calculation Breakdown

How to check if you qualify for a SARS tax refund

2026/2027 Medical Aid Tax Credits

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Personal Rebates

Primary Rebate

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Tertiary Rebate

Tax Refund Frequently Asked Questions

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