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How Do I Do My Tax Return in South Africa?
Short answer: Gather your IRP5, medical, retirement annuity and other certificates, check the return SARS pre-fills on eFiling against them, add anything missing and submit. Getting the documents together is the slow part, and that is what you can do on WhatsApp.
How it works
- Send your IRP5, certificates and slips on WhatsApp as they arrive.
- Ask what is missing and what you are likely to owe or get back.
- Log in to eFiling (or ask your practitioner), check the ITR12 against your documents and submit.
Do it on WhatsApp
Once you are set up, just say: "what do I owe"
Frequently asked questions
Can I do my tax return myself?
Yes. Most salaried people file their ITR12 on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp themselves.
Do you file it for me?
No. We get everything ready. You or a registered tax practitioner submit it.
What documents do I need?
See the tax return documents checklist.
Related
Tax Return Documents Checklist (South Africa)The documents to gather before you file an ITR12 in South Africa: IRP5, IT3(a), medical, retirement annuity, logbook, donation receipts and slips.SARS Auto Assessment Is Wrong: What to DoIf your SARS auto-assessment is missing a medical, retirement annuity or travel claim, check it against your documents and file your own return.SARS Tax Refund Calculator (South Africa)Estimate your SARS refund: your tax for the year from the SARS tables, less the PAYE on your IRP5. Works in your browser, nothing is sent.
General information and estimates, not tax advice. OptiTax prepares and organises; you or your registered tax practitioner submit to SARS. Last checked 19/10/2026.