Still waiting for your tax refund? Here’s what might cause a delay

Tax season 2025 is now in full swing.

Auto-assessments were sent out to 5.8 million South Africans and a total of R10.6 billion was refunded.

That’s an average refund of R1 828.

From Monday this week, it’s the turn of those who weren’t auto assessed to submit their tax returns on the SARS eFiling portal.

Filing dates and deadlines

1. Auto-assessments: 7–20 July 2025
2. Individual Taxpayers: 21 July – 20 October 2025
3. Provisional Taxpayers and Trusts: 21 July 2025 – 19 January 2026

While those auto assessed received their refunds in 72 hours – often quicker than that – those manually uploading tax returns may be experiencing delays.

The list below could be the reason why …

Common reasons for tax refund delays

1. Banking details under verification
   • If SARS flags your bank details for verification, it can take up to 21 business days from when they receive all the correct supporting documents.
   • Once verified, the refund is typically paid within 72 hours.
2. Return selected for verification
   • If your tax return is selected for a standard verification, the process may take up to 21 business days after submitting all required documents.
   • Refunds are usually paid within 72 hours after verification is completed.
3. Multiple tax years submitted for audit/verification
   • When several tax years are submitted and selected for audit or verification, SARS may take up to 90 business days to finalise.
   • Only once all years are verified will the refund be issued (within 72 hours thereafter).
4. Return selected for full audit
   • A full audit can take up to 90 business days (from when all complete documents are received), unless SARS communicates otherwise.
   • Refund follows within 72 hours post-audit.
5. Outstanding tax returns
   • No refund will be paid if you have any unsubmitted tax returns. These must be filed first.
6. Incorrect or outdated banking details
   • Refunds won’t be processed if SARS has incorrect banking information. You’ll need to update and verify your details.
7. Outstanding SARS debt
   • If you owe SARS money, your refund may be used to offset your debt through a process called debt equalisation. Only the remaining balance (if any) will be paid to you.

Are you still waiting for a refund after manually uploading your tax return?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

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