Are you still waiting for a SARS tax refund? You’re not alone
· The South African
Thousands of South African taxpayers who submitted their tax returns during the 2026 Filing Season are still waiting for their refunds, with many taking to social media to ask the same question: “Where’s my money?”
While many refunds are processed within a few working days, not everyone receives payment at the same speed.
Visit saltysenoritaaz.com for more information.
In some cases, refunds can take significantly longer as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) carries out additional verification checks or requests supporting documentation.
Why some refunds take longer
SARS has repeatedly stressed that not all tax returns follow the same processing timeline.
Straightforward returns that require no further verification are often finalised quickly.
However, if a return is selected for verification or audit, the process can take considerably longer, delaying any refund until the review has been completed.
Common reasons for delays include:
- Verification of income and tax certificates
- Confirmation of banking details
- Requests for supporting documents
- Outstanding tax returns from previous years
- Existing tax debt that may be offset against any refund due
Even taxpayers expecting relatively small refunds may be selected for verification as part of SARS’ risk management processes.
Check your SARS correspondence
Tax experts advise taxpayers who are still waiting for a refund to first log into SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp to check whether any correspondence has been issued.
In many cases, SARS may have requested additional documentation, such as IRP5 certificates, medical aid tax certificates, retirement annuity confirmations or proof of deductible expenses.
If these requests are overlooked, refunds cannot be paid until the outstanding information has been submitted and processed.
Make sure your banking details are correct
Incorrect or outdated banking information remains one of the most common reasons why refunds cannot be paid.
Taxpayers should ensure that their banking details on the SARS system are accurate and verified.
If details need to be updated, SARS may require additional identity verification before any payment is released.
Auto assessment doesn’t always mean an instant refund
Many taxpayers assume that accepting an auto assessment guarantees an immediate refund.
However, acceptance simply confirms the assessment. SARS may still carry out verification procedures before releasing payment if additional checks are required.
What should you do if you’ve been waiting?
If your refund appears to be taking longer than expected, SARS recommends that taxpayers:
- Check their assessment status on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp
- Read all correspondence from SARS carefully
- Submit any outstanding supporting documents as soon as possible
- Verify that their banking details are correct
- Contact SARS if there has been no progress after all verification requirements have been met
Patience may be required
While waiting for a refund can be frustrating, SARS says verification measures are designed to protect both taxpayers and the integrity of the tax system by ensuring that refunds are paid accurately.
For many taxpayers, refunds are still processed within days. But for those whose returns require additional scrutiny, the wait can stretch well beyond the initial processing period.
If you’re still waiting for your SARS refund, you’re certainly not the only one.
Are you still waiting for your SARS refund?
If so, let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …