What Is an ITR12? Your Tax Return Explained
For non-provisional taxpayers, the deadline is usually late October or early November (SARS announces the exact date each year). For provisional taxpayers, the deadline is 31 January of the following year.
What Is the ITR12
The ITR12 is SARS's official income tax return form. Every year, qualifying South African taxpayers must complete and submit this form to declare their income and claim any deductions or credits they are entitled to.
The ITR12 is completed online through SARS eFiling. SARS pre-populates much of the form using data from your IRP5, medical aid, and bank interest certificates.
Who Must Submit an ITR12
You must submit an ITR12 if you:
- Earned more than the tax threshold (R95,750 for under 65s in 2026)
- Had more than one source of income
- Earned rental, interest, or foreign income
- Want to claim deductions (retirement annuity, donations, home office)
- Received a travel allowance or company car benefit
- Are a provisional taxpayer
- Were contacted by SARS and told to file
Even if you do not meet these criteria, filing a return may result in a refund if you overpaid tax during the year.
How to Complete the ITR12 on eFiling
Step 1: Log into SARS eFiling
Step 2: Select 'Returns' then 'Income Tax Return (ITR12)'
Step 3: Verify your personal details
Step 4: Check the pre-populated IRP5 data matches your certificate
Step 5: Declare all additional income (rental, interest, foreign)
Step 6: Claim all applicable deductions and credits
Step 7: Complete the declaration and submit
Step 8: Save your acknowledgement number
After submission, SARS will process your return and issue an ITA34 Notice of Assessment.
What Happens After You Submit
SARS processes most returns within 2-4 months. You will receive an ITA34 Notice of Assessment showing whether you owe tax or are due a refund. If SARS selects your return for verification, they will request supporting documents which you must upload within 21 business days.
Track your refund status on eFiling under the 'SARS Correspondence' section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for submitting my ITR12?
For non-provisional taxpayers, the deadline is usually late October or early November (SARS announces the exact date each year). For provisional taxpayers, the deadline is 31 January of the following year.
Can I submit my ITR12 after the deadline?
Yes, but late submissions may incur administrative penalties and interest on any tax owed. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late, but you delay your refund.
What if I made a mistake on my ITR12 after submitting?
You can request a correction through SARS eFiling by submitting a 'Request for Correction' (RFR). You have 3 years from the date of assessment to correct errors.
Do I need to submit documents with my ITR12?
No, you only submit documents if SARS requests them during a verification or audit. However, you must keep all supporting documents for 5 years in case SARS asks for them.
What is auto-assessment and do I still need to file?
Auto-assessment is when SARS automatically assesses you based on third-party data. If you accept the auto-assessment, you do not need to file a return. However, if the auto-assessment is incorrect or missing deductions, you should edit and submit your own ITR12.
Need Help With Your Tax?
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