Learn how to check if SARS owes you a tax refund in South Africa. Find out how SARS refunds work, how to use eFiling, common refund delays, and how to avoid SARS scams in 2026.
SARS Refunds Explained: How South Africans Can Check If SARS Owes Them Money
Many South Africans do not realise that the South African Revenue Service may actually owe them money.
Every year, thousands of taxpayers qualify for refunds after submitting tax returns, correcting tax information, updating banking details, or claiming deductions linked to medical expenses, retirement contributions, or PAYE overpayments.
Some people ignore SARS messages because they assume they owe tax.
Others never realise they could receive money directly into their bank accounts after filing properly.
If you have ever worked, paid PAYE tax, received an IRP5, contributed to retirement funds, or claimed medical expenses, there is a chance SARS could owe you a refund.
What Does It Mean When SARS Owes You Money?
A SARS refund happens when you paid more tax than you were supposed to during a tax year.
This can happen for several reasons.
Common examples include:
- Your employer deducted too much PAYE
- You qualified for rebates or deductions
- You contributed to retirement funds
- You had medical expenses
- You changed jobs during the year
- SARS adjusted your tax calculation
- You overpaid taxes or penalties
After reviewing your tax return, SARS may calculate that you are entitled to receive money back.
If approved, the refund is usually paid directly into your verified bank account.
Common Signs That SARS May Owe You Money
Many people miss the signs that a refund may already be waiting.
Common indicators include:
- You received a SARS assessment notification
- Your Notice of Assessment shows a negative amount
- Your tax status says “Refund Due”
- You recently submitted outstanding tax returns
- You updated banking details after years of inactivity
- You received a SARS auto-assessment
- You worked multiple jobs in one tax year
- You claimed medical or travel expenses
Even unemployed individuals who worked previously may still qualify for older refunds.
How to Check If SARS Owes You Money
There are several ways South Africans can check their refund status.
Option 1: Check Through SARS eFiling
The easiest and most common method is through SARS eFiling.
Step 1: Log Into eFiling
Users must sign in using:
- Username
- Password
- Tax number if required
People who forgot login details can use the password recovery option.
Step 2: Open Your Tax Return
After logging in:
- Go to “Returns”
- Select “Personal Income Tax (ITR12)”
- Open the latest tax year
Step 3: View Your Assessment
After submitting a return, SARS generates an ITA34 assessment.
This document shows whether SARS owes you money or whether you owe SARS.
How to Read the Amount
If the amount has a minus sign (-), SARS owes you money.
Example:
- -R2 450 = SARS owes you R2 450
- R2 450 = You owe SARS
This is one of the most important parts of the assessment.
Step 4: Check Refund Status
The system may also display messages such as:
- Refund Paid
- Refund Pending
- Verification Required
- Bank Details Verification
These updates help explain the next steps.
Option 2: Use the SARS MobiApp
The SARS MobiApp allows taxpayers to check refund information directly from their phones.
Features include:
- Viewing assessments
- Checking refund status
- Updating banking details
- Submitting tax returns
- Receiving notifications
The app is available for both Android and iPhone users.
Option 3: Use SARS WhatsApp Support
SARS also provides limited assistance through WhatsApp.
Official SARS WhatsApp number:
0800 11 7277
Users can:
- Ask tax-related questions
- Receive eFiling guidance
- Access refund assistance
People should always confirm they are using official SARS communication channels.
How Long Does SARS Take to Pay Refunds?
Refund processing times vary.
In many cases:
- Simple refunds may be paid within 72 hours
- Some refunds may take several business days
- Verification cases may take weeks
Refund delays usually happen because:
- Banking details are incorrect
- SARS selected the return for verification
- Supporting documents are required
- Profile information does not match
What Happens If SARS Selects You for Verification?
SARS sometimes requests supporting documents before releasing refunds.
This is normal and does not automatically mean there is a problem.
Documents may include:
- IRP5 forms
- Medical aid certificates
- Retirement annuity proof
- Travel logs
- Bank statements
Supporting documents can usually be uploaded directly through eFiling.
How to Update Your Banking Details
SARS will not pay refunds into unverified bank accounts.
To update banking details:
- Log into eFiling
- Go to “SARS Registered Details”
- Update banking information
- Submit supporting documents if requested
SARS may request:
- Certified ID copy
- Bank confirmation letter
- Proof of address
Applicants should remain cautious of scammers pretending to assist with banking updates.
Important Warning About SARS Refund Scams
Scammers frequently target taxpayers during refund periods.
South Africans should be cautious of:
- Fake refund SMS messages
- Emails asking for passwords
- Suspicious refund links
- Calls demanding payments
Important reminders:
- SARS does not request passwords by email
- SARS does not demand payments through random links
- Official SARS websites end with “.gov.za”
Always use the official SARS website.
What If You Are Not Registered for Tax?
Some people only discover possible refunds after registering for tax.
You may need to register if:
- You earned taxable income
- PAYE was deducted from your salary
- You received an IRP5
Tax registration can be completed online through eFiling.
Can SARS Owe You Money From Previous Years?
Yes.
Some taxpayers discover unclaimed refunds from older tax years.
This may happen if:
- Tax returns were never submitted
- Assessments were incomplete
- Banking details were outdated
- Employers corrected IRP5 information later
People who have not checked their tax profiles in years may still have refunds waiting.
Why Young Workers Should Pay Attention to SARS Refunds
Many first-time workers ignore taxes completely.
However, refunds can help cover important expenses such as:
- Transport
- Job-seeking costs
- Study materials
- Debt payments
- Family support
Even smaller refunds can make a meaningful difference.
This is especially important for people working in:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Contract jobs
- Graduate programmes
- Seasonal employment
Common Mistakes That Delay SARS Refunds
Refund delays are often caused by avoidable mistakes.
Common problems include:
- Incorrect banking details
- Unsubmitted supporting documents
- Ignoring SARS notifications
- Outdated contact details
- Filing incorrect information
Keeping personal and banking information updated can help speed up the process.
Insider Tip for Taxpayers
Always download and save copies of:
- Your ITA34 assessment
- IRP5 documents
- Supporting documents
- SARS correspondence
Keeping organised records makes it easier to resolve problems if verification or audits happen later.
Final Thoughts
Many South Africans may qualify for SARS refunds without even realising it.
Whether the refund comes from PAYE overpayments, medical claims, retirement contributions, or corrected tax information, checking your tax status regularly can help ensure you do not miss money owed to you.
Using SARS eFiling, keeping banking details updated, and responding quickly to verification requests can help make the refund process smoother and faster.