2025 Tax Season: Reminders before you file
Kim Doolan*
The 2025 tax season opens today. While your inbox fills with investment certificates and IRP 5s, it is time to dust off those slips and summaries and give your finances a quick health check. Below is a checklist of important planning tips, allowable deductions, and key deadlines to help you prepare.
Proactive steps to take
Update SARS details
Ensure that you can access your SARS eFiling profile and that your contact and banking details are correct.
Get organised early
Collect all supporting documentation and maintain a clear paper trail. Being prepared in case of a SARS audit brings peace of mind.
Review any legislative changes
Stay informed about recent tax amendments that may affect your filing. Where in doubt, seek professional guidance.
Check past submissions
Review your prior tax returns for any retirement or capital loss carry-forwards that may be claimed this year.
Avoid last-minute stress
Deadlines and SARS correspondence should not be ignored. Rushed filings often result in errors or missed deductions.
Be alert to scams
Each tax season sees a spike in phishing attempts that mimic SARS communication. Always verify messages, SARS has a list of the latest scams on their website.
Maximise tax deductions
Medical expenses
Compile invoices and proof of payment for all qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Donations to PBOs
If you made donations to registered public benefit organisations, ensure that you have valid Section 18A certificates to support the claim.
Travel deductions
For those claiming business travel, a SARS-compliant logbook that distinguishes business from personal mileage is essential.
Home office deductions
If you work primarily from home in a dedicated space, ensure that your setup meets SARS criteria and that your records are up to date.
Wear and tear allowances
In certain circumstances, you may claim wear and tear on personal devices used for business purposes. Ensure that you have substantiating documentation.
Tax return fees
These fees may be claimed as a deduction if you are a freelancer, sole proprietor, or earn additional income such as commission (where it comprises more than 50% of your remuneration) or rental income. Ensure that you are claiming the expense in the correct tax year.
Other business expenses
If you receive rental, freelance, or commission income, or operate as a sole proprietor, ensure that all allowable business expenses are accurately captured, appropriately apportioned between business and personal use, and backed by supporting documents.
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Continue to utilise your TFSA allowance. Contributions are limited to R36,000 per year (up to a R500,000 lifetime cap), with tax-free growth and withdrawals.
Retirement contributions
Contributions to pension, provident and retirement annuity funds are deductible up to 27.5% of taxable income (capped at R350,000 per year). If you did not maximise this in the 2025 tax year, it is too late to claim it. However, now is the time to plan ahead and maximise deductions for the current tax year before February 2026.
Key deadlines
7 July – 20 July 2025
If SARS issues an auto-assessment, it is still your responsibility to ensure that the assessment is correct. Review it carefully and make any necessary corrections. Note that SARS is identifying eligible provisional taxpayers who can also be included in the auto assessment process.
30 September 2025
The third provisional tax top-up payment is due. If your earlier estimates were too low, this is your opportunity to make an additional top-up. This top-up can help limit interest charges on assessment.
20 October 2025
Filing deadline for non-provisional taxpayers.
19 January 2026
Filing deadline for provisional taxpayers.
Final thoughts
Whether you are retired, a salaried employee, self-employed, or managing more complex financial structures involving trusts, investments, or rental income, filing your tax return does not need to be overwhelming. By taking a few proactive steps, you can file accurately, avoid penalties and interest, and reduce the risk of queries from SARS.
If you require assistance or prefer a stress-free process, consult a tax professional.
* Kim Doolan is a tax practitioner at Brenthurst Wealth and is based in Paarl. kim@brenthurstwealth.co.za