How Long Does SARS Take to Pay a Tax Refund?

If you’re expecting a tax refund this filing season, the good news is that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) aims to pay refunds within 72 hours (about three business days) after your assessment has been finalised.

However, this turnaround time only applies if:

• Your banking details are correct and verified.
• You have no outstanding tax debt.
• Your tax return has not been selected for verification or audit.

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When will you receive your SARS refund?

Here’s what taxpayers can expect:

Standard refund

If everything is in order, SARS aims to pay your refund within 72 hours after your assessment has been completed.

Banking details need verification

If SARS needs to verify your banking details, the process can take up to 21 business days.

Once your banking information has been successfully validated, the normal 72-hour refund process applies.

Return selected for verification

If your tax return is selected for verification, SARS aims to complete the process within 21 business days from the date it receives all required supporting documents.

Return selected for audit

If your return is selected for a full audit, SARS aims to finalise the process within 90 business days after receiving complete and correct supporting documents.

How to check your SARS refund status

You don’t need to phone the SARS contact centre to track your refund.

You can check your status using:

• The SARS MobiApp.
• Dial 1347277# on your mobile phone and select Option 3.
• Send “Hi” or “Hello” via WhatsApp to 0800 11 7277 and select Refund Status.

Remember that the 72-hour payment period starts after your assessment has been finalised, not from the day you submitted your tax return.

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