2025 Tax Returns Update - Who Needs to File
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Wondering if you or your clients need to submit a 2025 income tax return? SARS has just published the official notice, and it’s crystal clear: not everyone needs to file, but those who do better get it right and on time.
Who MUST File?
According to the SARS notice released on 23 May 2025, income tax returns are mandatory for:
🔹 Companies and Trusts — If they earned more than R1,000, had assets or liabilities over R1,000, or reported any capital gains or losses.
🔹 Non-residents — Who earned income from South African sources or disposed of South African assets.
🔹 Natural persons — If they:
Ran a business or earned freelance income
Had capital gains over R40,000
Held foreign assets worth over R250,000
Earned offshore income or held shares in controlled foreign companies
Exceeded income thresholds (R95,750 if under 65; R148,217 if 65–74; R165,689 if 75+)
🔹 Deceased estates — With any gross income in the 2025 year of assessment.
🔹 Anyone who received a written request from SARS — Or acts as a representative taxpayer.
Who’s Off the Hook?
You don’t need to file if your ONLY income came from:
One employer, under R500,000 for the year, with PAYE deducted
Local interest under R23,800 (or R34,500 if 65+)
Tax-free investments or dividends (for non-residents)
A single retirement lump sum with tax correctly deducted
But watch out! If you received a travel allowance, foreign service income, or taxable fringe benefits, you’re back on the hook—even under R500k.
Key Deadlines
🗓️ 20 October 2025 – Standard filing deadline
🗓️ 19 January 2026 – Provisional taxpayers and trusts
🗓️ 12 months after year-end – For companies
💻 Returns must be submitted via SARS eFiling or in-person with assistance.
👀 Expect auto-assessments for some individuals—SARS will notify you if that applies.
