Scam Alert: SARS Commissioner Warns Taxpayers as the 2025 Filing Season Opens
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SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has issued a strong warning to all South African taxpayers: beware of fake audit notices, phishing SMS links, and fraudulent emails as the 2025/26 tax season begins. These scams are increasingly convincing and timed to exploit refund season.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
Messages asking for personal details
SMS links pretending to be from SARS
Emails requesting login or banking info
“SARS will NEVER ask for personal details via SMS or email”
Password Sharing = Profile Hacking
Most breaches occur when taxpayers share passwords with friends, family, or even advisors. SARS warns: keep login info private.
New Safety Features
To fight fraud, SARS has rolled out two-factor authentication, including one-time PINs for high-risk actions. All taxpayers should use:
The official SARS website
SARS MobiApp
The online query system or AI chatbot
Already Scammed? Act Fast
If you've fallen victim:
Immediately contact your bank – some have fraud detection tools.
Report suspicious messages to SARS. Unfortunately, SARS can’t help once you've compromised your account.
Remember the Key Filing Dates for 2025/26 Tax Season:
Auto-Assessments: 7 July – 20 July (respond only if you disagree)
Non-Provisional Taxpayers: 21 July – 20 October
Provisional Taxpayers: 21 July – 19 January
Trusts: 19 September – 19 January 2026
Note: Fast refunds (if all is clear) are processed within 72 hours. Verification cases are finalised within 21 days.
Visit the SARS Scam Webpage
Visit the SARS Scams and Phishing webpage for examples of fraudulent letters.
To report or to get more information on phishing, you can email to phishing@sars.gov.za or call the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870.
