Missing the SARS tax return deadline can feel like a disaster — but it doesn’t have to be. The good news is that acting quickly and correctly can significantly reduce any penalties you might face. Here’s exactly what to do if you’ve missed your filing deadline.

Why Deadlines Matter to SARS

SARS takes filing deadlines seriously. When you miss a submission deadline, you immediately become liable for an administrative penalty. These penalties are calculated on a monthly basis and can range from R250 to R16,000 per month, depending on your taxable income. The longer you wait, the more you owe — making prompt action essential.

Step 1: Don’t Panic — File Immediately

The single most important thing you can do is file your return as soon as possible, even if it’s late. A late submission is always better than no submission. SARS’s system automatically flags overdue accounts, and the penalties compound each month you remain non-compliant.

Log into your eFiling profile at www.sarsefiling.co.za, or contact a registered tax consultant like TaxCorp to submit on your behalf. We can often turn around a late return within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 2: Check for Penalties Already Raised

Once you log into eFiling, navigate to the Correspondence section to see whether SARS has already issued an administrative penalty notice (APNs). If penalties have been raised, they will appear here along with the amounts owed and payment due dates.

Do not ignore these notices. Unpaid penalties attract interest and can result in a Notice of Assessment (ITSA) being issued against you, which is harder to dispute after the fact.

Step 3: Request Remission of Penalties

Here’s something many taxpayers don’t know: SARS allows you to apply for remission of administrative penalties if you have a valid reason for the late submission. Acceptable reasons include:

To apply, log into eFiling and submit a Request for Remission (RFR). You will need to provide supporting documentation. TaxCorp can assist you with this process to maximise your chances of a successful remission.

Step 4: Pay Any Outstanding Tax

If your return reveals that you owe SARS money, you will need to pay this in addition to any penalties. Unpaid tax attracts interest at the official rate of interest (currently linked to the prime lending rate), which accrues daily from the original due date.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, SARS does offer payment arrangements through a Compromise of Tax Debt agreement. Contact SARS directly or ask TaxCorp to negotiate on your behalf.

Step 5: Set Up Reminders for Future Deadlines

Once your current situation is resolved, take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. SARS publishes a tax season calendar every year. Key dates typically include:

TaxCorp clients never miss a deadline — we manage the entire process and send reminders well in advance of every submission date.

How TaxCorp Can Help

If you’ve missed a SARS deadline, the best thing you can do is get a qualified tax consultant involved immediately. At TaxCorp, we handle late submissions, penalty remission applications, and SARS disputes on behalf of our clients every day. Our team knows exactly what SARS looks for and how to present your case in the most favourable light.

Call us on 011 791 6153 or send a WhatsApp to +27 82 495 9131 and we’ll get your tax affairs sorted quickly, professionally, and affordably.