Has SARS Selected You for an Auto Assessment?
Every July, thousands of South Africans wonder the same thing:
“Am I being auto assessed this year?”
Refreshing your email every few minutes won’t provide the answer.
Fortunately, SARS has made it easier than ever to check your assessment status. Whether you’re an employee, business owner, freelancer or retiree, knowing where you stand early can save you unnecessary stress and help you prepare for tax season.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to find out whether you’re being auto assessed, what the different outcomes mean, and what you should do next.
What Is a SARS Auto Assessment?
A SARS Auto Assessment is a tax return generated automatically using information SARS has already received from third parties.
These organisations include:
- Employers
- Medical aid schemes
- Banks
- Retirement fund administrators
- Investment providers
If your tax affairs are relatively straightforward, SARS may calculate your tax liability without requiring you to complete a full tax return.
However, an auto assessment is not a guarantee that everything is correct.
It remains your responsibility to review the information before accepting it.
How to Know If SARS Is Assessing You
There are three simple ways to find out.
1. Watch for an SMS or Email
SARS sends notifications to taxpayers selected for auto assessment.
These messages are typically sent during the official auto assessment period.
The notification informs you that your assessment is available for review on SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp.
If you receive this message, do not assume everything is correct.
Log in and review every section carefully.
2. Check Your SARS eFiling Profile
You don’t have to wait for a notification.
Simply log into your SARS eFiling account.
If you’ve been selected for auto assessment, your tax return and assessment details will usually appear under your current tax year.
Review every section before accepting the assessment.
3. Use the SARS Online Query System
SARS also allows taxpayers to check their Auto Assessment Status through its Online Query System.
This service can confirm whether you’ve been selected and provide information about your filing status.
If you’re unsure where you stand, this is often the quickest way to verify your status.
What If You Haven’t Been Auto Assessed?
Don’t panic.
Not everyone qualifies for auto assessment.
In fact, many taxpayers must still submit their returns manually.
You are less likely to receive an auto assessment if you have:
- Rental income
- Freelance income
- Business income
- Multiple employers
- Foreign income
- Capital gains
- Complex investment portfolios
If you haven’t received an auto assessment by the end of the notification period, you’ll simply file your tax return during the normal filing season.
Why Being Auto Assessed Doesn’t Mean You’re Finished
Many taxpayers mistakenly believe that an auto assessment means SARS has already checked everything.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions during tax season.
SARS only works with the information it has received.
If something hasn’t been reported—or has been reported incorrectly—it may not appear on your assessment.
Common omissions include:
- Home office expenses
- Retirement annuity contributions
- Travel claims
- Rental income
- Freelance income
- Side business income
- Foreign earnings
Accepting an incomplete assessment can mean paying more tax than necessary—or creating compliance issues later.
A Simple Tax Season Checklist
Before reviewing your assessment, gather these documents:
- IRP5 certificate
- Medical aid tax certificate
- Retirement annuity certificate
- Investment income statements (IT3b)
- Travel logbook (if applicable)
- Home office records
- Section 18A donation certificates
- Rental income records
- Any freelance or commission income documentation
Having these documents ready makes reviewing your assessment much easier.
What Happens If You Find a Mistake?
Finding an error doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
It simply means your assessment needs updating.
Examples include:
- Missing deductions
- Incorrect income figures
- Outdated employer information
- Missing investment income
- Retirement contributions not reflected
These can often be corrected before your return is finalised.
The important thing is identifying them before accepting the assessment.
Should You Get Professional Help?
If your finances involve more than a monthly salary, professional advice is often worthwhile.
A tax practitioner can:
- Verify your assessment
- Identify overlooked deductions
- Ensure compliance with SARS regulations
- Reduce the likelihood of future queries or audits
- Help maximise legitimate tax savings
Many taxpayers discover that a professional review pays for itself through improved accuracy and tax efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if SARS selected me for auto assessment?
You’ll usually receive an SMS or email from SARS, or you can check your status on SARS eFiling or the SARS Online Query System.
Can I still submit my own return if I was auto assessed?
Yes.
If your assessment contains errors or missing information, you can review and amend it before final submission where applicable.
Why wasn’t I auto assessed?
Taxpayers with more complex tax affairs—such as business owners, freelancers or property investors—often need to file manually.
Does an auto assessment guarantee my refund is correct?
No.
Your refund depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information SARS has received.
Missing deductions or incorrect income can affect the final outcome.
Why Early Preparation Makes Tax Season Easier
The taxpayers who experience the least stress each year aren’t necessarily the ones with the simplest finances.
They’re the ones who prepare early.
By checking your assessment status, gathering your documents and reviewing your information before taking action, you give yourself time to correct mistakes and avoid unnecessary delays.
Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming—provided you stay ahead of it.
Let Zen Accountants Help You Get It Right
Whether you’ve received an auto assessment or need to file your return manually, having an experienced accountant review your tax affairs can provide valuable peace of mind.
At Zen Accountants, we help individuals, professionals and business owners navigate SARS requirements with confidence. From reviewing auto assessments to preparing complex tax returns, our goal is to ensure your submission is accurate, compliant and tax-efficient.
Not sure whether SARS is assessing you this year? Contact Zen Accountants for professional guidance before you submit your return.
Book a free 30-minute Zen Discovery Call.
We'll diagnose your accounting setup, give you 3 actionable wins, and you'll walk away calmer about your finances, whether you ever become a client or not.
