These taxpayers don’t have to file a tax return this year

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the filing dates for tax season 2024, but not every taxpayer has to submit a return.

The tax season for individual taxpayers (non-provisional) will open 15 July 2024 and run to 21 October 2024.

Auto-assessment notices will start going out from 1 to 14 July 2024, SARS said.

The filing season for provisional taxpayers will run from 15 July 2024 to 20 January 2025, and for trusts, from 16 September 2024 to 20 January 2025.

Tax Season 2024 dates

• Individual taxpayers (non-provisional): 15 July 2024 to 21 October 2024
  • Auto-assessment notices: 1 – 14 July 2024
• Provisional taxpayers: 15 July 2024 to 20 January 2025
• Trusts: 16 September 2024 to 20 January 2025

However, not all taxpayers have to submit an income tax return, with consultancy PwC providing a detailed breakdown of those who do and those who don’t.

Taxpayers who don’t need to submit a return

A natural person or deceased estate is not required to submit a return if the person’s gross income consists solely of one or more of the following:

• Remuneration (other than retirement lump sums) not exceeding R500,000 from a single source and employees’ tax has been withheld in respect of that remuneration;

• Interest income from a South African source (excluding a tax-free investment) not exceeding R23,800 for a person younger than 65; R34,500 for a person who is 65 years or older; or R23,800 for a deceased estate.

• Tax exempt dividends where the individual was a non-resident throughout the year of assessment;

• Amounts received or accrued from tax-free investments; and

• A single lump sum received from a pension fund, provident fund, pension preservation fund, provident preservation fund or retirement annuity fund and tax has been deducted in terms of a tax directive.

PwC noted, however, that the above does not apply to individuals in the following circumstances:

• If paid or granted certain allowances / advances relating to business travel, accommodation or subsistence;

• If granted taxable benefits or advantages derived by reason of employment or the holding of any office; or

• If any amount was received or accrued in respect of services rendered outside South Africa.

Auto assessments

Since 2021, individual taxpayers who have been auto-assessed by the taxman also need to submit a tax return, as this is handled and processed automatically.

PwC said that as long as taxpayers are notified by SARS that they are eligible for auto assessments and that this is accepted, then the process will be wrapped up with no further input.

This is if the person’s gross income, exemptions, deductions and rebates, as auto-assessed, are complete and correct, it said.

If taxpayers do not accept the auto assessment, they will then be required to file a tax return.

SARS has not announced any changes to auto-assessments for tax season 2024. Auto assessments are expected to start rolling out on 1 July 2024.

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