How to Check Your SARS Tax Refund Status
After you file your tax return, SARS issues an assessment that shows whether you owe tax or are due a refund. If you are owed a refund, SARS aims to pay it within 72 hours for straightforward cases. However, some refunds are delayed for verification. This guide explains how to track your refund and resolve common delays.
How to Check Your Refund Status on eFiling
- Log in to www.sarsefiling.co.za with your username and password.
- Click on Returns in the top menu, then select Returns History.
- Select the relevant tax year return (e.g., ITR12 2026).
- The status displayed will indicate where your return and refund are in the process.
- If the status shows Refund Paid, the money has been transferred to your bank account.
- If the status shows Selected for Verification or Audit, SARS is reviewing your return before releasing the refund.
Understanding Your Refund Status Messages
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Assessment Issued | SARS has processed your return and calculated the refund amount |
| Refund Paid | The refund has been transferred to your bank account |
| Selected for Verification | SARS is verifying your return before paying; you may receive a request for supporting documents |
| Audit | A full audit is underway; your refund is on hold pending the audit outcome |
| Banking Details Under Review | SARS is verifying your bank account before releasing funds |
| Suspended - Verification | Your refund is suspended until you submit requested documents |
If more than 21 business days have passed since you submitted your verification documents and you have not received your refund, you have the right to submit a complaint to SARS.
How Long Does a SARS Refund Take?
For returns that are not selected for verification, SARS aims to process refunds within 72 hours of the assessment being issued. In practice, most straightforward refunds arrive within 3 to 5 business days.
If your return is selected for verification, SARS has up to 21 business days to complete the verification after you submit all requested supporting documents. In some cases, this process can take longer if additional information is needed.
Why Is My Refund Delayed?
- Banking details mismatch: Your bank account details on eFiling do not match the account held at your bank.
- Outstanding tax debt: SARS may offset your refund against any outstanding tax debt you owe before paying the balance.
- Verification selected: SARS randomly or risk-based selects returns for additional verification.
- Third-party data not yet submitted: Your employer or medical scheme has not yet submitted their data to SARS.
- Incomplete return: Your return is missing required information or supporting documents.
- Identity verification: SARS needs to confirm your identity, especially if this is a new banking account.
SARS will never ask you to update your banking details by clicking a link in an email or SMS. Any such message is a phishing scam. Only update your details by logging in directly to www.sarsefiling.co.za.
How to Update Your Banking Details on eFiling
Incorrect banking details are the most common reason for delayed or failed refunds. To update your details, log in to eFiling and navigate to Home > Personal Income Tax > Banking Details.
You can add a new bank account or edit an existing one. SARS will verify the new banking details by sending an OTP to your registered cellphone and may also conduct a bank verification check. Always ensure the account is in your own name.
Responding to a SARS Verification Request
- Log in to eFiling and check your Inbox for a letter of findings or request for supporting documents.
- Read the letter carefully to understand exactly which income, deductions or credits SARS is querying.
- Gather supporting documents such as IRP5 certificates, medical scheme tax certificates, retirement annuity certificates and bank statements.
- Upload the documents through the Supporting Documents function on eFiling.
- Submit the documents and note the date of submission. SARS has 21 business days from this date to finalise verification.
- If SARS does not respond within 21 business days, you can escalate via the SARS Complaints Management Office.