How to Check If SARS Owes You Money in South Africa

Many South Africans do not realise that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) may actually owe them money. Every year, thousands of taxpayers qualify for tax refunds after submitting their tax returns, updating their banking details, or correcting old tax information.

Some people ignore SARS emails because they assume they owe tax. Others are unaware that they could receive money back directly into their bank accounts after filing correctly.

If you have ever worked, paid PAYE tax, claimed medical expenses, contributed to a pension fund, or received an IRP5 from an employer, there is a chance that SARS could owe you a refund.

This guide explains how to check whether SARS owes you money, how tax refunds work, and what to do if your refund is delayed.

Quick Overview

What Does It Mean When SARS Owes You Money?

A SARS refund happens when you paid more tax than you were supposed to during a tax year.

This usually happens because:

• Your employer deducted too much PAYE tax
• You qualified for deductions or rebates
• You had medical expenses
• You contributed to retirement funds
• You changed jobs during the year
• Your tax calculation was adjusted after assessment
• You overpaid penalties or taxes

After SARS reviews your tax return, they may calculate that you are entitled to a refund.

That money is then paid directly into your verified bank account.

Common Signs That SARS May Owe You Money

Many people miss the signs that a refund is waiting.

Here are common indicators:

• You received a SARS SMS about an assessment
• Your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) shows a negative amount
• Your tax status says “Refund Due”
• You recently submitted outstanding returns
• You updated banking details after years of inactivity
• You received an auto-assessment from SARS
• You worked multiple jobs in one tax year
• You claimed medical aid expenses or travel expenses

Even unemployed individuals who previously worked may still qualify for older refunds.

How to Check If SARS Owes You Money

Option 1: Check Through SARS eFiling

The easiest method is through SARS eFiling.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Log Into eFiling

Visit the SARS eFiling portal and sign in using:

• Username
• Password
• Tax number (if required)

If you forgot your login details, use the password recovery option.

Step 2: Open Your Tax Return

Once logged in:

• Go to “Returns”
• Select “Personal Income Tax (ITR12)”
• Open the latest tax year

Step 3: View Your Assessment

After submission, SARS generates an ITA34 assessment.

Look carefully at the outcome:

• If the amount has a minus sign (-), SARS owes you money
• If the amount is positive, you may owe SARS

Example:

• -R2 450 = SARS owes you R2 450
• R2 450 = You owe SARS

Step 4: Check Refund Status

You may also see:

• “Refund Paid”
• “Refund Pending”
• “Verification Required”
• “Bank Details Verification”

These messages help explain what happens next.

Option 2: Use the SARS MobiApp

The SARS MobiApp allows taxpayers to check refunds directly from their phones.

Features include:

• Viewing assessments
• Checking refund status
• Updating banking details
• Submitting returns
• Receiving notifications

The app is available on Android and iPhone devices.

Option 3: Check Through SARS WhatsApp Service

SARS also offers limited support through WhatsApp.

Official SARS WhatsApp number: 0800 11 7277

Users can:

• Ask tax-related questions
• Access support services
• Receive guidance on refunds and eFiling

Always verify you are using official SARS communication channels.

How Long Does SARS Take to Pay Refunds?

Refund times vary.

In many cases:

• Simple refunds may be paid within 72 hours
• Some refunds take several business days
• Verification cases may take weeks

Refund delays usually happen because:

• Banking details are incorrect
• SARS selected your return for audit
• Supporting documents are required
• Your profile information does not match

What Happens If SARS Selects You for Verification?

SARS may request supporting documents before paying.

This is normal and does not automatically mean there is a problem.

You may need to upload:

• IRP5 forms
• Medical aid certificates
• Proof of retirement annuity contributions
• Travel logs
• Bank statements

You can upload documents directly on eFiling.

How to Update Your Banking Details

SARS will not pay refunds into unverified bank accounts.

To update details:

1. Log into eFiling
2. Go to “SARS Registered Details”
3. Update banking information
4. Submit supporting documents if requested

Sometimes SARS requires:

• Certified ID copy
• Bank confirmation letter
• Proof of address

Be careful of scams pretending to help with banking updates.

Warning About SARS Refund Scams

Many scammers target taxpayers during refund season.

Be cautious if you receive:

• Fake refund SMS messages
• Emails asking for passwords
• Links requesting banking details
• Calls demanding payments

Remember:

• SARS does not ask for passwords by email
• SARS does not demand payment through random links
• Official SARS websites end in “.gov.za”

Always use: Official SARS Website 

What If You Are Not Registered for Tax?

Some people discover refunds only after registering.

You may need to register if:

• You earned taxable income
• PAYE was deducted from your salary
• You received an IRP5

SARS registration can be done online through eFiling.

Can SARS Owe You Money From Previous Years?

Yes. Some taxpayers discover unclaimed refunds from older tax years.

This can happen if:

• Returns were never submitted
• Assessments were incomplete
• Banking details were outdated
• Employers submitted corrected IRP5 information

If you have not checked your tax status in years, it may be worth reviewing your profile.

Why Young Workers Should Pay Attention to SARS Refunds

Many first-time workers ignore taxes completely.

However, tax refunds can help with:

• Transport money
• Job-seeking expenses
• Paying debts
• Buying study materials
• Supporting family needs

Even small refunds can make a difference.

This is especially important for:

• Internships
• Learnerships
• Graduate programmes
• Contract jobs
• Seasonal employment

Edupstairs Advice

At Edupstairs, we encourage young South Africans to take their financial records seriously from the beginning of their careers.

Many people panic when they hear from SARS because they assume they are in trouble. In reality, SARS communication may simply mean your return is ready, your refund is processing, or your banking details need updating.

Always:

• Keep your IRP5 documents safe
• Use official SARS platforms only
• Submit returns before deadlines
• Avoid “refund agents” demanding upfront payments
• Verify all emails and SMS messages

Building good tax habits early can help you later when applying for loans, bursaries, visas, or business funding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I check my SARS refund using my ID number?

Yes. Your ID number is linked to your SARS tax profile, but you usually also need your eFiling login details.

• How do I know if SARS paid my refund?

You can check your bank account or review your SARS statement and refund status on eFiling.

• Does everyone get a SARS refund?

No. Some taxpayers owe SARS money instead of receiving refunds.

• Can unemployed people receive SARS refunds?

Yes, especially if they worked previously and overpaid tax.

• What does a negative amount on ITA34 mean?

It usually means SARS owes you money.

• Can SARS reverse a refund?

Yes. If errors or audits uncover problems, SARS may reverse or adjust refunds.

You can also:

• View latest Internships
• View latest Learnerships
• View Latest Bursaries
• View latest Government jobs
• View latest Company Vacancies
• View latest Municipality vacancies
• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Always verify information through official SARS platforms and consult a qualified tax practitioner if needed.

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