Frequently Asked Questions
AI-generated information only — not tax, legal, or financial advice. Verify with SARS or a registered tax practitioner before relying on it.
What can Refund AI help with for South African taxpayers?
Refund AI is an AI research and information assistant for South African tax topics. You can ask about SARS regulations, deductions, PAYE, VAT, capital gains tax, and common tax planning questions. It is informational only — not a substitute for a registered tax practitioner.
How accurate is Refund AI?
Refund AI draws on South African tax materials and SARS guidance to provide clear explanations. It is a research aid meant to accelerate your understanding, not replace professional judgment. Even when answers look clear, corroborate key points with primary SARS sources or a registered tax practitioner before relying on them or filing.
Can Refund AI file my tax return or submit via SARS eFiling?
No. Refund AI does not prepare or submit tax returns and does not integrate with SARS eFiling. It can provide step-by-step informational guidance about eFiling concepts and forms so you can research the process yourself. Filing and compliance decisions remain your responsibility.
Is Refund AI tax, legal, or financial advice?
No. All output is AI-generated information for educational and research purposes. Do not rely on it as professional tax, legal, or financial advice. Verify important conclusions with SARS or a qualified professional before acting.
What if an answer seems wrong or outdated?
Tax rules change and AI can make mistakes. Always check primary SARS sources and apply your own judgment (or consult a registered tax practitioner) for your specific facts. If something does not look right, do not rely on it.
Do I need to accept my SARS auto-assessment in 2026?
If your auto-assessment is complete and correct based on the data SARS holds, you generally do not need to click Accept — refunds or amounts owing follow the notice when bank details and processing are in order. You must still review every line. If income or deductions are missing (for example travel, rental, private retirement annuity contributions, or Section 18A donations), update your information or submit an ITR12. For Filing Season 2026, requests to correct many auto-assessments are commonly tied to the 23 October 2026 non-provisional window — confirm your notice wording.
What are the SARS Filing Season 2026 dates?
According to SARS Filing Season communications: auto-assessments are issued 1–12 July 2026; non-provisional individuals generally file from 13 July to 23 October 2026; provisional taxpayers and trusts generally file from 13 July 2026 to 22 January 2027. Always confirm your personal due date on eFiling.
What is the VAT registration threshold in South Africa in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, compulsory VAT registration generally applies when taxable supplies exceed R2.3 million in a 12-month period (previously R1 million). Voluntary registration is available from R120 000 of taxable supplies (previously R50 000). The standard VAT rate remains 15%. Confirm rolling turnover rules and exceptions with SARS before registering or deregistering.
What is IRP5 source code 3701?
Code 3701 usually indicates a travel allowance on your employees’ tax certificate. The allowance is included in your tax calculation; a deduction for business kilometres typically requires a proper logbook. Travel between home and your normal place of work is private. Use the SARS eLogbook that matches your year of assessment.
How is a two-pot retirement savings withdrawal taxed?
Two-pot savings-component withdrawals are generally taxed at your marginal income tax rate, not under the retirement lump-sum tax tables. Your fund usually withholds tax using a SARS directive (an estimate). Shortfalls can appear on your annual assessment. These withdrawals commonly appear on an IRP5 under source code 3926 — verify amounts against your fund documents.
What is the primary residence CGT exclusion in 2026?
From 1 March 2026, the primary residence capital gains exclusion for qualifying disposals is typically R3 million (previously R2 million). Timing matters: CGT often follows when the sale agreement is concluded or suspensive conditions are fulfilled, not only when transfer registers. The annual CGT exclusion for individuals is commonly R50 000 from the same Budget 2026 update theme. Confirm which amounts apply to your disposal date with SARS or a practitioner.
What is the Section 18A donations deduction limit?
Qualifying donations with a valid Section 18A certificate are generally deductible up to 10% of taxable income (excluding certain retirement lump sums and severance benefits). Excess amounts are typically carried forward to later years. Without an 18A certificate, you usually cannot claim the deduction.
What are the retirement contribution deduction caps (section 11F)?
Deductible contributions to pension, provident, and retirement annuity funds are generally limited to 27.5% of the greater of remuneration or taxable income (with exclusions), subject to an annual monetary cap. For the year of assessment ending 28 February 2026 the monetary cap widely applied is R350 000; from 1 March 2026 Budget 2026 materials reflect a R430 000 cap. Employer fringe-benefit contributions count toward the same limit. Confirm the table for your year of assessment with SARS.
What is the local interest exemption?
Natural persons may exempt South African-source interest up to R23 800 per year if under 65 (and deceased estates in that theme), or R34 500 if 65 or older. Interest inside a Tax-Free Savings Account is separate and does not use up this exemption. Foreign interest does not get the same exemption.
See also our Terms & Privacy policies.