The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that the 2026 tax filing season will begin on Wednesday, 1 July, and has provided information regarding its auto assessments for taxpayers.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that it paid out R6 billion in refunds on the first day of the 2026 tax filing season, marking a successful start to the period. This information was reported by SABC Business.

As tax season begins, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has outlined its plans for how the collected funds will be allocated by the government. This information aims to provide transparency regarding the use of taxpayer money during this period.

South Africans have a limited time to submit their feedback on the proposed tax changes outlined in the 2026 draft Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill. The deadline for public input is approaching, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in the legislative process.

Kenya has launched a six-month tax amnesty program, allowing eligible taxpayers to waive penalties, interest, and fines on qualifying tax debts. This initiative, introduced under the Finance Act 2026, aims to enable individuals and businesses to settle historic tax liabilities while assisting the Kenya Revenue Authority in recovering unpaid principal taxes.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) provides information on auto assessments, advising individuals to check their status by visiting the SARS website and selecting ‘My Auto Assessment Status’. This feature is designed to help taxpayers understand if they will be auto assessed.