The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has begun the 2026 tax filing season, with millions of taxpayers receiving auto-assessments and billions of rand in refunds already distributed. This marks the start of a significant period for taxpayers in South Africa, as they navigate their tax obligations and potential refunds.

Filing taxes jointly with a spouse can simplify financial management, but it may also lead to unforeseen liabilities if one partner underreports income or claims improper deductions. The article discusses the Innocent Spouse Tax Relief, which provides options for individuals who may be affected by their partner's tax reporting issues, helping them understand if they qualify for this relief.

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.

Kenyan taxpayers will soon have the legal right to review and amend tax returns that have been pre-filled by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), as per amendments in the Finance Bill 2026. The changes, specifically in Clause 48, modify Section 75 of the Tax Procedures Act, requiring the Commissioner to notify taxpayers regarding their returns before they are finalized.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the operating hours of its service centres, Huduma centres, and contact centres in anticipation of the rush for tax returns ahead of the 30 June 2026 deadline. Despite the extended hours, KRA emphasizes that filing tax returns online remains the faster option for taxpayers.

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.