The 2015 income tax filing season opened on 1 July 2015.  Taxpayers were so eager to submit their returns that more than 67,000 returns were submitted by the 2nd of July 2015.

Are you liable to pay tax?

This is the threshold at which you become liable for income tax -
 

Do you have to submit a tax return?

• you only have one employer (but remember if you have two employers or income sources you do need to file even if the total is still under R350 000); or
• you have no car allowance or other income (e.g. interest or rent); or
• you are not claiming tax related deductions (e.g. medical expenses, retirement annuity contributions etc.); or
• you received interest from a source in South Africa not exceeding -
  • R23 800 if you are below the age of 65 years; or
  • R34 500 if you aged 65 years or older; or
• dividends were paid to you and you were a non-resident during the 2015 year of assessment.

How much interest can you earn tax free?

The tax exemption for interest income is R23 800 (if you are a natural person under the age of 65) or R34 500 (if you are a natural person 65 years of age or older).

What’s with the Populated Fields?

When completing your tax return online, you will see that some of the data fields have been automatically filled in. An example of prepopulated information is that information that was submitted by your employer on your tax certificate (IRP5).  It is however still important to check that these amounts have been correctly entered. 
If you need to claim other deductions, such as car allowance, make sure you have the necessary supporting documentation (in this case a log-book), as SARS will want to see this. If you go to a SARS branch to complete your return, you will need to bring all supporting documents, plus your ID. If you use eFiling, you will be required to upload these supporting documents with your tax return or as part of a verification process following the submission of your return.
The same goes for other income you receive â€" for example if you receive business income, then the annual financial statements of the business will need to accompany your return.

Your deadlines for the submission of income tax returns

• By post or depositing it in a SARS drop box â€" 30 September 2015
• Electronically at a SARS branch (non-provisional taxpayers) â€" 27 November 2015
• Non-provisional taxpayers on eFiling â€" 27 November 2015
• Provisional taxpayers on eFiling â€" 29 January 2016.

Be careful: As usual there are scams about

If someone contacts you saying they can get you a tax refund, and particularly if they request a percentage of any refund obtained, be very suspicious. Also remember, SARS will never ask you for your personal banking details or your PIN number.
Make use of the SARS “Report a Scam” facility on their website.