The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a significant change for the 2025 tax season: as of 31 May 2025, all system-generated correspondence will be delivered electronically. This move eliminates the printing and posting of letters, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on third-party vendors. Taxpayers will now receive notices via their eFiling profiles and other digital channels.
While this transition to digital communication streamlines processes, it also increases the risk of electronic fraud and scams. SARS has cautioned taxpayers to be vigilant against phishing attempts, which often mimic official communications to steal personal information or solicit payments. Common scams include fake demands for payment, threats of blacklisting, and notices of outstanding amounts owed. These fraudulent messages may appear to come from legitimate SARS email addresses, such as [email protected] or [email protected], and often contain links or attachments designed to compromise security.
To protect themselves, taxpayers are advised to:
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Verify the authenticity of any unexpected communication by contacting SARS directly through official channels.
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Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails.
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Regularly update their contact information on the SARS eFiling platform to ensure they receive timely and accurate notifications.
For more information and to report suspicious activities, taxpayers can visit SARS’ official scams page.
