AI-Driven Efficiency in South Africa: SARS Disburses R10.6bn in Just 72 Hours
A staggering R10.6 billion in tax refunds has already been disbursed—within just 72 hours—demonstrating the speed and efficiency of the AI-driven process.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has marked a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the successful completion of its 2025 Auto Assessment period. Leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science, SARS auto-assessed 5.8 million taxpayers this year—an increase from 5 million in 2024. Notably, 99.6% of the assessments have remained unchanged by taxpayers, underscoring the accuracy and reliability of the system.
A staggering R10.6 billion in tax refunds has already been disbursed—within just 72 hours—demonstrating the speed and efficiency of the AI-driven process.
Auto Assessment relies on data from third-party providers, allowing SARS to evaluate taxpayer obligations with minimal user interaction. SARS stated that in keeping with our aspiration to ‘make tax just happen’, taxpayers do not have to do anything when they are issued an auto assessment. For those needing to make adjustments, changes can be submitted easily via eFiling or the SARS Mobi App.
The growing use of intelligent automation has helped SARS achieve its vision of becoming a Smart, Modern Revenue Authority. Over 2.1 million taxpayers have engaged SARS through digital channels during this period. Among them, 1.1 million queries were resolved via the SARS Online Query System, 707,000 through WhatsApp, and 290,000 by the AI-powered Lwazi Chat Bot. Since 4 July, more than 10.2 million unique users have accessed SARS’s online systems.
The Auto Assessment window ran from 7 to 20 July 2025, and now transitions into the regular filing season for those not auto-assessed. From 21 July to 20 October 2025, individual taxpayers can submit returns via eFiling or the MobiApp, while provisional taxpayers have until 19 January 2026. Thanks to sophisticated AI tools, online filers now receive assessment outcomes in under five seconds, provided all data is in order.
SARS further stated that this world-class service is done whilst managing the risk of impermissible or fraudulent refunds with sophisticated machine learning and AI models. Only refunds above R100 will be automatically processed into verified bank accounts. Taxpayers who owe SARS are advised to settle their balances or make payment arrangements to avoid penalties.
As always, SARS reminds users to guard against phishing scams and protect their login credentials. SARS will never ask taxpayers to click on a link to interact.
“SARS is working hard to give taxpayers the best service, where ‘tax just happens. Ultimately, our aim is to make the best service to be no service at all. As we start with Filing Season for those not auto assessed, from Monday, 21 July, I encourage taxpayers rather to use our digital channels than come queue at our Service Centres.”
–Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner, SARS.
With its AI-led Auto Assessment programme, SARS continues to redefine public service delivery—ensuring a more efficient, secure, and seamless experience for South African taxpayers.
