SARS Refund Delayed? How Long It Should Take and What to Do (2026)
Prices and facts checked 16 October 2026. We don't accept payment for rankings.
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Short answer: if your return is straightforward, SARS says refunds of R100 or more are paid within about 72 hours of your assessment. If SARS selects your return or bank details for verification, add up to 21 business days from when it has all your documents. An audit can take up to 90 business days. Outstanding returns or tax debt can stop or reduce your refund (SARS FAQ; SARS auto-assessment page).
General information, not tax advice. SARS's timeframes are targets it "endeavours" to meet, not legal guarantees. If your refund is long overdue, use SARS's own channels below, or speak to a registered tax practitioner.
How long a SARS refund takes
| Situation | How long SARS says | When the clock starts |
|---|---|---|
| No issues (auto-assessed or filed) | Refunds of R100+ paid automatically, usually within 72 hours | After the assessment is issued |
| Bank details selected for verification | Up to 21 business days, then payment within 72 hours | When SARS has all required documents |
| Return selected for verification | Up to 21 business days, then payment within 72 hours | When SARS has all required documents |
| Return selected for audit | Up to 90 business days, then payment within 72 hours | When SARS has complete and correct documents |
| Several tax years audited together | Up to 90 business days | When SARS has documents for every year |
Sources: SARS: What could delay my refund? and SARS auto-assessment page, checked 16 October 2026. Refunds under R100 aren't paid out straight away. They're credited to your SARS account and paid once your balance goes over R100.
The clock only starts once SARS has everything. If you upload half your documents, the 21 or 90 days haven't started. SARS's Service Charter also says it aims to tell you within 15 business days of filing if your current-year return has been selected for verification.
The 7 reasons refunds get delayed
According to SARS:
- Incorrect bank details on your return or profile.
- Your bank details were selected for verification. This is common if you've recently changed banks.
- Your return was selected for verification. SARS wants supporting documents for something you claimed, such as medical expenses, retirement annuity contributions or travel.
- Your return was selected for audit, which is a deeper review.
- Several tax years are being audited together.
- You have outstanding returns. SARS won't pay any refund until all outstanding returns are submitted.
- You owe SARS money. SARS can use "debt equalisation" to deduct what you owe from your refund first.
What to do, by situation
Your status says "verification" or SARS asked for documents
- Upload every document requested on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, such as tax certificates, medical receipts or your logbook, in one go.
- Make sure each document matches what you declared. Incomplete documents are the main reason verifications drag on.
- Note the date you uploaded. That's when the 21 business days start.
Your refund went to an old bank account
SARS says it's your responsibility to keep your bank details up to date (SARS FAQ).
- If the old account is still open, SARS can't help. Contact your bank.
- If the old account is closed, the bank returns the money and SARS reverses the payment automatically. Then update your bank details. You'll usually need to verify them with SARS.
You think the assessment itself is wrong
If the refund is lower than you expected because SARS assessed something differently, you can dispute the assessment. SARS says the dispute process must be started within 80 business days of the assessment date (SARS: What if I do not agree?).
Nothing is flagged, but there's still no refund
- Check your statement of account on eFiling for outstanding debt or returns.
- Check your auto-assessment or return status using SARS's online status lookup, linked from the filing season page.
- Log a query through the SARS Online Query System, or book an appointment. Keep the case number.
Avoid refund scams
SARS never asks you to click a link in an SMS or email to "claim" a refund, or to pay a fee to release one. Log in only through the official eFiling site or the SARS MobiApp, and check your refund amount there.
FAQ
How long does a SARS refund take in 2026?
Usually about 72 hours after your assessment, if nothing is flagged. Verification can add up to 21 business days, and an audit up to 90 business days, from when SARS has all your documents.
Why is my SARS refund delayed?
The most common reasons are incorrect or unverified bank details, your return being selected for verification or audit, outstanding returns, or tax debt being deducted from your refund.
Does SARS pay refunds under R100?
Not immediately. Refunds under R100 stay on your SARS account and are paid once your credit goes over R100.
SARS paid my refund into my old bank account. What now?
If the old account is still open, contact your bank. If it's closed, the money is returned to SARS automatically, and you'll need to update and verify your bank details.
Will SARS pay my refund if I have outstanding returns?
No. SARS says the refund won't be paid until all outstanding returns have been submitted.
Can SARS keep my refund to pay a debt?
Yes. Through debt equalisation, SARS can deduct what you owe from your refund and pay you the balance.
Sources
Pages we used for this article, checked on or before the update date above.
- SARS FAQ · sars.gov.za
- SARS auto-assessment page · sars.gov.za
- Service Charter · sars.gov.za
- SARS FAQ · sars.gov.za
- SARS: What if I do not agree? · sars.gov.za
- filing season page · sars.gov.za
Changelog: 16 Oct 2026, first published.