Why is my ITR12 not issued on eFiling?

If your ITR12 (Income Tax Return for Individuals) is not issued on eFiling in South Africa, it could be due to various reasons. Here are some common reasons why your ITR12 may not be available on eFiling:

  1. Tax Filing Period: ITR12 forms are typically issued for a specific tax year, which runs from March 1st of one year to the last day of February in the following year. If you are trying to access an ITR12 for a different tax year, it may not be available until the filing season for that year begins. Ensure that you are looking for the correct tax year.
  2. Filing Deadline: The availability of ITR12 forms on eFiling is often aligned with the official tax filing season in South Africa. If you are attempting to access your ITR12 outside of the filing season, it may not be available.
  3. Submission by Employer: If your income is mainly from employment, your employer is responsible for submitting your tax information to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). If your employer has not submitted your IRP5 (Income Tax Certificate) or other relevant tax documents to SARS, your ITR12 may not be generated.
  4. Verification or Review: SARS may conduct additional verification or review of your tax information, which can delay the issuance of your ITR12. If there are discrepancies or issues with your tax documents, it may take some time to resolve them.
  5. Delayed Processing: The processing of tax documents and the issuance of ITR12 forms can take time, especially during peak filing seasons. Delays can occur due to the volume of tax returns being processed.
  6. eFiling Account Issues: Ensure that your eFiling account details are accurate and up to date. If there are issues with your account, it may affect your ability to access tax forms.
  7. Communication from SARS: SARS may send you communication, such as an ITA34 form, indicating the status of your tax assessment and whether you owe taxes or are due a refund. Check your physical mailbox and email for such correspondence.

To address the issue of your ITR12 not being available on eFiling, consider the following steps:

  1. Contact Your Employer: If you have employment income, check with your employer to ensure that they have submitted your tax information to SARS.
  2. Verify the Tax Year: Confirm that you are searching for the correct tax year’s ITR12.
  3. Contact SARS: If you have addressed the above points and still cannot access your ITR12, contact SARS directly for assistance. They can provide guidance and help resolve any specific issues related to your tax return.

Remember that tax processes and timelines can change, so it’s essential to refer to the SARS website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information and assistance.