If you’ve recently been asked to submit supporting documents to SARS after filing your tax return, you’re not alone—and you’re probably wondering why. For many taxpayers, especially those who have never been audited before, this sudden request can be both confusing and stressful.
Tax payers often say variations of the following:
If any of these thoughts sound familiar, know that you’re not the only one asking these questions.
Despite how basic or unchanged your return may seem, SARS has significantly increased the frequency of audits. Based on recent trends, around 25% of tax returns are being audited, and indications from the 2024 filing season suggest that number could be even higher.
In the past, SARS’ audit triggers were more predictable. Certain deductions and disclosures nearly guaranteed a request for documentation. These included:
While these still raise red flags, we’re now seeing audit requests even for returns with no unusual activity or obvious triggers. This points to a growing trend: SARS audits are becoming more random and more frequent.
There’s another important detail to note—if you're due a tax refund, there's a good chance SARS will require you to verify your claims before releasing the funds. This is part of their effort to reduce fraudulent claims and improve compliance.
Additionally, claiming deductions related to:
...will likely result in a request for documents. If you fall into any of these categories, it’s a good idea to have your supporting documentation ready when filing.
Being selected for audit isn’t necessarily an indication of wrongdoing or error. It’s become part of the normal process for many taxpayers. The best approach is to stay calm, be prepared, and respond promptly with the requested documentation.
Audits are no longer something that happen to “other people.” Even the most routine tax return can be flagged, and the important thing is to understand your rights, follow the process, and keep good records. If you're not sure what documents you’ll need to provide or how to handle an audit request, feel free to ask for help.
