More than 60% of South Africans have used the eFiling system to submit their tax returns since the start of the 2015 tax season on 1 July.
According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over one million income tax returns have been submitted by taxpayers since tax season began, and 651 268 of those were done via eFiling.
SARS notes that 424 368 (39.34%) of taxpayers opted to file at a branch, while 3 081 (0.29%) taxpayers opted to submit manually via post or drop box.
Babs Naidoo, executive for communications at SARS says, "Submissions via eFiling are higher than the same period last year. As of 21 July 2015, 651 268 of tax returns were received via the eFiling channel compared to 634 159 returns at the same time in 2014. This is 17 109 more returns than the same time last year."
"This achievement sends out a very positive compliance message by taxpayers as well as their confidence in the South African Revenue Service," says SARS commissioner Tom Moyane.
"We will continuously strive to make your interaction with us as seamless, efficient, simple and convenient as possible. And we will treat you with fairness, dignity and respect which as the shareholders of our country you richly deserve," Moyane adds.
Tax deadlines
The deadline for taxpayers who submit their tax returns manually by post or by dropping them off in a SARS drop box is 30 September 2015.
The deadline for all non-provisional taxpayers is 27 November 2015. Non-provisional taxpayers are the majority of employed individuals who submit a tax return and who earn an income from one or more employer.
The deadline for provisional taxpayers who submit returns via eFiling is 29 January 2016.
Share