Tshepo Khoza, Registered Tax Practitioner

How to Fix a Mistake on a SARS Tax Return You've Already Submitted

Submitted your ITR12 and then realised you forgot something? Learn how to fix it using a Request for Correction (RFC) versus filing an Objection (NOO).

Happy man at his desk

You just clicked "Submit" on your tax return, and a moment later, your heart sinks. You forgot to add your RA contribution. Or you forgot to declare your freelance income.

You've made a mistake. Can you fix it?

Yes, you can. But the method you use depends on one key question: Who made the mistake?

Scenario 1: YOU Made a Mistake (You need to correct your own error)

  • You forgot to declare income.
  • You forgot to claim a deduction (like an RA or donation).
  • You made a typo and entered the wrong number.

Solution: File a "Request for Correction" (RFC)

An RFC is exactly what it sounds like. You are "requesting" that SARS allow you to "correct" your original return.

How to do it on eFiling:

  1. Log in to eFiling.
  2. Go to the "Returns" tab and find the ITR12 you just submitted.
  3. Click the "Request Correction" button.
  4. Your return will re-open. It will look just like it did before, but now you can edit it.
  5. Go to the relevant section, add your missing deduction or income, and re-submit the return.
  6. SARS will re-assess you based on this new, correct information and issue a revised assessment (ITA34).

You can only submit an RFC if your original assessment has been finalised and is not under verification or audit.

Scenario 2: SARS Made a Mistake (You disagree with their assessment)

  • You submitted your return with a R20,000 home office claim.
  • SARS issued your assessment (ITA34) but disallowed your claim, and you don't know why.
  • You believe your claim was 100% valid and that SARS is wrong.

Solution: File a "Notice of Objection" (NOO)

In this case, a "Correction" is not what you want—your return is already correct. You are disputing SARS's decision. This is a formal legal challenge.

How to do it on eFiling:

  1. Log in to eFiling.
  2. Go to the "Disputes" tab.
  3. Click "Lodge a Dispute" and select "Objection."
  4. You will need to fill out the ADR1 form.
  5. Crucially: You must provide detailed "Grounds for Objection." You can't just say "I object." You must write a clear, factual argument explaining:
    • What you are objecting to (e.g., "The disallowance of my home office claim").
    • Why the disallowance is incorrect (e.g., "My claim meets all requirements of Section 23(b) as I have an exclusive office and work from home 100% of the time...").
  6. You must submit this objection within 80 business days of the date on your assessment.

Conclusion:

Forgetting a deduction is a simple fix. Just log in and submit a Request for Correction. But if you're in a formal dispute with SARS, make sure your argument is solid and based on tax law.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting with a registered tax practitioner to address your specific circumstances. TaxClaw.ai is a tool to assist you in managing your tax obligations and is not a substitute for professional advice.

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