TOOL
Tax Return Documents Checklist (South Africa)
Short answer: Before you file, gather your IRP5 or IT3(a), your medical aid tax certificate, retirement annuity certificates, investment income certificates, donation receipts (section 18A) and a logbook if you claim travel. Send each on WhatsApp as it arrives and the list keeps itself.
The checklist
- IRP5 or IT3(a) from each employer
- Medical aid tax certificate
- Retirement annuity contribution certificates
- IT3(b) interest and dividend certificates
- Section 18A donation receipts
- Travel logbook, if you claim travel
- Slips and invoices for other claims
- Any SARS letters
How it works
- Send each certificate or slip on WhatsApp as it arrives.
- Ask "what bank statements are missing" or "my slips" to check what you have.
- File on eFiling with everything in one place, or hand it to your practitioner.
Do it on WhatsApp
Once you are set up, just say: "show me my documents"
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get my IRP5?
From your employer, and SARS usually shows it on eFiling during filing season.
I lost a certificate. What now?
Ask the issuer (your medical aid, fund or bank) for a copy; most can email one.
Do you file the return?
No. We keep the documents together. You or your practitioner submit the return.
Related
How Do I Do My Tax Return in South Africa?Doing your own ITR12 in South Africa: the documents to gather, how eFiling works, and how to get everything ready on WhatsApp first.Receipt Scanner App for South Africa (on WhatsApp)Scan till slips and invoices by sending a photo on WhatsApp. Each one is read, filed with its VAT and category, and easy to find later.SARS Tax Refund Calculator (South Africa)Estimate your SARS refund: your tax for the year from the SARS tables, less the PAYE on your IRP5. Works in your browser, nothing is sent.
General information and estimates, not tax advice. Tax Pig prepares and organises; you or your registered tax practitioner submit to SARS. Last checked 19/10/2026.
