How to request a tax refund from SAT in 2026

What is a SAT tax refund?

A tax refund (known in Mexico as saldo a favor) occurs when SAT has collected more taxes than you actually owe. This is common for individuals who:

• Had two or more employers during the year
• Applied personal deductions (medical, school, mortgage, AFORE, etc.)
• Had excessive withholdings by their employer
• Received income from digital platforms with high withholding rates

Requirements for requesting a SAT refund

1. Active RFC with no restrictions
2. Valid e.firma (digital signature) — mandatory for larger amounts
3. Annual declaration filed showing a balance in your favor
4. CLABE (18-digit bank code) registered with SAT, from an account in your name
5. Withholding certificates (payroll CFDIs) from employers
6. Personal deduction receipts (medical, school invoices, etc.)

How to request your refund step by step

1. Verify you have a balance in your favor in your filed annual declaration
2. Register or verify your CLABE at sat.gob.mx → "Mi portal" → Contact data
3. Go to sat.gob.mx → "Trámites y servicios" → "Devoluciones y compensaciones"
4. Select tax year 2025, declaration type (Anual), concept (ISR personas físicas)
5. Attach supporting documentation if requested
6. Save your case number (folio) to track status

How long does SAT take to refund?

• Automatic refund: 5–10 business days
• First-time manual request: up to 40 business days
• Requests with prior history: 20–25 business days

Common rejection reasons

• CLABE not registered or incorrect
• RFC with irregular tax status
• Deductions without valid CFDI
• Discrepancies between declared income and payroll CFDIs
• Bank account not in the taxpayer's own name