There are two things in life no one can avoid – death and taxes.
Unfortunately, both of these things are difficult to accept and can make even the toughest people cry. It doesn’t need to be difficult though – we’d like to help you…do your taxes that is.
Now that tax season is once again in full swing, we’ve created this easy step by step guide on how you can register for eFiling and save you the headaches of playing musical chairs at the SARS offices – we know the feeling.
Before we dig in, note that you need to be a registered taxpayer in South Africa to use this service.
What is eFiling?
eFiling was introduced by SARS to simplify the process of filing your taxes each year. By using this free service, you’ll be able to file a return, make payments to SARS, request a tax clearance certificate and much more – all accessible from home. As an added bonus, you’ll receive SMS and email notifications reminding you when submissions are due. No more waiting in queues, finding parking or worrying about office hours – electronic payments to SARS can be done 24 hours a day!
How to register
You have three options when registering as an eFiler – you could:
Visit the SARS eFiling website and click on ‘Register’;
Download the MobiApp and tap on REGISTER;
or Visit your nearest SARS branch.
This is what you’ll need A steady internet connection Your tax reference number Your ID number Your other personal details such as contact information etc.
What you can do as an eFiler
Once you’ve registered, there’s no need to visit a branch for one of these services:
Enquire on debt outstanding and make a payment
Enquire on returns outstanding
Tax Compliance Status Notice of Registration (IT150) Filing your Income Tax Return Update personal details (including Bank Details) Request Statement of Account Register for Income Tax (Completed by your employer on eFiling) Submission of Supporting Documents for an audit case Progress of an audit case All set? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Visit the SARS website.
Step 2: From there, fill in the form asking for your name, surname, date of birth, and confirmation of citizenship. Complete the form and click on ‘Next’.
Step 3: Fill in your contact information along with your preferred login details, then click ‘Next’ The next form will ask for your additional personal details. This will allow SARS to register you for a tax number and on eFiling.
Step 4: Decide on how you would like to be contacted (SMS or email). Whichever option you choose will serve as your eFiling security contact details and will be used to send your One-Time-Pin (OTP) to confirm your identity.
Step 5: Enter the OTP
Step 6: Once you’re done filling out your details and everything has been confirmed, the eFiling Login screen will load. You will either be told that your registration was successful, rejected or is awaiting supporting documents. If unsuccessful, you won't be able to use eFiling and will be given instructions on what to do next. In this case, you or your representative will need to visit the nearest SARS branch to register for eFiling. Read also: How to book your SARS EFiling appointment
Step 7: Log in using the Username and Password you created and click “Next”.
Step 8: You’ll then be presented with the terms and conditions of using the service, read this carefully before clicking ‘Accept’.
Step 9: The screen will show your details for verification. Once you have selected the return type, click on “Submit” to activate your SARS eFiling profile.
Step 10: Once you’ve reached the eFiling home page, you’ll be shown a visual summary of your current tax affairs. From here you can request a statement of account or any notices sent by SARS to see if you are up to date with all your tax returns.
And just like that – you’re registered for eFiling.
New eFiling profiles will be activated within 48 hours if no supporting documentation is needed.
If you need to upload supporting documents, follow these steps:
Visit the SARS website Click the ‘Login’ button, Enter your username and password, Click on the 'Home' button, followed by 'User' and then 'Pending Registration', This will tell you what else is needed to process your eFiling If you need some more help with the registration, fill out this form and get in contact with a SARS consultant If you have a question for SARS? Submit your query
More SARS Articles
- SARS
- SARS Auto Assessments For 2024 Have Been Issued
- How To Register For SARS E-Filing
- How SARS E-Filing Works
- SARS E-Filing How To Retrieve Your Password
- How To Update Your Registered Details On SARS E-Filing
- How To Submit Your SARS Tax Returns Online
- When SARS Will Pay Tax Refunds
- How To Check Your SARS Tax Compliance Status
- How To Submit Your SARS Tax Number Online Application
- SARS Warns Against Dodgy Tax Practitioners
- How You Can Make Payments To SARS
- SARS Confirms 2024 Tax Season Dates
- Are School Fees Claimable Expenses From SARS?
- How Employers Can Register Employees For SARS Easyfile
- How To Book Your SARS E-Filing Appointment
