How to Add Additional Documents to SARS eFiling

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 03/08/24 •  5 min read

Submitting documents to SARS can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the procedure. This case is especially true if this is the first time you’ll do it. However, SARS eFiling has substantially simplified the procedure for taxpayers, allowing them to upload supporting documents efficiently. This guide will look at adding additional papers to SARS eFiling

- ADVERTISEMENT -
, how many documents you can upload, and how to provide supporting documents via the SARS Online inquiry system.

Let’s get started!

How do I add additional documents to SARS eFiling?

If you need to submit further paperwork, SARS eFiling makes it easy. Start by entering your credentials into eFiling. To access your return history after logging in, go to the “Returns” menu and click “Returns History.” After narrowing down the type of tax being paid, such as ITR12, Employees Tax, etc., a complete history of the returns and declarations filed will be revealed.

Click “Open” on the far right to access the work page for the return or declaration you need to upload supporting documents. Navigate to the “Supporting Documents” section of the work page and click the link on that section.

Select “Browse” to locate the desired folder. Select the files you want to upload, then hit the “Upload” button. If the directory and filename presented by the system match what you expect, you can proceed to “Submit to SARS” and send the supplementary materials.

All submitted materials must be legible and straightforward to understand. You should note the types of documents acceptable for uploading to eFiling. Also, contact the SARS help desk if you need help submitting your paperwork.

How many documents can you upload on SARS eFiling?

SARS eFiling limits users to upload 20 files at a time. With this feature, you can bypass SARS’s submission process for up to twenty papers at once. Uploading documents is limited to 20 per day; if you have more than that, you can return the following day to submit another 20. Thus, you can keep going till you have uploaded everything required before hitting the “submit” button.

Please note that you can’t add additional attachments to this request after you have clicked the “submit” button. Therefore, before submitting, ensure you’ve uploaded everything required.

After making the first request, auditors or verifiers may ask for more materials. In this instance, they’ll send you a new link where you can add any more files.

When uploading files, it’s essential to give them descriptive names.

How do I submit supporting documents on SARS Online on the query system?

You can use the SARS online query system to upload any needed supporting documents if you have previously filed your return with the agency.

Remember that you need to include the paperwork SARS has asked for. Including irrelevant or extraneous files with your inquiry can slow the response time.

The attachments you include should be easily readable as well. It may take longer for SARS to respond to your inquiry if you are asked to resubmit because of unclear or illegible papers.

Remember that SARS may need some time to process your inquiry and the accompanying documentation you send. You can regularly check the “My Queries” section of the eFiling website to see where your inquiry stands.

Generally, you can quickly and easily submit supporting documents using the SARS online query system if you follow these instructions and upload the necessary papers.

Can I email my documents to SARS?

To safeguard the privacy and safety of its users’ sensitive personal and financial data, SARS employs multiple layers of security. As a result, they cannot acknowledge receipt of any paperwork electronically or over the phone. Because of its open nature, anyone can read your email without your knowledge. Therefore, this could lead to various financial crimes, including identity theft.

On the other hand, the SARS eFiling and online inquiry systems are encrypted to keep your data safe. They also ensure the documents are linked to your tax issues and can be quickly accessed by SARS employees if they need to see them.

If you must visit a SARS office in person to submit paperwork, be sure to carry everything you need and be prepared to answer any questions. SARS will process your documents more promptly and precisely due to this approach.

Generally, while it could be convenient to email SARS with your supporting documents, doing so is not advised; instead, use the SARS eFiling system or online query system. In addition to ensuring your tax affairs are in order and compliant with SARS requirements, this will also help protect your personal and financial data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, submitting supporting documents to SARS is crucial to ensuring that your tax affairs are in order and that you comply with SARS regulations. While there are different ways to submit supporting documents, such as through the SARS eFiling system, the SARS online query system, or in person at a SARS branch, it is vital to choose the most secure and efficient method.

Due to fraud risks, SARS does not generally accept supporting documents via email or telephone. Also, submitting your documents promptly and accurately can help with faster resolutions and avoid penalties.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Submit EMP501 on SARS Efiling

How to Submit EMP501 on SARS Efiling

Submit EMP501 on SARS Efiling. This article explains how you can submit EMP501 on SARS eFiling. 

How Long Does It Take for SARS to Process Tax Return

How Long Does It Take for SARS to Process Tax Return

This article explains everything you need to know about the duration it takes for SARS to process your tax return. 

What is a Portfolio on SARS eFiling?

What is a Portfolio on SARS eFiling?

The Portfolio Management feature on eFiling allows eFilers the ability to use a single login to transact between their existing Portfolios

Difference Between Direct Tax and Indirect Tax

Difference Between Direct Tax and Indirect Tax

What Is the Difference Between Direct Tax and Indirect Tax? Read on to learn the difference between direct tax and indirect tax. 

How Long Does SARS Take to Approve?

How Long Does SARS Take to Approve?

How Long Does SARS Take to Approve? SARS aims to activate new eFiling profiles within 48 hours where no supporting documents are required. 

How to Emigrate Tax From South Africa

How to Emigrate Tax From South Africa

How to Emigrate Tax From South Africa. Keep on reading to learn how you emigrate tax from South Africa.

What Does It Mean If Your Tax Return Is Negative?

What Does It Mean If Your Tax Return Is Negative?

Discover what it means to have a negative tax return in South Africa, how to claim your refund and avoid common delays.

What is SARS eFiling?

What is SARS eFiling?

What is SARS eFiling? There are many solid reasons to use eFiling, so we compiled this guide to eFiling to help you.

How to Check If SARS Owes You Money

How to Check If SARS Owes You Money

If you believe that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) owes you money, there are a few steps you can take to check

Who Is Exempt From Paying Tax in South Africa?

Who Is Exempt From Paying Tax in South Africa?

Who Is Exempt From Paying Tax in South Africa? This article explains everything you want to know about tax exemptions. 

How to Dispute SARS Efiling Assessment?

How to Dispute SARS Efiling Assessment?

This article explains everything you want to know about disputing SARS eFiling assessment. 

How to Submit An EMP601

How to Submit An EMP601

This article will explain how to submit an EMP601, what it is, the difference between EMP201 and EMP601

Do You Pay Income Tax on Dividends?

Do You Pay Income Tax on Dividends?

Today we have a handy guide to dividends and taxation in South Africa to help empower your financial knowledge

SARS Toll-Free Number To Dial For My Tax Number

SARS Toll-Free Number To Dial For My Tax Number

Obtaining your tax number online is a convenient method the South African Revenue Service (SARS) provides.

How to Make SARS payments Manually

How to Make SARS payments Manually

In this post, you'll find detailed instructions on paying your SARS balance, using the mobile app to pay, or using Standard Bank, ABSA, or FNB.