How to Get a Tax Number from SARS

By Devsh Jag •  Updated: 03/07/24 •  5 min read

SARS eFiling is the official tax return portal for the South African Revenue Service. This online portal was launched to allow taxpayers to complete almost any tax-related function on their own and without the need to visit a SARS branch. 

Once you register for income tax

- ADVERTISEMENT -
through eFiling, you will be automatically allocated a tax number, and in most instances, that will remain your tax number for the foreseeable future; therefore, it’s important that you know where and how to retrieve it. 

How can I get my tax number from SARS?

Recovering any of your SARS-related information can be done easily and in several ways once you’re registered for eFiling. The most common piece of information that taxpayers may require is their tax number, and you can retrieve it in these ways: 

To receive a tax number, you will need to be registered for that tax type first. The most common is Income Tax or Pay As You Earn. If you are not registered for eFiling for the specific tax type, you can do so easily by visiting www.sars.gov.za, clicking on ‘Register’, and completing the form presented. 

Registering for a tax number via eFiling

You can only receive a tax number for a specific tax type if you register for that tax type. 

There are 3 easy ways that eFilers can register for tax: 

Auto registration:

When you register for eFiling with SARS for the first time, SARS will automatically register you and issue a tax reference number as soon as your information has been validated. Only individuals with a v alid South African ID number will be able to register for tax through eFiling. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Here are the easy steps to register on eFiling: 

Once you complete the process above, SARS will commence validating your details, and you should be allocated a tax number shortly thereafter. 

Register through your employer:

Efiling provides a registration function that allows your employer to submit income tax registrations to SARS on your behalf. 

Speak to your employer or payroll department about this option, and they should be able to explain the process; alternatively, you can find out more here.

Register at a SARS branch

If you choose to complete the registration in person at a SARS branch, here’s what you need to know: 

Registering for a tax number at a branch

If you choose to complete your first-time registration in person at a SARS branch, here’s what you need to know: 

Registered taxpayers have two additional methods to make an eBooking: 

  1. Send an SMS to 47277 with the following information:

This service is only available to taxpayers and registered representatives who are registered for Personal Income Tax. It is not available to tax practitioners.

  1. You can request an appointment using the online eBooking form before you visit the branch. 

If you are planning to visit a branch to complete your registration, you should ensure that you take the completed relevant supporting documents with you. You can view these supporting documents here

Can I look up my tax information online?

If you are a registered eFiler, you will able to look up your tax numbers at any time on your eFiling profile or through the SARS MobiApp. 

Once you are logged in to SARS eFiling, you can access the Client Information System which will allow you to register and maintain the following taxes:

New users and first-time registrations that do not have a tax number will be automatically issued a tax number after registering with SARS

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Does SARS Allocate Unallocated Payments?

How Does SARS Allocate Unallocated Payments?

Today we break down unallocated payments further, so you can better understand and remedy them with SARS.

How to Get SARS ITA34

How to Get SARS ITA34

How to Get SARS ITA34. Today we walk you through everything to do with your ITA34 and what you need to know.

How to Request SARS Notice of Registration

How to Request SARS Notice of Registration

You can access your Sars Notice of Registration easily through different platform. Here's everything you need to know

How to Get a Tax Reference Number From SARS

How to Get a Tax Reference Number From SARS

This tutorial will teach you everything you need to know about SARS tax reference numbers—including how to apply for one

What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Tax?

What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Tax?

What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Tax? Read on to learn the consequences of not paying taxes to the government.    

How to Add a New Taxpayer Profile to eFiling

How to Add a New Taxpayer Profile to eFiling

New Taxpayer Profile to eFiling. Today we walk you through everything to know about manipulating profiles on eFIling, creating portfolios, and more. 

Is Compensation Taxable In South Africa?

Is Compensation Taxable In South Africa?

Learn about the compensation tax laws in South Africa. Understand your tax bracket, take advantage of exemptions and reliefs

How to Pay SARS in Instalments?

How to Pay SARS in Instalments?

If you want to pay your outstanding SARS debt in instalments, It can be through different channels. You can request the payment arrangement through eFiling

How to Change Portfolio Type on eFiling

How to Change Portfolio Type on eFiling

Here’s everything you need to know on how to manage your portfolios of eFiling. To change your portfolio type on eFiling, here’s what you to do.

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 to Submit A Request For Extension On eFiling

How to Submit A Request For Extension On eFiling

Today, we will walk you through how to submit a request for an extension on SARS eFiling so you never have to pay a penalty fee again for late filing.

How to Avoid Donations Tax In South Africa

How to Avoid Donations Tax In South Africa

By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with valuable knowledge to navigate the South African donations tax landscape effectively.

How is SARS Payment Allocated on eFiling?

How is SARS Payment Allocated on eFiling?

How is SARS Payment Allocated on eFiling? On SARS eFiling, allocating payments is easy. You need to log in to your account.

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.

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?