How to Activate Tax Types on eFiling

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Enabling tax categories within eFiling is crucial for individuals and businesses in South Africa to effectively handle their tax responsibilities. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) offers eFiling, an online platform that empowers taxpayers to submit returns, facilitate payments, and access various tax-related services. Grasping the process of activating tax categories on eFiling is key to seamless adherence to the nation’s tax regulations. This comprehensive guide navigates through the intricacies of tax types, explaining how to activate them on the eFiling platform, and provides insights into managing your tax affairs with ease.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How to Activate Tax Types on eFiling

Activating tax types on eFiling is a straightforward process that allows taxpayers to access and manage their specific tax obligations. Follow these steps to activate tax types on eFiling:

  1. Log In to eFiling: Visit the SARS eFiling website and log in using your username and password.
  2. Access the Tax Profile Page: Check your tax-profile page once signed in. This section provides an overview of your registered tax types and liabilities.
  3. Incorporate Tax Categories: To initiate fresh tax classifications, opt for “Add Tax Categories” or “Enroll for Taxation.” The system will direct you through a sequence of inquiries to identify the applicable tax categories.
  4. Furnish Essential Data: Depending on the tax category, you might require particulars like your revenue origins, enterprise particulars, or fiscal specifics.
  5. Dispatch the Request: Scrutinize your plea for precision and entirety, then transmit it via eFiling. You’ll be notified once your application is handled.
  6. Manage Your Tax Types: After activation, you can manage your tax types, submit returns, make payments, and access relevant documents through eFiling.

Note that the activation process might differ slightly based on your specific personal or business situation. Also, it’s vital to stay updated on your tax responsibilities, submit returns promptly, and adhere to tax laws.

What Are Tax Types on eFiling?

eFiling tax categories encompass the diverse tax responsibilities applicable to individuals and businesses in South Africa. These cover a wide spectrum of taxation facets, including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and corporate tax. Every tax category corresponds to a tax duty or commitment hinges on your financial engagements and legal standing.

The key tax types you may encounter on eFiling include:

  1. Income Tax: This levies individuals’ and businesses’ income, including salaries, profits, and rental income.
  2. Value-Added Tax: VAT is applied to goods and services supply. When businesses reach a specific revenue level, they must enrol for VAT.
  3. PAYE: The Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system necessitates employers to withhold PAYE from workers’ wages and send it to SARS on their account.
  4. Provisional Tax: There’s a provisional tax requirement for individuals and corporations with sizable taxable earnings.
  5. Customs and Excise: It’s indispensable for agencies importing, exporting, or producing items subject to excise levies.

How Do I Manage Tax Types at SARS?

Managing SARS tax types involves initial registration, ongoing compliance, and regular interaction with the tax authority. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to manage your tax types effectively:

- ADVERTISEMENT -
  1. Register for the Appropriate Tax Types: When you start earning income or establishing a business, register for the relevant tax types with SARS. This may include income tax, VAT, PAYE, and more.
  2. Keep Accurate Records: Maintain meticulous financial records, including income statements, expenses, and receipts. Accurate records are essential for calculating and verifying your tax liability.
  3. File Returns on Time: SARS requires taxpayers to submit regular tax returns, whether monthly, bi-annually, or annually, depending on the tax type. Ensure you meet the deadlines for filing returns.
  4. Make Timely Payments: Pay the correct amount of tax promptly. This includes PAYE deductions for employees, VAT payments, provisional tax, and other tax liabilities.
  5. Respond to SARS Communications: If SARS requests additional information or clarification regarding your tax affairs, respond promptly and provide the requested documentation.
  6. Regularly Update Your Information: Notify SARS of any personal or business information changes, such as contact details or legal structure.
  7. Seek Professional Advice: For complex tax situations or when unsure about your tax obligations, consult a tax professional or use SARS resources for guidance.
  8. Use eFiling: Take advantage of SARS eFiling for convenient online management of your tax types, including returns, payments, and communication with SARS.

By effectively managing your tax types at SARS, you can ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and contribute to the country’s revenue collection efforts.

What Are the Two Types of Taxation in South Africa?

South Africa employs a dual taxation system comprising direct and indirect taxes:

  1. Direct Taxes: These are taxes directly imposed on individuals and entities based on income or wealth. Income tax is the leading direct tax in South Africa, impacting both individual earnings and business profits. This tax follows a progressive rate, implying that those with higher incomes shoulder a greater percentage of the tax. Companies are taxed flatly, although there are provisions for small business tax rates.
  2. Indirect Taxes: Indirect taxes are levied on consuming goods and services. Value-added tax (VAT) is the most prominent indirect tax in South Africa. It’s applied to purchasing goods and services, and the burden falls on the end consumer. Customs and excise duties are also part of indirect taxation, primarily affecting businesses engaged in the importing, exporting or manufacturing of specific products.

This dual taxation system ensures that South Africa generates revenue from various sources while considering the ability to pay different taxpayers. Effective tax management and understanding the taxation landscape are essential for financial planning and compliance.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Register for Turnover Tax

How to Register for Turnover Tax

How to Register for Turnover Tax. Read on to learn how to register for turnover tax.  

How to Change SARS eFiling Default Primary User

How to Change SARS eFiling Default Primary User

How to Check SARS Correspondence on eFiling

How to Check SARS Correspondence on eFiling

Today we will walk you through the process of checking SARS correspondence on eFIling, and actioning anything you need to do based on it.

How Long Does SARS Take to Respond to Disputes?

How Long Does SARS Take to Respond to Disputes?

You should read on if you want to know how long it takes SARS to resolve a disagreement or disputes

How to Complete IRP6 On eFiling?

How to Complete IRP6 On eFiling?

This post will let you master each stuff you should know about the eFiling IRP6 exercise, including how to register an IRP6 SARS

How to Check SASSA R350 Payday

How to Check SASSA R350 Payday

You can check your SASSA R350 payday through the SASSA website or the Moya app. Both methods are simple. Here's how.

Stamp Duty – Everything You Need to Know

Stamp Duty – Everything You Need to Know

How to Get My IRP5 From SARS Online

How to Get My IRP5 From SARS Online

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?. Today we will look at both of these in greater depth to assist you this tax season.

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Appeal Against SARS Penalties

How to Appeal Against SARS Penalties

Whether you're a business owner or an individual taxpayer, this guide can increase your chances of success in appealing against SARS penalties.  

NOA – Notice of Appeal

NOA – Notice of Appeal

NOA – Notice of Appeal. Read on to learn different aspects of the NOA process. How Do I Submit a SARS Notice of Appeal?

How to Complete a Tax Directive Application eFiling

How to Complete a Tax Directive Application eFiling

Understanding how to navigate the eFiling platform for tax directives is essential for ensuring compliance with tax laws and accurately managing tax obligations.

How to Check Your SARS Balance Online

How to Check Your SARS Balance Online

Today's article helps taxpayers transition to mobile, online alternatives with information on how to check your SARS balance online.

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