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 Activate Tax Practitioner On eFiling

How to Activate Tax Practitioner On eFiling

How you can activate tax practitioners on efiling and all the necessary requirements involved in the eFiling process. 

How to Fill In Pay Periods on SARS Efiling

How to Fill In Pay Periods on SARS Efiling

This article explains everything you need to know about how to fill in pay periods on SARS eFiling.

How to Get An ITA34 From SARS

How to Get An ITA34 From SARS

You can obtain an ITA34 form hassle-free from SARS. You can request a copy of the form through your eFiling account once you have registered with SARS.

How to Claim Medical Expenses From SARS

How to Claim Medical Expenses From SARS

In this article, we’ll discuss how to claim medical expenses on your tax return from SARS, including which medical expenses you can claim

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 Apply For a SARS Tax Number

How to Apply For a SARS Tax Number

Apply For a SARS Tax Number. In this article, we will learn about SARS and its taxation, how to get your SARS number.

How to Register For PAYE Online

How to Register For PAYE Online

Register For PAYE Online. In this article, we will look at the process involved regarding PAYE on SARS efiling and other tax payments using efiling.

How Does Auto-Assessment Work?

How Does Auto-Assessment Work?

Today we are unpacking some of the key aspects of this new system, and what you should know about it.

Why SARS May Reject Your Tax Return

Why SARS May Reject Your Tax Return

Today we look at the common reasons for rejection of a filed return, and how to resolve these issues for a smooth and compliant tax filing process

How Long Does It Take For SARS to Pay Out Refund?

How Long Does It Take For SARS to Pay Out Refund?

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.

List of SARS eFiling Forms

List of SARS eFiling Forms

List of SARS eFiling Forms. We've compiled this guide to the various forms available on eFiling and how to access them to help you.

Difference Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion?

Difference Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion?

Tax avoidance and tax evasion are often used interchangeably. Read on to learn the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance.    

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Taxes?

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Taxes?

Today we will look at some common questions around not paying tax in South Africa, and what to do for specific situations.

Who Qualifies for Tax Returns in South Africa?

Who Qualifies for Tax Returns in South Africa?

Not everyone qualifies for tax returns. This article explains everything you want to know about tax returns.