How to Delete SARS eFiling Profile

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 11/26/24 •  6 min read

When you register for tax with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), you should fulfil your tax obligations. However, you can deregister for tax if you feel that you can no longer comply with the rules and regulations of SARS. For instance, you can unregister your tax profile if your business has ceased operations or you are no longer getting regular income. Keep on reading to learn how to delete a SARS eFiling

- ADVERTISEMENT -
profile. 

How Do I Unregister From SARS Efiling?

If you wish to deregister from income tax, you must inform SARS. When you are registered for SARS eFiling, you can do everything online. You can utilize the deregistration function on eFiling to deregister from SARS. You should first log into your eFiling account and scroll the page to get the option that allows you to deregister. 

However, you cannot unregister from SARS if you have outstanding taxes to be cleared. If you cannot pay your taxes for various reasons, you must approach SARS and make a payment plan to clear them before you attempt to unregister from eFiling. Once your account is clear, you can unregister, and your details will be deleted. You will not be able to use the same account again.  

How Do I Reset My SARS Efiling Profile?

Forgetting your eFiling password is easy since you may only use your account once a year when you file your tax. However, resetting your SARS eFiling profile is easy since you only need to follow a few steps.

Visit the SARS website and click on the tab “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Username”, then follow the prompts that appear on the screen. Your username or password reset will be sent to your preferred security contact details. 

You must recover the username first if you have forgotten both the username and password. You can do this by clicking “Forgot Username”, and you are asked to provide relevant information. After retrieving your username, you can proceed to create a new password. 

You can also use the SARS Mobile application to reset your eFiling profile. When you tap on the “Forgot Password” option, a new page is displayed, and you should input your username and click next. You will be directed to a page with OTP contact details. Choose your preferred channel, then click “Send OTP,” and you will receive it within a few seconds. The next step is completing the OTP sent and tapping “Submit.” 

Once you submit the OTP, you will be directed to a new screen where you are prompted to complete a new password. Enter your new password in the correct field and click submit. Your eFiling profile will be active, and you can start using it.  

How Do I Cancel My IRP5 Registration?

If you are IRP5 registered, the SARS database will show that you are still getting income and eligible to pay income tax. For instance, the employee tax certificate (IRP5) shows all the income received and total deductions for a particular year of assessment. 

If you are still an active taxpayer, you may not qualify to get SASSA grants like the R350 meant to provide financial assistance to needy members of society. However, you can cancel IRP5

- ADVERTISEMENT -
by completing an affidavit that must be submitted to SARS so that it can update your details. You can download the affidavit from SARS online portal and complete it. SARS can request additional documentation from your previous employer. 

Alternatively, you can request your previous employer to cancel your IRP5. They can do this by indicating on the final EMP501 reconciliation that they want to deregister an employee for tax. The employer must provide valid reasons for deregistration. 

Can You Delete the Tax Return and Start Over?

Wondering if you can delete your tax return and start over? If you feel you have made a mistake on your return, there is a convenient way you can use to fix it. However, you cannot clear or remove items from a tax return that has already been registered. This makes it impossible to delete a return and start over. 

You must talk to a SARS agent to have your dispute resolved amicably. Instead of deleting a tax return, you can make the process of rectifying the mistake easier by requesting any of the two forms offered by SARS.

If you have made an omission or error on your return, you can use the “Request for Correction” form. This form is only one page, and you must complete all mandatory fields. All you need to do is to provide the correct information you think should be captured on your return, and SARS will make the necessary adjustments. 

You can also use the “Notice of Objection” form when you disagree with the assessment outcome, although the information was captured correctly. Provide the reasons why you think the assessment is incorrect. SARS will evaluate the objection and consider your argument. You will be notified of the outcome once the assessment is complete. 

These two forms only apply to individual taxpayers, and you can download them from the SARS eFiling site. Complete the forms and drop them at your local SARS branch. You can also log in to your eFiling account and complete the relevant forms. 

The good thing about using these forms to resolve a tax return dispute is that no supporting documentation is required. All you need to do is to complete all the mandatory fields and provide valid reasons for your dispute. You should remember that when your tax return has already been submitted and assessed, it cannot be opened after three years from the assessment date by SARS. Therefore, make sure the information provided is correct. 

All taxpayers must comply with SARS rules and regulations to avoid penalties. However, if you can no longer meet your tax obligations, you can delete your SARS eFiling profile. You can use an eFiling feature to unregister your profile. However, you cannot unregister if you still have outstanding taxes.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Check Tax Refund Status 

How to Check Tax Refund Status 

This guide will tell you how to monitor the refund status with SARS, when to expect your refund, and what to do if you encounter any difficulties

How to Apply For SARS PBO

How to Apply For SARS PBO

In this article, we will be sharing more information on how to apply for SARS PBO, the registration process for PBO, and other relative topics.

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.

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.

Can You Claim Tax Returns For Previous Years?

Can You Claim Tax Returns For Previous Years?

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to claim tax returns for previous years

What is the Difference Between SARS Audit And Verification?

What is the Difference Between SARS Audit And Verification?

What is the Difference Between SARS Audit And Verification? Let's take a closer look at these terms and the processes involved

How the SARS Income TAX Brackets Work

How the SARS Income TAX Brackets Work

This guide is meant to give you the information you need to understand and navigate the tax brackets set by SARS in South Africa easily

How To Become Tax Compliant in South Africa

How To Become Tax Compliant in South Africa

Today, we have a brief guide to tax compliance in South Africa to help you get your tax affairs in order.

How Do I Submit A DTR01?

How Do I Submit A DTR01?

Generally, the DTR01 is a declaration of the dividends tax transaction, showing the details of the dividend payer

How to Change SARS eFiling Default Primary User

How to Change SARS eFiling Default Primary User

What Can I Use as Proof of Address for SARS?

What Can I Use as Proof of Address for SARS?

What Can I Use as Proof of Address for SARS?. Read on to learn what you can use as proof of address for SARS.

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 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

How to Pay SARS eFiling through Nedbank

How to Pay SARS eFiling through Nedbank

Reasons You Still Need to File Your Tax Return 

Reasons You Still Need to File Your Tax Return 

Reasons You Still Need to File Your Tax Return. Here are some good reasons why you should file your tax return