How to Get a Tax Number from SARS

By Devsh Jag •  Updated: 09/19/23 •  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 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. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

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 valid South African ID number will be able to register for tax through eFiling. 

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 42777 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

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 Register For VAT SARS

How to Register For VAT SARS

Learn how to register for VAT SARS through eFiling. Get a step-by-step guide to activate your VAT profile and submit returns on eFiling

How to Unlock SARS eFiling Account

How to Unlock SARS eFiling Account

This guide will explore how to unlock SARS eFiling - including how to unlock the portal, reset your profile, reactivate your tax number, and re-register for eFiling.

eFiling Payments (Credit Push): How to Set Up Credit Push on eFiling

eFiling Payments (Credit Push): How to Set Up Credit Push on eFiling

Credit push payments are one of the methods for paying for returns due to SARS. Here’s everything you need to know to utilize this SARS payment method

How to Activate my Bank Details on eFiling

How to Activate my Bank Details on eFiling

How to Check for Agent Appointment on SARS eFiling

How to Check for Agent Appointment on SARS eFiling

How to Check for Agent Appointment on SARS eFiling. Today we walk you through everything you need to know about the process.

All About Disability And Medical Expense Tax Credits 

All About Disability And Medical Expense Tax Credits 

Today we’ve assembled a quick guide to everything related to the disability and medical expense tax credits from SARS

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.

How to add SARS representative to eFiling

How to add SARS representative to eFiling

How to add SARS representative to eFiling. Follow these steps if you want to add a representative to your eFiling account:

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.

What Is Customs VAT in South Africa?

What Is Customs VAT in South Africa?

This tax, a bit like a toll gate, is a part of the journey of every item that enters South Africa

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 Report Tax Fraud

How to Report Tax Fraud

You can do this by taking different measures. Read on to learn how to report tax fraud.    

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 Long Do You Have To Pay If You Owe Taxes?

How Long Do You Have To Pay If You Owe Taxes?

This post intends to provide a better understanding of the payment process and the consequences of not paying taxes. Let’s dive in!