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

What Is A SARS Completion Letter

What Is A SARS Completion Letter

Today we look more closely at the SARS completion letter, and what receiving one from SARS means for your overall tax affairs

Stamp Duty – Everything You Need to Know

Stamp Duty – Everything You Need to Know

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Register For Tax Directives On eFiling?

How to Change User Rights On eFiling

How to Change User Rights On eFiling

How to Change User Rights On eFiling. Follow our step-by-step guides for changing user rights, adding users, and authorising move requests.

How to Cancel a Payment on eFiling

How to Cancel a Payment on eFiling

Learn how to cancel, suspend, or make corrections to a payment or tax return on the SARS eFiling platform, eligible taxes, and required documentation.

What Does a Negative Amount on a Tax Return Mean?

What Does a Negative Amount on a Tax Return Mean?

What Does a Negative Amount on a Tax Return Mean? This post explains everything you want to know about negative and positive tax returns. 

How to Pay SARS Through Absa Online Banking

How to Pay SARS Through Absa Online Banking

To pay SARS through Absa online banking, visit the Absa website home page and log into your account. Read on to learn how to pay SARS through Absa

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 Access SARS ITA34 Form?

How to Access SARS ITA34 Form?

How to Activate Tax Types on eFiling

How to Activate Tax Types on eFiling

This comprehensive guide navigates through the intricacies of tax types, explaining how to activate them on the eFiling platform

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 Long Does It Take For SARS to Pay Out Refund?

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

How Do I Register For SARS eFiling?

How Do I Register For SARS eFiling?

Registering for SARS eFiling is simple, and most people will complete it from the comfort of their homes. Here’s how to register for eFiling step-by-step.

How to Fill SARS Travel Logbook

How to Fill SARS Travel Logbook

This article explains how you fill out your SARS travel logbook. Continue reading to learn how to fill it

How to Register for PAYE on eFiling

How to Register for PAYE on eFiling

By far, the easiest way to pay PAYE and remain compliant is to register for the PAYE tax type on SARS eFiling- and here's how to do that.