Registering on SARS eFiling is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Gather Required Documents:
- For Individuals: Valid ID, proof of address, banking details, and access to a device with a camera for biometric facial recognition.
- For Businesses: Company registration documents, director/shareholder IDs, proof of address, and banking details.
- Access the Platform:
- Visit www.sars.gov.za or download the SARS MobiApp to start the registration process.
- Complete the Registration Form:
- Fill in personal or business details, upload documents, and verify your contact information.
- Verify and Activate:
- Use the One-Time Pin (OTP) sent to your email or phone to complete the process.
- Troubleshoot Issues:
Key Benefits:
- Individuals: Simplify tax filing, track submissions, and get deadline reminders.
- Businesses: Manage multiple tax obligations, access records, and streamline compliance.
SARS eFiling is a secure, convenient tool to handle taxes online. If overwhelmed, consider professional support for a smoother experience.
How to Register for SARS eFiling
Documents and Requirements for SARS eFiling Registration
To ensure a smooth registration process with SARS eFiling, it’s crucial to gather all necessary documents beforehand. SARS has specific requirements based on whether you’re registering as an individual or a business. Additionally, recent updates include new technology requirements that you’ll need to prepare for. Let’s break down what’s required for both individual taxpayers and businesses.
Individual Taxpayer Requirements
If you’re registering as an individual, you’ll need to provide valid proof of identity. SARS accepts several forms of identification, such as a valid ID, driver’s license, passport, temporary ID, or an asylum seeker’s certificate or permit. Keep in mind that while copies are required, you must also present the original document for verification.
For minors, additional documents are required. A copy of the minor’s birth certificate must be submitted along with a parent’s or guardian’s ID. Legal guardians also need to provide a letter of guardianship or a court order confirming their status.
Banking details are another key requirement. Whether you’re a new taxpayer or updating existing information, you’ll need to provide proof of your banking details. This ensures SARS can process refunds or payments without delays.
You’ll also need proof of address. This can be a document showing your residential or business address. If you’re staying in a property owned by someone else, you’ll need to submit a signed "Confirmation of Entity Residential/Business Address" (CRA01) form.
One of the latest updates involves biometric facial recognition for new eFiling registrations for Personal Income Tax. If you’re using a South African ID, ensure your device has a functional camera for this process.
Business Registration Requirements
Businesses must meet additional documentation requirements. You’ll need your company’s registration documents, business address, contact number, and banking details. Once your business is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), SARS will automatically generate an Income Tax reference number for you.
Representative information is essential. The director acting as the representative vendor must provide their ID and tax number. Additionally, details of all other directors and shareholders are required for activating representative status.
For banking, businesses must provide proof of banking details. This includes the legal name, account type and number, branch code, and the account opening date (not older than 30 days). Alternatively, an original bank statement issued within the last three months is acceptable.
Address verification for businesses has stricter standards. The document must clearly display the taxpayer’s name. Acceptable items include utility bills, medical aid statements, and telephone accounts. These measures reflect the additional compliance requirements businesses must meet.
Device and Internet Requirements
To complete the biometric facial recognition process for new eFiling registrations, you’ll need a device with a functioning camera. This applies whether you’re using the SARS eFiling website or the SARS MobiApp. Your camera options include a webcam, a built-in laptop camera, or a smartphone camera. The device must capture clear images for the facial recognition process. If you don’t have access to a camera-equipped device, you’ll need to schedule an in-person appointment at a SARS branch.
Additionally, a stable internet connection is vital. Interruptions during the registration process can cause delays, so make sure your connection is reliable before starting.
If you realize you’re missing documents during registration, check the "Pending Registration" section on the eFiling platform. This feature helps you identify and upload any outstanding documents without needing to contact SARS directly.
How to Register on SARS eFiling: Step-by-Step Process
Getting started with SARS eFiling is simple, but paying attention to each step ensures a smooth registration process without unnecessary delays.
How to Access the SARS eFiling Platform
You can access SARS eFiling through their website or the MobiApp. If you prefer the website, head over to www.sars.gov.za and click the “REGISTER” button. This will take you directly to the registration portal. For mobile users, download the SARS MobiApp from your app store, open it, and tap on “REGISTER.” Both options follow the same registration steps, so choose the one that works best for you.
How to Complete the Registration Form
Start by filling out all the mandatory fields, which are usually highlighted in red. These include your full name, ID number, contact details, and address. For business registrations, you’ll need to provide company registration details and information about the representative.
Click the “Refresh Data” button to update your information from SARS records. When entering your contact details, make sure to select your preferred communication method – email or SMS – as SARS will use this to send one-time passwords (OTPs).
Next, carefully input your banking details exactly as they appear on your bank statements. SARS will verify this information before updating your profile. If you’re married in community of property, ensure all personal details, including your spouse’s information, are accurate. For businesses, confirm that all director and shareholder details are complete and up to date, as these are crucial for activating the representative status.
Once you’ve filled out the form, you’re ready to move on to verifying and activating your account.
Account Verification and Activation Steps
After submitting your registration form, complete the security verification process. Log in with your newly created credentials, click on “Complete Registration,” and verify your account using the OTP sent to your chosen communication channel. Be sure to enter the OTP exactly as it appears, as this step is critical for security purposes.
If you’re registering for the first time and started the process on or after July 1, 2019, you’ll be prompted to review and accept the terms and conditions. Read through them carefully and accept to proceed.
Next, select the types of returns you want to activate. Once done, click “Submit” to finalize your SARS eFiling profile activation.
Keep your registration confirmation details handy throughout the process. If SARS requests additional information before issuing your OTP, you can upload the required documents through the eFiling website by navigating to Home > User > Pending Registration.
Troubleshooting Registration Problems
Having trouble with registration? Here’s a guide to help you resolve common issues step by step. Below, we’ll tackle specific problems and provide straightforward solutions.
Fixing OTP Problems
One frequent issue is delays or non-receipt of the OTP (One-Time Pin). If you’re experiencing delays, double-check and update your contact information under "My Profile > Contact Details". Save any changes to ensure the system uses the correct details during registration.
If you still don’t receive the OTP, check the registration verification page or your email for further instructions. Sometimes, additional documents may be required. To review these requirements, log in to eFiling and navigate to Home > User > Pending Registration.
Still stuck? Reach out to SARS directly for assistance at 0800 00 7277 (toll-free within South Africa). Their support team can guide you through any further verification steps.
Let’s move on to document upload issues.
Fixing Document Upload Problems
Document upload errors often stem from file format or browser settings. SARS accepts the following file types: pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, gif, jpg, jpeg, bmp, and png, with a maximum size of 5MB per document and up to 10 documents per submission. Make sure your files are not empty, password-protected, or encrypted.
Avoid using special characters like ‘ or & in file names, as these can cause upload errors.
If PDF files aren’t appearing in the file-selection window, switch the filter to "All Files" instead of the default setting. This often resolves issues where PDFs don’t show up.
If problems persist, try uploading your documents directly through your eFiling profile.
Now, let’s address compatibility issues with devices and browsers.
Fixing Device and Browser Issues
SARS eFiling now uses modern HTML5 technology, so the older SARS Browser is no longer necessary and should be uninstalled to avoid interference. For the best experience, use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari, as these browsers are fully compatible with eFiling.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to fix access problems or poorly loading forms.
Make sure to disable pop-up blockers for the SARS website. Most browsers allow you to add specific sites to an exception list, enabling pop-ups for SARS while keeping them blocked elsewhere.
If you encounter blank SARS documents in your browser, download the files and open them using Adobe Acrobat Reader. This avoids browser-related viewing issues and ensures you can access all necessary documentation.
Once these issues are addressed, you’ll be ready to complete your registration and enjoy a smoother eFiling experience.
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Why Use SARS eFiling
SARS eFiling offers a secure and efficient way to handle your tax responsibilities. The platform ensures that your financial data is transmitted safely, with Two-Factor Authentication providing an added layer of account protection. For new Personal Income Tax registrations, biometric facial recognition further boosts security measures. These features, combined with a streamlined registration process, make SARS eFiling a reliable tool for managing taxes. Let’s break down the specific advantages for both individual and business taxpayers.
Benefits for Individual Taxpayers
For individuals, SARS eFiling simplifies tax management by providing a fully digital system. Your profile keeps track of all submissions, payments, and correspondence, making messy paperwork a thing of the past.
The platform includes built-in error detection, which flags mistakes before submission and offers immediate guidance to correct them. Auto-assessments take this one step further by using third-party data to process returns automatically, reducing errors and speeding up refunds.
You’ll also receive deadline reminders and notifications via SMS and email, ensuring you stay on top of your tax obligations. Plus, you can save partially completed returns and finish them later, offering flexibility and convenience.
Benefits for Business Taxpayers
Businesses benefit from features designed to simplify more complex tax requirements. The platform eliminates the need for paperwork and automates data entry, with pre-filled fields and automatic calculations reducing manual effort while improving accuracy. This makes it easy to submit returns, process payments, and access past records – all in one place.
The automation and centralized access to tax records not only save time but also help businesses cut costs on postage, storage, and paper. Deadline reminders and a streamlined submission process reduce the risk of late penalties, which can reach up to 10% of annual PAYE liability for EMP501 submissions.
SARS has also introduced an Express Functionality feature, allowing businesses to manage multiple tax obligations from a single interface. This real-time access to payment history and tax records aids in better cash flow management.
Additionally, SARS modernized the Reportable Arrangements submission process. As of February 17, 2025, these submissions transitioned from email to secure eFiling, offering enhanced security and efficiency based on user feedback.
Beyond its practical advantages, SARS eFiling supports environmental goals by reducing the need for paper forms and postal services. The user-friendly design also ensures staff can quickly adapt to the system with minimal training.
How Ready Accounting Helps with SARS eFiling
Ready Accounting takes the complexity out of SARS eFiling by offering tailored services that streamline compliance and make the filing process easier. While the SARS eFiling registration process requires careful attention to documentation and verification, Ready Accounting steps in to simplify these tasks with professional support.
By leveraging cloud accounting tools and automation, Ready Accounting makes SARS eFiling more accessible for individuals and businesses alike. This expertise is especially valuable as SARS increasingly uses data science and artificial intelligence to identify fraudulent activities.
eFiling Registration Support
Navigating the SARS eFiling registration process can be tricky, but Ready Accounting provides step-by-step guidance to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their team helps prevent common mistakes, such as submitting improperly formatted documents or incomplete verification details. This attention to detail ensures that all information meets SARS requirements, reducing the risk of errors that could disrupt tax submissions.
Document Preparation Services
Preparing the necessary documents for SARS eFiling can be overwhelming, but Ready Accounting simplifies this process. They assist clients in compiling and reviewing essential financial records. For individuals, this might include income statements and tax receipts. For businesses, it extends to financial statements, payroll records, and other compliance-related documents. By ensuring all materials are accurate and complete before submission, they help avoid unnecessary delays.
Tax Compliance Services
Ready Accounting’s support doesn’t stop at registration. Their tax compliance services cover everything from accurate data entry in the eFiling system to handling ITR14 tax return filings, a requirement for all South African businesses. They even offer a FREE Tax Backlog review to address any unresolved SARS issues. Beyond this, their services include tax planning, monthly processing, bank reconciliation, and VAT return submissions. These offerings not only ensure ongoing compliance but also help users make the most of the SARS eFiling platform’s capabilities.
Conclusion
Registering on SARS eFiling requires careful preparation and the right documentation. If you’re an individual taxpayer, you’ll need a valid South African ID and up-to-date contact details. For businesses, it’s essential to have registration documents, copies of director or member IDs, and founding documents ready before starting the process.
Following SARS’s technical requirements is key to avoiding common registration hurdles. Ensure that all your documents meet their specifications, and double-check your contact details to prevent issues with receiving OTPs. With its streamlined setup and focus on security, SARS eFiling simplifies tax compliance.
The platform offers a range of benefits that make the effort worthwhile. For example, you can save your tax return and revisit it later, allowing you to review your information thoroughly before submission. It also provides a complete record of all submissions, payments, and correspondence, and its built-in accuracy checks help reduce errors and speed up processing times. As SARS highlights:
By using SARS’s online self-help services like eFiling or the SARS MobiApp, you can interact with SARS in a safe and convenient way.
To enhance security, SARS has implemented features like two-factor authentication for all individual profiles and, in some cases, facial recognition for new Personal Income Tax registrations. These measures ensure your tax information stays secure while maintaining easy access to filing services.
For those who find the process overwhelming, Ready Accounting can provide expert assistance. From document preparation to ongoing tax compliance and advice, Ready Accounting helps individuals and businesses navigate the registration process with ease. Their services include tax planning, VAT return submissions, and tailored support, ensuring you not only register successfully but also maximize the benefits of the SARS eFiling platform for long-term compliance.
FAQs
What can I do if biometric facial recognition doesn’t work during SARS eFiling registration?
If you’re facing issues with biometric facial recognition during your SARS eFiling registration, start by checking a few basics. Make sure your device’s camera is working correctly and that you’re in a well-lit area. Also, close any other apps that might interfere and confirm that your device meets the required compatibility standards.
Still having trouble? You can book an appointment with a SARS representative for help. This is a good option if your device doesn’t have a working camera. These steps should address most registration problems.
What are the document requirements for uploading to SARS eFiling?
To make sure your documents comply with SARS eFiling requirements, ensure they are saved in one of these formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, GIF, JPG, JPEG, BMP, or PNG. The size of each file should stay between 2-5 MB, and you can upload anywhere from 10 to 20 files per submission.
It’s important to verify that all your documents are clear, easy to read, and properly labeled. This helps avoid any delays and ensures your submission goes through smoothly.
What are the advantages of using the SARS MobiApp for eFiling registration?
The SARS MobiApp streamlines eFiling registration, offering a convenient solution for those who prefer handling their taxes on mobile devices. Designed specifically for smartphones and tablets, the app allows users to easily register, complete, and submit tax returns – all from the palm of their hand. It’s an excellent option for anyone needing flexibility while managing their taxes.
What sets the app apart is its focus on security. With features like biometric facial recognition and two-factor authentication, it ensures your personal and financial information stays protected. For taxpayers seeking a secure and accessible alternative to the standard website, the MobiApp delivers both ease of use and peace of mind.
