How to Register on SARS eFiling: Step-by-Step Guide
SARS eFiling is the free online platform used by South African taxpayers to file tax returns, make payments, request tax clearance certificates and manage their tax affairs. Registering takes about 15 minutes if you have your identity document and tax number ready.
What You Need Before You Register
Before visiting www.sarsefiling.co.za, gather the following documents and information. Incomplete details will prevent you from completing your registration.
If you do not yet have a SARS tax number, you must first register for income tax at a SARS branch or through the MobiApp before you can activate eFiling.
- South African ID number (or passport number for foreign nationals)
- Your SARS income tax reference number (10-digit number)
- A valid personal email address that only you can access
- A South African cellphone number for one-time PIN (OTP) verification
- Your banking details (account number, branch code, bank name)
Step-by-Step eFiling Registration Process
- Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za and click Register.
- Select whether you are registering as an Individual, Tax Practitioner or Organisation. Most personal users select Individual.
- Enter your ID number (or passport) and click Continue. SARS will verify your identity against the Department of Home Affairs.
- Enter your personal details including your name, surname, date of birth and contact information exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Create a username and a strong password. Your password must be at least 8 characters and include upper and lower case letters, a number and a special character.
- Enter your tax reference number to link your tax profile to your eFiling account.
- Verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
- Verify your cellphone number by entering the OTP sent via SMS.
- Complete your banking details so that SARS can pay refunds directly into your account.
- Submit the registration. Your eFiling account is now active and you can log in immediately.
Tip: Use the same email address consistently. If you change your email address later you must update it through eFiling to keep receiving SARS notifications.
Registering via the SARS MobiApp
You can also register and file returns using the SARS MobiApp, available for free on Android and iOS. The MobiApp is convenient for individuals and supports most eFiling features.
Download the app, select Register and follow the same steps described above. The app uses your phone camera to scan your ID and supports facial verification.
Linking Multiple Tax Types
Once registered, you can link additional tax types to your eFiling profile. Go to Home > Registrations and select the relevant tax type such as VAT, PAYE or Provisional Tax.
Each tax type will appear on your eFiling dashboard after you submit the registration request and SARS approves it, usually within 24 hours.
Never share your eFiling username or password with anyone, including people claiming to be SARS officials. SARS will never ask for your password by phone or email.
Forgotten Username or Password
If you forget your username or password, click Forgot Username or Forgot Password on the eFiling login page. You will need access to your registered email address and cellphone to reset your credentials.
If you no longer have access to your registered email or phone number, call SARS on 0800 00 7277 (toll-free) or visit a SARS branch with your ID to have your details updated.
Common Registration Errors and How to Fix Them
- Identity verification failed: Ensure your ID number matches your Home Affairs records exactly. Foreign nationals must use their passport number.
- Tax number not found: Your tax number may not yet be in the SARS system. Visit a branch or call 0800 00 7277 to confirm.
- Email already registered: You may already have an account. Use the forgot username option to retrieve it.
- OTP not received: Check that your cellphone number is correct and has signal. You can request a new OTP after 60 seconds.
- Password does not meet requirements: Include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one digit and one special character.