How to Get Your SARS Tax Number in 8 Easy Ways - NASI iSPANI (2024)

Do you need your SARS tax Number Urgently?

Securing your South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax number is a pivotal step for taxpayers in South Africa, ensuring compliance and facilitating smoother interactions with tax authorities. Whether you’re registering for the first time or retrieving a forgotten number, SARS offers multiple convenient channels to assist you.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your SARS tax number, including a newly added feature for those already registered on eFiling.

Understanding the Importance of a SARS Tax Number

A SARS tax number serves as a vital cornerstone in the management of your financial and tax-related dealings within South Africa. Assigned by the South African Revenue Service, this unique identifier is more than just a sequence of numbers; it is your personal key to engaging with the nation’s tax system.

Once you begin earning an income, whether through employment, running a business, or other means, you are obligated to contribute to the national coffers in accordance with South African tax laws. Your SARS tax number is essential for filing your annual tax returns, a process that assesses your tax liability based on your income and allowable deductions. Without this number, you cannot fulfill your tax obligations, potentially leading to penalties or legal issues.

The SARS tax number streamlines interactions between taxpayers and the revenue service. It allows SARS to efficiently process tax payments, refunds, and any queries or claims you might have. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining an up-to-date and accurate tax record, ensuring that your financial engagements with the government are smooth and hassle-free.

In essence, a SARS tax number is not just a requirement but a fundamental component of your financial identity in South Africa. It ensures that you can actively participate in the economy, access benefits, and fulfill your civic duties with ease. Understanding its importance is the first step towards responsible financial and tax management, paving the way for a secure financial future.

Registering on eFiling

If you’re new to the tax system or require a SARS tax number, the primary step is to register with SARS. This can be done through their eFiling platform, a user-friendly online service designed to make tax management easier for individuals and businesses alike. Registration on eFiling not only secures your tax number but also streamlines future tax submissions and queries.

The eFiling platform, offered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), simplifies this process, making tax management accessible for individuals and businesses. Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for a SARS tax number through eFiling:

Step 1: Access the eFiling Website

• Begin by visiting the SARS eFiling website. Ensure you’re accessing the official site to protect your personal information.

Step 2: Sign Up for an eFiling Account

• If you’re a new user, you’ll need to create an eFiling account. Look for the “Register” button on the homepage.
• You will be prompted to provide personal information, including your name, ID number, and contact details. Ensure that the information you provide matches the records held by SARS to avoid any discrepancies.

Step 3: Complete the Registration Process

• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration. This will involve verifying your email address and setting up security questions for account recovery.
• Once your account is set up, log in to your eFiling dashboard.

8 Channels to Retrieve your SARS Tax Number

1. Send a Query

• Step 1: Visit the SARS official website and navigate to the ‘Contact Us’ section.
• Step 2: Choose the option to send a query or use the provided contact details to reach out to SARS directly.
• Step 3: Ensure that the personal details you provide (such as your full name, ID number, and contact information) match the records SARS has on file for you. This is crucial for the verification process.
• Step 4: Submit your query requesting your tax number and wait for a response from SARS.

2. Via eFiling

• Step 1: Log in to your eFiling account at the official SARS eFiling website. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to register for one.
• Step 2: Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard. Your tax number should be visibly displayed on the main page or under your profile details.

3. SARS MobiApp

• Step 1: Download the SARS MobiApp from your smartphone’s app store.
• Step 2: Log in using your eFiling credentials. If you’re not registered on eFiling, you’ll need to create an account.
• Step 3: Navigate to the section for requesting your notice of registration. Follow the prompts to receive your tax number.

4. Notice of Registration (IT150)

• Step 1: Access your eFiling account.
• Step 2: Look for the ‘SARS Registered Details’ menu option.
• Step 3: Select the option to request your Notice of Registration (IT150). Follow the instructions to complete the request, and your IT150 document, which includes your SARS tax number, will be made available to you.

5. Lwazi ChatBot

• Step 1: Open the eFiling website or SARS MobiApp and locate the Lwazi ChatBot feature.
• Step 2: Initiate a chat and select the option to request your tax number by typing “menu” and then choosing the relevant service offering.
• Step 3: The ChatBot will ask for your ID/Passport number and either your cell number or email for verification.
• Step 4: Upon successful verification, SARS will generate your Notice of Registration and email it to you.

6. SARS SMS Channel

• Step 1: Compose an SMS with the format “TRN (Space) ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number.”
• Step 2: Send this SMS to 47277.
• Step 3: Follow any further instructions provided via SMS to complete the process.

7. SARS USSD Channel

• Step 1: Dial *134*7277# from your mobile phone.
• Step 2: Follow the prompts to select the service you require, which would include retrieving your tax number.
• Step 3: Complete the taxpayer verification process as instructed.
• Step 4: Upon successful verification, your tax number or the requested service information will be displayed.

8. Visit a SARS Branch

• Step 1: Schedule an appointment to visit your nearest SARS branch. This can often be done online through the SARS website or by calling their customer service line.
• Step 2: Ensure you bring along all necessary identification documents, such as your ID book or card, passport, and proof of address.
• Step 3: Inform the SARS official that you wish to retrieve your tax number. They will assist you through the verification process and provide you with your tax number.

Each of these channels is designed to make the process of retrieving your SARS tax number as straightforward as possible. Choose the one that best suits your needs and follow the steps to regain access to your tax number efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if my personal details have changed?
A: If your personal details have changed, it’s important to update your information with SARS to ensure that your tax records are accurate. You can update your details through eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or by visiting a SARS branch. Keeping your information current helps avoid issues with tax filings and communications from SARS.

Q: How long does it take to retrieve my SARS tax number?
A: The time it takes to retrieve your SARS tax number can vary depending on the method used. Online methods like eFiling and the SARS MobiApp are typically the quickest, often providing immediate access to your tax number. Other methods, such as sending a query or visiting a branch, may take longer due to processing times.

Q: Is there a fee to retrieve my SARS tax number?
A: No, there is no fee to retrieve your SARS tax number. SARS provides all the necessary services for retrieving your tax number free of charge.

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SARS has made significant strides in ensuring that accessing tax services, including retrieving or registering for a SARS tax number, is as convenient and user-friendly as possible. Whether through digital platforms like eFiling and the MobiApp, SMS and USSD channels, or direct interactions at a branch, taxpayers have multiple avenues to manage their tax affairs efficiently. Remember, keeping your tax number safe and accessible is key to a hassle-free tax experience.