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How to Register for SARS eFiling — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Reviewed & Verified
Written by the Independent Editorial Team · Reviewed & Verified by Solly Maanaso, CA(SA)

To file tax returns, make payments, and manage your tax affairs online, you need a SARS eFiling account at sarsefiling.co.za. Registration takes 5–10 minutes. If you are a South African citizen, you will need to complete a biometric facial recognition step during the process.

New to SARS — no tax number yet
Register for eFiling and income tax at the same time
Go to new registration steps →
I already have a tax number
Register for eFiling only and link your existing tax number
Go to existing taxpayer steps →
I prefer to use my phone
Register via the SARS MobiApp
Go to MobiApp steps →
JUMP TO: Before you start New taxpayer registration Existing taxpayer eFiling Biometric verification After registration Activate tax types Alternative methods Troubleshooting FAQ

Before you start — what you need

New taxpayers (no existing tax number)

  • Your South African ID document (green ID book or Smart ID card) — your ID number is required; a foreign passport is used for non-SA citizens
  • An active email address you can access immediately (you will need to verify it during registration)
  • A South African cellphone number you can access immediately (you will receive OTPs)
  • Access to a camera (for biometric facial recognition — if you are a South African citizen)
  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
  • Your physical residential address (not a PO Box)

Additional for existing taxpayers

  • Everything listed for new taxpayers
  • Your SARS income tax reference number (find it on old IRP5 certificates, previous tax correspondence, or by calling SARS on 0800 00 7277)
Important: If you register for eFiling for the first time without a tax reference number, SARS will automatically register you for Personal Income Tax and issue your tax number during the process. You do not need to get a tax number separately first. Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/
Note on contact details: If the email address or cellphone number you want to use is already registered on another person's eFiling account, you will receive an error message and must use different contact details. Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01

Registering for eFiling as a new taxpayer (no existing tax number)

If you have no SARS income tax number and have never filed tax before, this is your path. SARS will issue your tax number automatically at the end of the registration process.

  • Go to sarsefiling.co.za and click "Register"

    Navigate to sarsefiling.co.za (or go to sars.gov.za and click "Login" at the top right → then click "Register"). Click the "Register" button or hyperlink on the login screen.

  • Complete your personal details

    Choose your portfolio type: Individual (for most personal taxpayers), Tax Practitioner (for registered practitioners), or Organisation (for companies). Enter your South African ID number, first name, and surname exactly as they appear on your ID document. Click "Next" to proceed.

  • Enter your contact details and create your login credentials

    Enter your email address — this will be your primary contact and verification channel. Enter your South African cellphone number. Create a username (your own choice — something you will remember) and a password. Click "Submit".

    Note: If the contact details are already in use by another eFiler, you will see an error message — use different contact details or contact SARS.

  • Biometric facial recognition (South African citizens only)

    South African citizens only

    If you are a South African citizen, you will be directed to the Biometric Facial Recognition Authentication step:

    • Read the instructions carefully — the screen will explain what is required
    • Ensure your camera is working and that you are in a well-lit area
    • Remove glasses and headgear as instructed
    • Follow the on-screen voice prompts to allow SARS to capture your photos
    • Click "Start Verification"
    • A successful biometric verification displays a green confirmation screen
    • Click "Continue" to complete registration
    Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01
    For non-South African citizens: Your information will be matched to SARS records. If matched successfully, you will receive an OTP (One-Time PIN) on your registered contact details — enter it to proceed. If your information cannot be matched, SARS will request additional documentation. Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01

  • SARS verifies your details

    After completing the biometric step (or OTP for non-SA citizens), SARS verifies your details. You will be notified via email and SMS with instructions to complete your registration. Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/register-for-efiling/

  • First-time login — accept terms and conditions

    When you log in for the first time after registration:

    • Enter your username and password
    • An OTP will be sent to your registered contact — enter it
    • Read and accept the Terms and Conditions (click "I Accept" at the bottom)
    • The eFiling welcome screen and home page will display
    Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01

  • Select your return types

    You will be presented with a list of return types to select — choose the ones relevant to your tax affairs (e.g., Income Tax, Provisional Tax). This customises your eFiling profile for the returns you will need to file.

    Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01

After successful registration:

  • SARS issues your income tax reference number automatically (if you didn't have one)
  • You can access your Notice of Registration (IT150) on eFiling — click on your home page, request a new IT150, and submit. Your tax number will be displayed.
  • Your eFiling account is now ready to use
Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01; SARS — Register as a taxpayer page

Already have a SARS tax number? Registering for eFiling only

If you already have a SARS income tax reference number — perhaps from previous employment or from your employer who registered you — you follow the same registration process above, but you link your existing tax number to your new eFiling profile afterwards.

The process is the same as above (Steps 1–6) — with one addition:

  • After registration: Link your existing tax number

    Log in to your new eFiling profile. Navigate to:

    Home → Maintain SARS Registered Details (RAV01)

    Your existing tax number can be linked to your eFiling profile here. If your tax number is already linked to someone else's eFiling account (e.g., a previous tax practitioner), contact SARS to resolve this before proceeding.

If you can't find your tax number:
  • Check any old IRP5 certificates — your number appears at source code 3010
  • Call SARS on 0800 00 7277 with your ID number — SARS can confirm your number
  • Use the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) at sars.gov.za
Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01; SARS — Register as a taxpayer

Register for SARS eFiling via the MobiApp

The SARS MobiApp offers the same registration process as the eFiling website. Download the app and follow the same steps — including biometric verification for South African citizens.

Google Play Store Apple App Store Huawei AppGallery

  • How to register on the MobiApp

    Open the app and tap "Register". The app will guide you through the exact same 7 steps as the website process above (entering your personal details, setting up a password, and doing the biometric facial scan).

Source: SARS — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/; SARS MobiApp Guide (IT-AE-47-G01)

Other ways to register for tax with SARS

SARS Online Query System (SOQS)

You can register for Personal Income Tax through the SARS Online Query System at sars.gov.za. This is an alternative to eFiling registration.

SARS WhatsApp

Text "Hi" or "Hello" to the SARS WhatsApp number. SARS will respond with its service offerings, including Personal Income Tax registration. From a desktop: visit sars.gov.za and launch the SARS WhatsApp desktop version.

SARS USSD (no data or smartphone needed)

Dial this code on any mobile network:
*134*7277#
Select "Personal Income Tax (PIT) registration" from the menu.

Via your employer

Employers can register their employees for income tax through their own eFiling profile. Ask your employer to register you.

SARS branch (walk-in)

If you cannot register online, visit your nearest SARS branch.
  • Make an appointment before going (book at sars.gov.za or call 0800 00 7277)
  • Bring your South African ID document (original), proof of address, and any other relevant documents
  • Note: The IT77 individual registration form has been discontinued — branch registration now uses the eFiling system at the branch.
Source for all alternative methods: SARS — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/

After you've registered — next steps

  • Access your Notice of Registration (IT150)

    Your IT150 is the official document confirming your SARS income tax reference number. To access it on eFiling:

    Home → Notice of Registration

    Click "Request New" → Submit. The IT150 will display with your tax reference number.

    Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01

  • Activate additional tax types (if needed)

    If you need to file VAT, PAYE, or provisional tax returns, activate those tax types on eFiling:

    Home → Maintain SARS Registered Details → Tax Types

    Add the relevant tax type (VAT, PAYE, Provisional Tax). You do not need to visit a SARS branch to do this.

    Source: SARS — Personal Income Tax page — sars.gov.za

  • Update your banking details

    SARS pays any refunds into your registered bank account. Make sure your banking details are up to date.

    Navigate to: eFiling → Maintain SARS Registered Details → My Bank Accounts. Add or update your bank account details and verify them.

  • File your first return

    During Filing Season (13 July – 22 January 2027 for 2026 returns), request your ITR12:

    Navigate to: Returns → Returns Issued → Income Tax (ITR12)

    Request the return for the relevant year and complete it.

eFiling complete guide →

Common eFiling registration problems and how to fix them

Problem: "My contact details are already in use"

Another eFiler has already registered using your email address or cellphone number. Use a different email address or cellphone number, OR contact SARS on 0800 00 7277 to resolve the conflict on the existing account.

Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01
Problem: "Biometric verification failed"

Ensure you are in a well-lit space with a neutral background. Remove glasses, hats, or anything covering your face. Hold your device at face level and follow all on-screen voice prompts carefully. If it continues to fail, try on a different device or use the branch option.

Problem: "My information cannot be matched to SARS records" (non-SA citizens)

SARS will request additional documentation to verify your identity. Follow the on-screen instructions and upload the requested documents. If you encounter issues, contact SARS on 0800 00 7277.

Source: SARS GEN-ELEC-18-G01
Problem: "I registered but can't see my income tax return"

You may not have selected "Income Tax" as a return type during registration. Navigate to: Home → Maintain SARS Registered Details → Tax Types → activate Income Tax. Alternatively, eFiling may not yet show returns if your profile was just created — wait 24 hours.

Problem: "My tax number is linked to someone else's eFiling account"

This can happen if a previous employer or tax practitioner registered on your behalf. Contact SARS on 0800 00 7277 to unlink your tax number from the other account and link it to your own profile.

SARS Helpline: 0800 00 7277
Registration Checklist
Have these ready:
  • SA ID document (or passport)
  • Active email address
  • SA cellphone number
  • Camera access (for biometrics)
  • Home address
  • Tax number (if already have one)
Register at: sarsefiling.co.za
Need help? 0800 00 7277

Frequently Asked Questions

Go to sarsefiling.co.za and click "Register." Select your portfolio type (Individual for most people), enter your South African ID number and personal details, enter your email address and cellphone number, create a username and password, and submit. South African citizens will then complete a biometric facial recognition step. If you don't yet have a SARS income tax number, SARS will automatically register you for income tax and issue your tax reference number during the process.
No. If you register for eFiling for the first time without a tax reference number, SARS will automatically register you for Personal Income Tax and issue your tax number during the registration process. You only need a valid South African ID.
South African citizens are required to complete a biometric facial recognition step during eFiling registration. You will be directed to a screen where your camera captures photos of your face. Ensure you are in a well-lit space, follow the on-screen voice prompts, remove glasses and headgear as instructed, and click "Start Verification." A green confirmation screen indicates success. This step verifies your identity against SARS records.
SARS provides several alternatives: (1) USSD — dial *134*7277# on any mobile network; (2) WhatsApp — text "Hi" to the SARS WhatsApp number; (3) SARS branch — visit your nearest branch (appointment required; make one at sars.gov.za or call 0800 00 7277). The IT77 individual registration form has been discontinued.
Yes. Download the SARS MobiApp from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery and tap "Register." The registration process is the same as on the website, including biometric verification for South African citizens.
The IT150 is the official SARS document confirming your income tax reference number. After registering on eFiling, log in, navigate to Home, search for "Notice of Registration," click "Request New," and submit. Your tax reference number is displayed on the IT150 — you can share this with your employer or any third party requiring your tax number.

Related guides

eFiling guides

Tax compliance

Filing

Back to: ← eFiling — Complete Guide

Sources and references

All information on this page is sourced from, or verified against, the following official and authoritative references:

  1. SARS — Register for eFiling — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/register-for-efiling/
  2. SARS — How do I register for tax — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/
  3. SARS — Register as a taxpayer — sars.gov.za/individuals/how-do-i-register-for-tax/register-as-a-taxpayer/
  4. SARS — GEN-ELEC-18-G01 — How to Register for eFiling and Manage Your User Profile
  5. SARS — Personal Income Tax — sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/personal-income-tax/
  6. SARS — IT-AE-47-G01 — How to Register for the Use of the SARS MobiApp

Last reviewed: June 2026. Update when SARS revises the eFiling registration process or GEN-ELEC-18-G01.

Registration Checklist
Have these ready:
Register at: sarsefiling.co.za
Need help? 0800 00 7277