How To Check Your SARS Tax Number

Understanding the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and how to obtain your tax number is crucial for compliance and effective tax management.

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about SARS, including how to get your South African tax number, recover a lost tax number, and the various services available to you.

What is SARS?

The South African Revenue Services (SARS) is the government agency responsible for collecting taxes and managing the South African tax system.

One of the key functions of SARS is to issue a South African tax number to all eligible taxpayers. To obtain a tax number, you must possess a valid South African identity document.

Eligibility for a South African IDTo qualify for a South African ID, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
• Be at least16 years old.

Eligible individuals include those working for the South African government or its statutory bodies outside the country. A South African ID consists of a thirteen-digit number formatted as YYMMDDSSSSCAZ, where:

• YYMMDD: Your date of birth- SSSS: A gender identifier (0000-4999 for females,5000-9999 for males)
• C: Citizenship status (0 for citizens,1 for permanent residents)
• Z: A checksum digit for accuracy verification## How to Obtain Your SARS Tax NumberIf you’re registering for taxes for the first time, there are four primary ways to obtain your SARS tax number:

1. Auto Registration for Personal Income Tax

If you have a valid South African ID, you can be automatically registered for a tax number when you sign up for SARS eFiling. Visit the SARS eFiling website to start the registration process.

2. Use the SARS MobiApp

You can also register for SARS eFiling through the SARS MobiApp. Simply download the app and follow the prompts to get your tax number.

3. Register Through Your Employer

Your employer can assist you in registering for SARS eFiling. Many employees are unaware of the tax filing process, so your employer can help ensure you’re registered correctly.

4. Book an Appointment with SARS

If you’re not registered yet, you can book an appointment at a SARS branch. Call the SARS contact center at0800007277 and press0 to schedule your visit.

If you’re unsure whether you have a tax reference number, check with your employer or use the Online Query function on the SARS website.

How to Recover a Forgotten or Lost SARS Tax NumberIf you’ve lost your tax number, you can request a reissue through several methods:

1. Send a Query to SARS: Ensure your details match their records.
2. Log into eFiling: If you’re an e-filer, your tax number will be available there.
3. Use the MobiApp: Request your registration notice through the app.
4. Visit a SARS Branch: Book an appointment and check your tax number in person.

Requesting Your Notice of Registration (IT150)

Your tax reference number is included in the Notice of Registration (IT150). You can request this notice through the following methods:

• eFiling: Log in and click on “Notice of Registration” to obtain your IT150.
• SMS Request: Send an SMS in the format TRN ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number to47277.
• MobiApp: Access your notice of registration if you are an e-filer.
• Raise a Query: Submit a query to SARS with details matching their records.

Additional Services Available via SMS

Taxpayers can access various services through SMS without needing a data connection. Here are some useful SMS formats:

• Ebooking Appointment: Booking ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number to47277.
• Confirmation Request for PIT Tax Return: File ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number to47277.
• Request IT150: TRN ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number to47277.
• Account-Related Queries: Balance ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number to47277.

Navigating the South African tax system can be daunting, but understanding how to obtain and manage your SARS tax number is essential for compliance.

Whether you’re registering for the first time or recovering a lost tax number, the processes outlined above will help you stay on track with your tax obligations. For more information, visit the SARS website or contact their support center.