How to Get a SARS Tax Number (and Find One You Already Have).

A tax number (also called a tax reference number) identifies you on the SARS system. SARS says it is shown on your Notice of Registration (IT150). When you start working, your employer withholds Employees Tax from your salary and pays it to SARS monthly (SARS: Tax and starting work), and you can ask your employer to register you through eFiling.

SARS also registers some individuals automatically. It says that since July 2022 it registers certain individuals based on third-party information, and sends them an SMS and a letter explaining their registration. We did not find a SARS page that sets out a simple rule for who must register, so if you are unsure, call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277.

SARS lists six ways for an individual to register. USSD and WhatsApp are grouped together below.

1. 1

   Register for SARS eFiling (the simplest route)

   Click Register on the SARS eFiling site or in the SARS MobiApp. SARS says that if you register for eFiling for the first time and do not have a tax number, it registers you automatically and issues one. You must have a valid South African ID. See our eFiling registration guide.
2. 2

   Or use the SARS Online Query System

   Submit a Personal Income Tax registration request on the SARS Online Query System (SOQS).
3. 3

   Or register on your phone

   Dial *134*7277# and choose the Personal Income Tax registration option, or save 0800 11 7277 as a WhatsApp contact, send a greeting such as "Hi" and pick the registration option from the menu.
4. 4

   Or ask your employer

   SARS says you can ask your employer to register you for Income Tax through SARS eFiling.
5. 5

   Or go to a SARS branch

   A SARS service consultant can register you. Make an appointment before you go. For branch registration SARS lists a valid identity document, driving licence, passport, temporary ID or asylum seeker certificate or permit, and you must bring the original.

Before you start, note what SARS says in its eFiling guide: if you have multiple income tax numbers, your income tax number is inactive or coded as a deceased estate, or you are only registered for VAT or PAYE and not income tax, you must first visit your nearest SARS branch to register for income tax or activate your number (SARS guide GEN-ELEC-18-G01).

If you registered before, you do not need a new number. Request your Notice of Registration (IT150) instead. For WhatsApp, SMS and USSD you need your ID, passport or asylum seeker number, and your details must match SARS records. See the SARS page "I need my tax number".

1. 1

   Check your eFiling profile or MobiApp

   If you are already registered for eFiling, you can request your Notice of Registration (IT150) under the "SARS Registered Details" menu on eFiling, or in the MobiApp. The IT150 shows your tax reference number.
2. 2

   Use the online query

   Submit a "What's my tax number?" request on the SARS Online Query System. SARS asks you to make sure your details match its records.
3. 3

   Send an SMS

   Text TRN, a space, then your ID, passport or asylum seeker number to 47277.
4. 4

   Use USSD or WhatsApp

   On USSD, dial *134*7277# and select "What's my Tax number?" (SARS emails the notice to the address on record). On WhatsApp, message 0800 11 7277, choose the tax service menu, then "Tax Reference number" and answer the verification questions. The IT150 is sent to your email.
5. 5

   Ask your employer or visit a branch

   SARS also lists asking your employer, calling the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277, or making a branch appointment.

SARS will not give your tax number to another person, unless that person is your tax practitioner or holds a Power of Attorney.

SARS says that for CIPC-registered companies you are not required to perform a separate SARS tax registration for Income Tax, as the company is automatically registered via a direct interface with CIPC (SARS: Client Information System). The company representative then registers for eFiling; see our guide to registering a company for SARS eFiling.

• How to Register for SARS eFilingStep-by-step for individuals.
• Register a Company for eFilingFor companies and representatives.
• Income Tax CalculatorEstimate your tax for the year.
• Tax Refund CalculatorCompare tax paid with your liability.
• What is an IRP5?The certificate your employer gives you.
• SARS Tax DeadlinesFiling-season and payroll dates.
• Tax CalendarKeep track of important dates.