How to Register for SARS eFiling as an Individual.

SARS describes eFiling as a free electronic tool for services such as filing tax returns, making payments and accessing your account. SARS lists examples such as filing your Income Tax Return, updating personal details including bank details, checking refund and audit status, and lodging a dispute or complaint (SARS: eFiling features).

SARS notes you must be linked to a tax type, such as income tax, to have full access and transact. Some services, such as a change of name and surname, are not offered online and must be done at a SARS office. Need a tax number first? See how to get a SARS tax number.

1. 1

   Open the registration page

   Go to the SARS eFiling site and click Register, or download the SARS MobiApp and tap Register. Have a camera-enabled device ready (see the biometric step below).
2. 2

   Enter your personal and contact details

   Complete your personal details, then your contact details. You must give a valid email address and cell phone number; SARS uses them to send your one-time PIN (OTP).
3. 3

   Choose a username and password

   Your password must have at least 8 characters, with an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, a number and a special character. It must not contain personal information such as your name, surname, email address or username, and must not use repetitive or sequential characters like "aaaaa" or "12345".
4. 4

   Complete the facial recognition check (South African citizens)

   SARS says South African citizens who register with a valid ID may be asked to do biometric facial recognition. Allow camera access and follow the on-screen and voice prompts. On a computer you need a webcam or laptop camera; with a smartphone you can use the SARS MobiApp for this step.
5. 5

   Enter your OTP

   SARS verifies your details. If successful, it sends a 6-digit OTP to your preferred contact channel (SMS or email). Enter it within the time shown. You can ask for it to be resent only twice.
6. 6

   Log in for the first time

   After the OTP is accepted, the eFiling login screen appears. If SARS cannot finish your registration immediately, it may ask for additional information before issuing an OTP, and will email and SMS you instructions once your details are verified.

• Multiple tax numbers or inactive number. SARS says that if you have multiple income tax numbers, your number is inactive or coded as a deceased estate, or you are only registered for VAT or PAYE, you must first visit your nearest SARS branch.
• Tax number already on another profile. If it is registered against another party's profile, such as a tax practitioner, you can obtain shared access or revoke their access.
• Already an eFiler. If SARS identifies you as a registered eFiler, you can log in with your existing profile or recover your password.
• Photo not matched. A case is opened and you have 21 business days to upload the documents SARS requests (files up to 5 MB). Quote your case number when you contact SARS.
• Contact details already in use. Use different details or book a SARS appointment.

Details are in SARS guide GEN-ELEC-18-G01 (effective 25 August 2025). You can also reach the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277.

This guide covers individuals. SARS says that once you are registered you can act for a company as its registered representative or an employee, and tax practitioners act as agents under a power of attorney. For companies, read our guide to registering a company for SARS eFiling.

• How to Get a SARS Tax NumberRegister for or find your number.
• 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.