How to Update Your Banking and Contact Details with SARS.

Your security contact details are the email address and cell number SARS uses to send one-time PINs (OTPs). SARS lists address and contact details among the details you can change with the RAV01 form in your eFiling Individual profile. To change the security contact details while logged in:

1. 1

   Open My Profile

   Select My Profile from the eFiling menu on the left.
2. 2

   Go to Profile and Preference Setup

   Scroll to the Security Contact Details section.
3. 3

   Enter the new details

   Enter your new email address and/or cell number and select your preferred communication method.
4. 4

   Click Update & Save

   Choose how you want to receive the OTP.
5. 5

   Enter the OTP

   A message confirms that your security contact details were updated.

Source: SARS: How do I update my security contact details on eFiling?

If both your cell number and email address have changed and you cannot get an OTP, SARS offers an option on the eFiling login page. SARS says it is only available to registered eFilers who are South African citizens, and you must pass biometric verification.

1. 1

   Click Update Contact Details

   On the eFiling login screen.
2. 2

   Enter your identity details

   Your first name, surname and South African identity number.
3. 3

   Complete biometric verification

   Read the biometrics notice and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. 4

   Enter your new cell number and email address

   Choose your preferred contact method and submit.
5. 5

   Enter the OTP

   It is sent to the new cell number or email address. A pop-up confirms the update.

If you are not a South African citizen or you fail biometric verification, SARS says to call the SARS Contact Centre or book an appointment on the SARS website for an official to assist you.

Source: SARS: Both my eFiling security contact details have changed

SARS says it will verify your bank account before accepting changes to your banking details. The channels SARS lists are:

1. 1

   eFiling: RAV01

   Most common

   Complete the Registration Amendments and Verification Form (RAV01) in your eFiling profile. Since 27 June 2025 SARS shows a list of verified banking details it already holds, and taxpayers must select from that list rather than capturing new details manually.
2. 2

   With your return or request

   You can also update details when completing your ITR12 or a Request for a Transfer Duty Refund on eFiling.
3. 3

   SARS MobiApp

   Use the Profile Management tab.
4. 4

   SARS branch

   Use this if you are not registered on eFiling. Book an appointment first. SARS biometrically verifies you at a branch against Department of Home Affairs records.
5. 5

   Email

   SARS accepts email only in exceptional circumstances. It does not accept fax, post or telephone requests.

If eFiling cannot validate your bank details, SARS says you will be asked to visit a branch. SARS also lists some bank-detail changes as branch-only: when the account belongs to a third party, the taxpayer is a trust, or the taxpayer is coded as a deceased estate, in liquidation or in insolvency. If you share an account with a spouse or partner, SARS says only one of you needs to visit a branch, and that person must also provide a certified marriage certificate or an affidavit of life partnership.

Sources: Adding or Changing Banking Details, Maintain personal details on eFiling vs Branch, RAV01 enhancements (27 June 2025).

According to SARS, the account must be a cheque, savings or transmission account with a valid branch number at a valid bank, and it must be registered in the taxpayer's name. Credit cards, bonds and foreign accounts are not valid. SARS issues refunds to overseas accounts only in exceptional circumstances, such as after emigration. Need your branch code? See our bank branch codes guide.

SARS says refunds are paid only after it has confirmed your banking details. It checks the account electronically with your bank before paying out; if the details do not match, SARS will ask you to verify them, and incorrect details can delay your refund. SARS recommends correcting your details before the refund is paid. Its page does not explain how to stop a refund that is already being processed, so contact SARS directly if a payment is already on its way to the wrong account.

For general timing, see SARS refund timing. Not yet registered? See how to register for SARS eFiling.

Source: SARS: I've been auto assessed but need to update my banking details

• SARS Refund TimingWhat SARS says about refund delays and verification.
• Tax Refund CalculatorEstimate whether a refund is due.
• Bank Branch CodesUniversal branch codes for SA banks.
• Register for SARS eFilingSet up your eFiling profile.