How to Register for SARS eFiling in 2025 (First-Time Guide)

By / September 2, 2025

If you are new to South Africa’s tax system or you have simply never used SARS eFiling before, registering in […]

How to Register for SARS eFiling in 2025 (First-Time Guide)

If you are new to South Africa’s tax system or you have simply never used SARS eFiling before, registering in 2025 is more streamlined and secure than ever. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know — from what to prepare, the exact screens you will see, and how to troubleshoot common snags, to getting your tax number automatically if you do not already have one.

Why register for eFiling?

SARS eFiling lets you manage your tax affairs online: file returns, view statements, make payments, request a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) pin, and download your Notice of Registration (your tax number confirmation). Registration is free, and once complete you will use a secure One-Time Pin (OTP) and, in many cases, facial biometrics to protect your account.

What is new in 2025?

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) is enforced for individuals. You will confirm your username and password, then enter an OTP sent to your chosen contact method. Password rules have also been tightened.
  • Facial recognition may be required at sign-up. If you register using a South African ID, SARS can prompt you to complete biometric facial authentication on the web, the MobiApp, or a Self-Service Kiosk. A device with a camera is therefore very helpful.
  • HTML5 everywhere. eFiling forms have been migrated to HTML5, so you no longer need the old SARS Browser. Modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera) are supported. Allow pop-ups and clear cache if needed.

Quick checklist: What you need before you begin

  1. South African ID (for automatic tax number allocation), or a passport/asylum document if you are a foreign national.
  2. Your contact details (mobile number and email). These become your security contact details for OTPs, so they must be accurate.
  3. A device with a camera (smartphone or computer with webcam) in case biometric verification is requested.
  4. Proof documents in case SARS asks for them during registration (identity and, when relevant, proof of address and bank details). If documents are requested, you will have 21 business days to upload.

Important: No tax number yet? SARS can create it for you

If you are a first-time taxpayer with a valid South African ID, SARS will automatically register you for Personal Income Tax and issue your tax reference number as part of the eFiling sign-up. Afterward, you can download your Notice of Registration (proof of tax number) from your profile.

Route 1: Register on the SARS eFiling website (desktop or mobile browser)

Estimated time: 5–15 minutes if verification is straightforward.

  1. Go to the SARS website and select Register under eFiling.
  2. Enter personal details on the registration pages, then capture:
    • Security contact details (mobile and email)
    • Username and password (meet the strengthened password rules)
  3. Submit. You may be asked to verify via facial recognition (follow on-screen instructions) and then to enter an OTP sent to your chosen contact method.
  4. If SARS cannot immediately finalise the registration, you will see a request to upload supporting documents (file types include .jpg/.png/.doc/.docx and size limits apply). You have 21 business days to upload. You can check progress under Home ▸ User ▸ Pending Registration after logging in with the credentials you just created.
  5. Once verified, you will receive a notification and can log in. On first login, read and accept the Terms and Conditions, confirm your Security Contact Details, and enter the OTP.
  6. Activate return types shown for you (for example, Income Tax). Use the Link buttons, then Submit. This sets what you will see on your Dashboard.
  7. To obtain your Notice of Registration (proof of tax number), go to Home ▸ SARS Registered Details ▸ Notice of Registration and select Request New.

Tip: If your tax number is already linked to a tax practitioner’s profile, you can request shared access or transfer the tax type to your own profile from the Manage Tax Types area. The current holder will receive a notice to approve the transfer.

Route 2: Register via the SARS MobiApp (Android or iOS)

Prefer your phone? The SARS MobiApp supports registration and most key services. Steps mirror the website: download the app, tap Register, enter your details, complete facial biometrics if prompted, verify with OTP, and you are in. The app also lets you file returns, check balances, and request your Notice of Registration.

Choosing the correct profile type (portfolio)

When eFiling asks which portfolio you want to create, select:

  • Individual – for your own taxes (you can only have one Individual portfolio on a profile).
  • Organisation – if you are the registered representative for a company, trust, NPO, or other entity.
  • Tax Practitioner – if you are a registered tax practitioner managing multiple clients.

You can maintain multiple Organisation or Tax Practitioner portfolios, but only one Individual portfolio per user profile. You can also change portfolio type later from the Portfolio Management screen.

First login walk-through

The first time you log in after registration:

  1. Accept terms and confirm your Security Contact Details (used for OTPs).
  2. Enter the OTP sent to your preferred contact method.
  3. Activate the return types you will manage (for example, Income Tax, Directives, TCS).
  4. Explore the Dashboard. Quick-access tiles include Notice of Registration, My Compliance Status, Statements of Account, and even calculators such as the Two-Pot and Lump Sum tools to estimate tax outcomes.

How to retrieve or confirm your tax number after registration

  • On eFiling, download the Notice of Registration (IT150) as described above.
  • If you are unsure whether you have been registered, use the Online Query System, WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), USSD (1347277#), or call the SARS Contact Centre (0800 00 7277).

If you do not have a South African ID

You can still register for eFiling with a passport or asylum document, but automatic tax number allocation does not apply to foreign nationals. In many cases you may need to book an appointment (virtual or branch) for manual verification.

Getting ready for filing season (after you register)

Once registered, keep these housekeeping tasks up to date so filing goes smoothly:

  • Security contact details. Keep your mobile number and email current. If both change and you cannot access your profile, you must call SARS or make a booking to update details after identity verification.
  • Bank details. If you plan to pay via eFiling or receive refunds, store your bank details under Returns ▸ Payments ▸ Bank Details Setup. Authorisation happens through your own internet banking.
  • Browser hygiene. Allow pop-ups, and clear your browser cache/cookies if pages do not load. All forms run in HTML5 on modern browsers.

Troubleshooting: Common registration snags and fixes

1) OTPs do not arrive

  • Double-check which preferred channel is set (email or SMS) and whether the address/number is correct under Security Contact Details.
  • If both mobile and email changed and you are locked out, phone SARS to reset after identity verification.

2) “We could not match the details supplied”

  • Ensure your names, ID and birth date match Home Affairs records. If still stuck, book an appointment; SARS may need to verify you manually and review documents.

3) Asked to upload supporting documents

  • Log in and go to Home ▸ User ▸ Pending Registration to upload the requested files. Accepted formats and file size limits apply, and you have 21 business days to submit.

4) My tax number seems linked to someone else (for example, a practitioner)

  • Use Manage Tax Types to request activation or transfer. The current holder will receive a notification to approve; once approved, your status changes to “Successfully Activated.”

5) Pages not loading or forms timing out

  • Allow pop-ups, clear cache/cookies, and retry on a supported browser. HTML5 forms work across major browsers.

6) I need help from SARS

  • Call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277 (weekdays; see operating hours on the site) or make an eBooking for a virtual or branch appointment.

Step-by-step recap (single-page checklist)

  1. Go to the SARS website and choose Register for eFiling.
  2. Complete personal details and set security contact details, username and password.
  3. If prompted, complete facial recognition; then enter the OTP sent to your chosen channel.
  4. If asked, upload supporting documents within 21 business days.
  5. Log in, accept Terms and Conditions, confirm security details, and activate your return types.
  6. If you had no tax number, SARS will have allocated one automatically (SA ID holders). Download your Notice of Registration from SARS Registered Details.

Frequently asked questions

Is eFiling registration free?
Yes, registering and using eFiling is free. You only pay any tax due.

Can my employer or tax practitioner register me?
Employers can register employees for Income Tax. Practitioners and registered representatives can manage organisations on eFiling, but you should retain access to your own Individual portfolio.

What if I forget my username or password?
Use the Forgot Username/Password links on the login screen. You will verify with an OTP sent to your security contact details and can then reset your password.

How do I get my tax number if I cannot log in?
Use USSD (1347277#), WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), the Online Query System, or call the Contact Centre (0800 00 7277). Once you regain access, download the Notice of Registration from eFiling.

Do I need special software or the old SARS Browser?
No. SARS has migrated forms to HTML5. Use an up-to-date browser and enable pop-ups.

What about non-residents?
Foreign nationals using a passport cannot be auto-registered for a tax number through eFiling. Book an appointment if manual verification is required.

Security best practice on eFiling

  • Never share your OTP or password with anyone, including people claiming to be SARS.
  • Keep your security contact details current to avoid lockouts. If both have changed, SARS must verify your identity via the Contact Centre or a booked appointment.
  • Use strong, unique passwords that meet the new criteria; change them if you suspect any compromise.

Final word

Registering for SARS eFiling in 2025 is a once-off process that unlocks faster, safer, and more convenient tax management. With automatic tax-number allocation for South African ID holders, stricter two-factor security, and facial biometrics, the onboarding experience is both simple and secure. Keep your details up to date, store your Notice of Registration, and explore the Dashboard tools to make filing season painless.

If you get stuck, do not worry — SARS provides multiple channels for help, including the Contact Centre and eBooking for virtual or branch assistance.

Sources

Key SARS pages and guides used in this article (accessed September 2025):

Related Posts