It’s your first day at a new job. HR gives you a form. You fill in your name, ID number and bank details. Then you see one more box: “Tax number.”
You stop. Do you have one? Where is it? Is it the same as your ID number?
Many people feel this way. The SARS tax number is important, but few people explain it clearly. Employers, banks and tender forms all ask for it.
This guide will help. You’ll learn what a tax number is, how to get one, how to find a lost one and how to keep it safe. I’ll also explain a common mix-up that makes people register with SARS twice. We’ll get to it soon.
SARS Tax Number Recovery Guide
Lost your tax number? Pick where you might find it and we will show you the steps. We never ask you to type your tax number or ID here.
What Is a SARS Tax Number?
A SARS tax number, also called a SARS tax reference number, is a 10-digit number from SARS. SARS uses it to know who you are. Your tax returns, refunds and SARS letters are all linked to it.
Your tax number stays the same for life. It doesn’t change when you get a new job or move house.
Now, the mix-up. Your tax number is not your ID number. It’s also not your SARS eFiling username. These are three different things. Some people confuse them, think they don’t have a tax number and register again. This creates a second record at SARS, which can take weeks to fix.
Different Types of SARS Tax Numbers
Most people mean their income tax number when they say “tax number”. But SARS has a few types:
| Type | Who needs it | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax reference number | People and companies | The one most people need |
| VAT number | Businesses registered for VAT | Usually starts with 4 |
| PAYE reference number | Employers | Usually starts with 7 |
| Customs code | Importers and exporters | For moving goods across borders |
If you’re an employee, you only need the first one. Business owners may have more than one, so check you use the right one on each form.
Why You Need a SARS Tax Number
If you earn money in South Africa, you will most likely need one. You need it to:
- File your SARS tax return each year.
- Start a new job.
- Get a tax refund.
- Open some investment or retirement accounts.
- Apply for tenders or get a Tax Compliance Status PIN.
- Register a business or register for VAT.
Tip: get your tax number early, even if you don’t need it yet. It’s easy when you have time and stressful when you’re in a hurry.
Do You Already Have a SARS Tax Number?
You may already have one. Many employers register their workers with SARS. If you’ve had a formal job before, you probably have a number.
The easiest way to check is your IRP5 certificate or a recent payslip. Many employers print your tax number on them. If it’s not there, see the “Lost or Forgot” section below for other places to look.
Checking only takes a few minutes. Registering again takes much longer.
How to Register for a SARS Tax Number
No tax number yet? Here’s how to get a SARS tax number.
What you need
- Your South African ID, or your passport if you’re not a citizen.
- Proof of address, usually not older than three months.
- Proof of your bank account.
Option 1: Register online with SARS eFiling
This is the easiest way to register for a SARS tax number online. Create a SARS eFiling profile, follow the steps and upload your documents.
Option 2: Use the SARS Online Query System
You can ask for a tax number through the SARS Online Query System without logging in.
Option 3: Visit a SARS branch
Book an appointment online first. Take your original documents with you.
Registering a business
A company registered with CIPC is often registered for income tax automatically. But you must register for VAT and PAYE separately.
How Long Does It Take to Get a SARS Tax Number?
It depends. If your documents are correct, online registration can take just a few working days. If SARS needs to check something, it takes longer.
You’ll usually get your number by SMS, email or on your eFiling profile.
Is it taking too long? Check your eFiling inbox. SARS may need another document from you. If not, call SARS and have your ID number ready.
Lost or Forgot Your SARS Tax Number? Here’s How to Find It
Don’t worry. Try these steps to find your SARS tax number, starting with the easiest:
- Check your IRP5 or payslip. It’s often near the top.
- Log in to eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. Your number is on your profile.
- Ask your employer’s payroll or HR team. They usually have it.
- Look at old SARS letters or emails. Your number is on them.
- Call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. Have your ID number ready.
- Visit a SARS branch. Book first and take your ID.
When you find it, save it somewhere safe, like a password manager or a locked note on your phone.
How to Verify a SARS Tax Number
Sometimes you need to check someone’s SARS tax status, for example when you hire someone or choose a supplier.
You can’t look up someone’s tax number online. SARS keeps it private to protect people.
Instead, use the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) system. The other person gets a TCS PIN on eFiling and gives it to you. You use the PIN to check their status with SARS. It shows if they are registered and up to date, without sharing private details.
If someone asks you to prove your status, share a TCS PIN. It’s safer than sending your tax documents.
How to Update Your Details Linked to Your Tax Number
Your tax number doesn’t change, but your details might. If you move, get a new phone number or change banks, tell SARS.
You can update your details on:
- SARS eFiling: go to your profile and change your details.
- The SARS MobiApp: good for quick updates.
- A SARS branch: for changes that need an in-person check.
Be aware that changing bank details takes extra steps. Scammers often try to change bank details to steal refunds. So SARS may ask for documents or a branch visit first.
Tip: check your details once a year, before tax season.
How to Keep Your SARS Tax Number Safe
Scammers can use your tax number and ID number to file fake returns, steal refunds or take out credit in your name.
How to protect it:
- Only share it with people who need it, like your employer, bank or tax practitioner.
- Never send it in reply to a strange email, SMS or WhatsApp.
- Don’t post photos of your payslip or tax documents online.
- Shred old tax papers.
- Report identity theft to SARS, and send fake emails to [email protected].
Remember: if a stranger asks for your tax number “to process your refund”, it’s a scam. SARS already has your number.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering twice. Check if you already have a number before you apply.
- Using the wrong number on a form. Your VAT number, PAYE number and ID number are not your income tax number.
- Ignoring SARS messages. Read and reply to anything SARS sends you.
- Paying for “tax number services”. Registering with SARS is free.
These mistakes are small, but they can cause long delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many digits is a SARS tax number?
A SARS income tax number has 10 digits.
Can I have more than one SARS tax number?
No. Each person should have only one. If you have two by mistake, ask SARS to merge them.
Do I need a new tax number if I start a business?
If you work for yourself as a sole proprietor, you usually keep your own number. A registered company gets its own number.
What if my IRP5 shows the wrong tax number?
Ask your employer’s payroll team to fix it and give you a new IRP5.
Is it free to get a SARS tax number?
Yes, it’s free.
Do I need a tax number if I earn below the threshold?
You may not pay tax, but it’s still good to have one. It makes future jobs and refunds easier.
Can foreigners get a SARS tax number?
Yes. If you earn money in South Africa, you can register with your passport.
Does my child need a tax number?
Usually not, unless your child earns money.
Conclusion
Your SARS tax number is one of your most important numbers, just like your ID number. It’s simple to manage. Check before you register, keep it safe and tell SARS when your details change. Do this once, and you’ll always be ready when someone asks for your tax number.