It’s 4:47 pm. The tender closes at 5. Your documents are ready. Then you see one line on the checklist: “Attach a valid SARS tax clearance certificate.” Your heart sinks. Many South African business owners have been here. You rush to eFiling, forget your password, and realise SARS won’t hurry just because you’re in a rush.
Here’s the surprise: the paper tax clearance certificate is gone. SARS replaced it years ago. People still use the old name, though. This guide explains what you need, how to get it, and why SARS sometimes says no. Look out for the section on rejected applications. The most common reason has nothing to do with money.
What Is a SARS Tax Clearance Certificate?
A SARS tax clearance certificate proves your taxes are in order. It shows that you’re registered, your returns are filed, and you don’t owe SARS money (or you have a plan to pay it).
It used to be a paper certificate that lasted 12 months. In April 2016, SARS replaced it with the SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) system. Now you get a TCS PIN. It’s a code that others use to check your tax status online.
I think this is better. Paper certificates were easy to fake. They also only showed your status on the day they were printed. The PIN fixes both problems.
You can still print a TCS page from eFiling. Many people call it a “tax compliance certificate”. But the PIN is what matters. So when someone in South Africa asks for your tax clearance certificate, they mean your TCS PIN.
Why You Might Need a Tax Clearance Certificate
You’ll usually need it when something important is on the line. For example:
- Government tenders. To work with any government department, municipality or state company, your status must be green.
- The Central Supplier Database (CSD). The CSD checks your status with SARS automatically.
- Investing overseas. To move more than your yearly allowance offshore, you need SARS approval.
- Moving money abroad after leaving SA. This used to be called “emigration” clearance. Since March 2021, it’s called an Approval International Transfer (AIT).
- Private contracts. Many big companies ask suppliers for a TCS PIN.
- Loans. Some lenders want proof you don’t owe SARS.
- Licences and permits. Some licences, like liquor licences, may need it.
My advice: check your status now, before you need it. Problems are easier to fix without a deadline.
Types of Tax Compliance Status Requests
When you apply, SARS asks why you need the PIN. Choose carefully. If you pick the wrong type, you’ll have to start again.
| Request type | When to use it | Documents needed? | How long it takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Standing | Contracts, loans or licences | Usually none | Often instant |
| Tender | Government or state tenders | Usually none | Often instant |
| Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA) | Investing overseas above your allowance | Yes, like proof of where the money came from | Up to about 21 business days |
| Approval International Transfer (AIT) | Moving money abroad after you stop being a tax resident | Yes, including a list of your assets and debts | A few weeks |
Good Standing and Tender are the easy ones. If your records are clean, you can get a PIN in minutes.
FIA and AIT take longer because a SARS official checks them. Start early, and ask your financial adviser for help.
Requirements to Obtain a SARS Tax Clearance Certificate
Before you apply, check these things:
- You’re registered with SARS for the right taxes. For most people, that’s income tax. Businesses may also need VAT, PAYE or provisional tax.
- You can use eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or a registered tax practitioner.
- Tax Compliance Status is switched on in eFiling. Many people forget this step.
- All your returns are filed, including old ones.
- You don’t owe SARS money, or you have an approved payment plan.
- Your details are correct: address, phone number and bank details. Companies should also check their directors and public officer.
- You’ve sent SARS any documents they asked for.
- For FIA and AIT, your documents are ready to upload.
Companies should also make sure their CIPC details match their SARS details. If they don’t, SARS may check your application by hand, which takes longer.
How to Get a SARS Tax Clearance Certificate (Step-by-Step)
eFiling is the fastest way. Here’s how:
- Log in to SARS eFiling. Forgot your password? Reset it now, not on deadline day.
- Switch on Tax Compliance Status (first time only). Find Tax Compliance Status in your profile. Activate it and accept the terms.
- Check your TCS dashboard. It shows green or red. If anything is red, fix it before you apply.
- Choose “Tax Compliance Status Request”. Pick the type: Good Standing, Tender, FIA or AIT.
- Fill in the form. Good Standing and Tender are quick. FIA and AIT need more details and documents.
- Submit. If you’re compliant, Good Standing and Tender PINs often appear right away. FIA and AIT go for review.
- Get your TCS PIN. It appears on your dashboard. You can also print the TCS page with your PIN and expiry date.
- Share the PIN, not your password. Give the PIN to the tender office, bank or client. They check it themselves.
Other ways to apply:
- SARS MobiApp: works almost the same as eFiling.
- SARS branch: you’ll usually need to book a SARS appointment. Bring your ID and documents.
- Tax practitioner: they can apply for you.
Red at step 3? Don’t worry. The next section shows you how to find exactly what’s wrong.
Understanding Your Tax Compliance Status Dashboard
The TCS dashboard works like a traffic light. At the top is your overall status. Green means you’re compliant. Red means something needs fixing.
SARS checks four things. Each has its own light:
| Check | What SARS looks at | If it’s red |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | You’re registered for all the right taxes | Register for the missing tax or fix your details |
| Submission of returns | No returns are missing | See which ones are missing and file them |
| Debt | You don’t owe tax, penalties or interest | Pay it, or set up a payment plan |
| Relevant material | You’ve sent the documents SARS asked for | Check your SARS letters and upload what’s needed |
You can click any red item to see the exact tax and period causing it.
One tip: the dashboard doesn’t always update right away. After you file or pay, wait a few working days for it to turn green.
How Long Is a SARS Tax Clearance Certificate Valid?
A TCS PIN is usually valid for up to 12 months. The expiry date is on your TCS page and dashboard.
But there’s a catch. Anyone who checks your PIN sees your status today, not on the day you got it. So if you get your PIN in January and miss a return in March, you’ll show as non-compliant in April. This is true even if your PIN hasn’t expired.
I think that’s fair. It means people have to stay compliant all year.
So remember: getting the PIN is step one; staying compliant is what matters. When your PIN expires, just request a new one on eFiling.
How Third Parties Verify Your Tax Compliance Status
With the PIN, nobody has to trust a piece of paper. They can check with SARS directly.
- On eFiling: the tender office, bank or company logs in to their own eFiling, chooses “verify TCS PIN”, and enters your PIN.
- Through the CSD: for government suppliers, the CSD gets your status from SARS automatically.
- With your permission: you can let certain people view your status on eFiling.
Good to know:
- They only see whether you’re compliant. They can’t see your income or returns.
- You can cancel a PIN at any time.
- If a PIN doesn’t check out, the document is useless. Always verify a supplier’s PIN. Fake certificates still exist.
Common Reasons Your Application Is Rejected (and How to Fix Them)
Here’s the surprise from the start. The most common reason for a red status isn’t unpaid tax. It’s a missing return you forgot about. It could be an old VAT return, a PAYE return for a closed company, or a provisional tax return from a side job. People remember debts. They often forget old returns.
Here are the common problems and fixes:
- Missing returns. Fix: check “Submission of returns” on your dashboard and file what’s missing. A nil return counts.
- Unpaid tax, penalties or interest. Fix: pay it, or apply for a payment plan on eFiling. Check for small penalties too.
- TCS not switched on. Fix: activate Tax Compliance Status in eFiling.
- Wrong request type. Fix: cancel and apply again with the right type.
- Wrong or old details. Fix: update them on eFiling or at a branch. Bank detail changes can take longer.
- Missing documents. Fix: check your SARS letters and send what they asked for.
- Incomplete FIA or AIT documents. Fix: attach every document, and make sure each one is clear.
- Registered for a tax you don’t use. Fix: if you closed a business but kept its VAT or PAYE number, SARS still expects returns. Deregister it.
Still red after a week? Contact SARS or book a branch visit. Sometimes it’s a system error.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Clearance Certificate?
It can take a few minutes to a few weeks. It depends on your tax record and the type of request.
- Good Standing or Tender, no problems: often instant.
- Good Standing or Tender, with problems: add the time to fix them, plus a few days for the dashboard to update.
- FIA: up to about 21 business days.
- AIT: a few weeks, or longer if SARS has questions.
Simple rule: start at least a month early for FIA or AIT, and at least a week early for a tender.
Cost of a SARS Tax Clearance Certificate
It’s free. SARS doesn’t charge for a tax clearance certificate or TCS PIN.
You might still pay for:
- Tax you owe. Any tax, penalties or interest must be paid or put on a payment plan.
- A tax practitioner. They charge for their time if you need help.
And watch out for scams. If someone offers to sell you a tax clearance certificate, say no. It’s fraud, and a fake document can get you banned from tenders.
Should You Use a Tax Practitioner?
It depends on your situation.
You can do it yourself if:
- you earn a salary and your taxes are simple,
- your dashboard is already green,
- you only need a Good Standing or Tender PIN.
Get help if:
- you have several years of returns to catch up on,
- you owe SARS and need a payment plan,
- you’re applying for FIA or AIT,
- your business handles VAT, PAYE and provisional tax,
- you’ve tried before and you’re still red.
If you hire someone, make sure they’re registered with SARS and a recognised body like SAIT or SAICA. Ask for their practitioner number. A good practitioner can save you time, money and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SARS still issue tax clearance certificates?
Not on paper. Since 2016, SARS uses a TCS PIN instead.
What is the difference between a tax clearance certificate and a TCS PIN?
The old certificate showed your status on one day. The PIN shows your status right now.
How do I download my SARS tax clearance certificate?
Log in to eFiling, open your TCS dashboard, find your approved request, and print or save it.
How long is a SARS tax compliance PIN valid?
Up to 12 months. But if you fall behind, people checking your PIN will see it.
Can I get a tax clearance certificate at a SARS branch?
Yes, usually with an appointment. Online is faster.
Why is my SARS tax compliance status red?
Click the red light on your dashboard. It shows which tax and period is the problem.
How do I verify a tax compliance PIN?
Log in to your own eFiling, choose the TCS verification option, and enter the PIN.
Is there a fee for a tax clearance certificate?
No. SARS doesn’t charge for it.
Do I need a tax clearance certificate to emigrate?
If you’re moving money abroad after you stop being a tax resident, apply for an AIT instead.
Conclusion
Remember that 4:47 pm panic?
Getting a SARS tax clearance certificate, now called a TCS PIN, isn’t hard. It’s free, it’s online, and it’s often instant. The stress comes from leaving it too late.
So do this today:
- Log in to SARS eFiling and switch on Tax Compliance Status.
- Check your dashboard. If it’s red, click to see why.
- Fix small problems now, like a missing return or old bank details.
- Get your PIN early, and note when it expires.
Next time a form asks for your tax clearance certificate, you’ll just share your PIN and move on.