Nobody likes going to SARS. But at some point, most of us have to. Maybe you’re locked out of SARS eFiling. Maybe SARS sent you a letter that looks scary. Or maybe you just started your first job and need a tax number. Many people wait for hours at a SARS office, only to be sent home. They had no appointment, or they forgot a document. That’s a wasted morning.
This guide will help you avoid that. Here you’ll learn all about SARS branches in South Africa: when they’re open, how to book a SARS appointment, what to bring, how to find the SARS branch nearest to you, and what they can help with. You’ll also find a simple way to skip the trip altogether.
Note: SARS sometimes changes its branches, hours and booking rules. Check sars.gov.za before you go.
SARS Branch Locator
Pick your province to see where SARS branches are. Branch hours and closures change, so always check sars.gov.za before you travel — and book an appointment online first.
What Is a SARS Branch?
A SARS branch is an office of the South African Revenue Service. You go there to get help with your tax in person.
There are branches in all nine provinces. In busy times, SARS also sends mobile tax units to small towns and rural areas.
Today, SARS does most things online. Branches still matter, but they mainly help with things you can’t do on a computer. For example, proving who you are, fixing hard account problems, or checking original documents.
So a branch is not a place to drop in with any question. First, you need to know when they’re open.
SARS Branch Opening Hours
Most SARS branches are open at these times:
| Day | Typical SARS branch hours |
|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 to 16:00 (later start for staff training) |
| Saturday, Sunday & public holidays | Closed |
Watch out for Wednesday. Branches open an hour later that day. If you arrive at 08:00, you’ll be waiting outside.
Are SARS branches open on Saturday? Usually not. Some branches have opened on a few Saturdays in busy tax season (about July to October), but not every year. Check SARS news before you plan a weekend visit.
In tax season, some branches stay open a little longer. That’s nice, but don’t count on it.
Do You Need an Appointment to Visit a SARS Branch?
Yes, in almost all cases.
SARS branches now work with appointments. This means shorter queues and less waiting. The staff also have more time to help you properly.
Can you walk in without an appointment? Sometimes. Some branches help walk-ins if there’s a free slot, but only for a few services. You may wait for hours and still not be seen. Only try this if it’s urgent.
The best choice is to book. It only takes about five minutes.
How to Book a SARS Branch Appointment (Step-by-Step)
Booking a SARS appointment online is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Go to the SARS website (sars.gov.za). Click “Book an appointment”. You’ll find it on the homepage or under “Contact Us”.
- Enter your details. This includes SARS tax number (if you have one).
- Choose why you’re visiting. Pick carefully, so you see the right person.
- Choose a SARS branch. Pick the one that suits you best.
- Choose a date and time. Big branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town fill up fast, mostly in tax season.
- Confirm and save your booking number. SARS sends it by SMS or email. Take a screenshot to keep it safe.
Want to book by SMS? Send the word “Booking” and your ID number to 47277. A SARS agent will call you back.
If you can’t go, please cancel or change your booking. Use the link in your confirmation. Someone else can then use your slot.
List of SARS Branches by Province
Here is a SARS branch list by province. It shows the main towns and cities with a SARS office. It’s not a full list. Later, you’ll see how to find exact addresses.
| Province | Main SARS branch locations |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Pretoria, Alberton, Benoni, Germiston, Krugersdorp, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs, Vereeniging |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Bellville, Mitchells Plain, Paarl, George, Worcester |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Newcastle, Port Shepstone |
| Eastern Cape | Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Mthatha, Komani (Queenstown) |
| Free State | Bloemfontein, Welkom, Kroonstad |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou, Giyani |
| Mpumalanga | Mbombela (Nelspruit), eMalahleni (Witbank), Middelburg |
| North West | Rustenburg, Mahikeng, Klerksdorp |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley, Upington |
SARS branches in Gauteng
Gauteng has the most SARS branches. The ones in Johannesburg and Pretoria are very busy. Try a smaller branch like Alberton or Krugersdorp. The drive may be longer, but the wait is often shorter.
SARS branches in Cape Town and the Western Cape
Most people go to the SARS branches in Cape Town or Bellville. If you live near the Cape Flats, Mitchells Plain may be easier.
SARS branches in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal
The SARS branches in Durban get very busy in tax season. Pietermaritzburg is another option.
Smaller provinces
In the Northern Cape and Limpopo, branches are far apart. Here, SARS mobile tax units help a lot. Look out for when one visits your area.
Closed or Relocated SARS Branches
This catches many people out, so please read it.
SARS has closed, joined or moved some branches over the years. Some moved to new buildings. Others joined nearby offices. Sometimes a branch also closes for a short time because of repairs, power cuts or safety issues.
If you use an old address, you could drive to an empty building.
To avoid this:
- Check the SARS website for closed branches before every visit.
- Don’t trust Google Maps alone. It can be out of date.
- Read your booking confirmation. It shows the right address.
- Not sure? Call the SARS Contact Centre to check the branch is open.
Services Offered at SARS Branches
A SARS branch can help you with:
- Getting a tax number if you can’t do it online
- Changing your details, like bank details, address or phone number (bank changes often need a visit)
- eFiling help, like signing up, fixing your profile or resetting your password
- SARS tax returns (ITR12), with help to fill them in and send them
- Verification and audits, where you hand in papers SARS asked for
- Statements of account, so you know what you owe or what SARS owes you
- Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PINs, which replaced the old tax clearance certificate
- Payment plans if you can’t pay your tax debt at once
- Help with disputes and objections
- Customs and excise questions at some branches
Branches don’t give personal tax planning advice. For that, talk to a registered tax practitioner.
Documents to Bring to a SARS Branch
Most people are sent home because they forgot a document. Use this checklist before you go:
Always bring:
- Your original ID book, smart ID card or passport
- Your SARS booking confirmation
- Your tax number (if you have one)
You may also need:
- Proof of address (not older than three months)
- A bank statement or bank letter with your account details (for bank changes)
- IRP5 / IT3(a) certificates from your employer
- Medical aid and retirement annuity tax certificates
- Any letters SARS sent you
- Papers that support your claims or deductions
Going for someone else? Bring a signed power of attorney, a certified copy of their ID, and your own ID. Without these, SARS can’t help you with their tax.
Tip: bring originals and copies. Not every branch can make copies.
Can You Avoid Visiting a SARS Branch? (Digital Alternatives)
Here’s the good news: often, you don’t need to go to a branch at all.
You can do many things from home:
- SARS eFiling (sarsefiling.co.za): file your return, check your statement, get a TCS PIN, upload documents and lodge disputes.
- SARS MobiApp: eFiling on your phone. Great for simple tax returns.
- SARS Online Query System (SOQS): ask a question or get a reference number, even without eFiling.
- Virtual appointments (eBooking): talk to a SARS agent on a video call. Same help, no queue.
- SARS Contact Centre: for quick questions.
Virtual appointments are a great option that many people don’t use. If you don’t need to show original documents, try one first. If they can’t help, they’ll tell you to come in.
You’ll still need to visit a branch to change bank details, prove who you are, for some registrations, or if SARS asks you to come in.
How to Find the SARS Branch Nearest to You
Searching “SARS branch near me” on Google can help, but it’s not always right. Try this instead:
- Use the SARS branch locator on sars.gov.za (under “Contact Us”). It shows SARS office addresses and hours.
- Look while you book. The booking system only shows open branches.
- Check for mobile tax units if the nearest SARS office is far away.
- Use Google Maps for directions, but trust the SARS website for the address.
If you live in a big city like Johannesburg or Pretoria, you may have a few branches close by. Compare them before you choose.
SARS Branch Map — Pick a Branch
Choose a branch below to see it on the map. The map is from Google Maps — use it for directions, but confirm the branch address on the SARS website before you go.
Tips for a Smooth SARS Branch Visit
These simple tips can make your visit much easier:
- Arrive about 15 minutes early. You’ll have time to get through security.
- Avoid month-end and early tax season if you can. The middle of the month is quieter.
- Book the first slot of the day. There’s no backlog yet.
- Write down your questions. It’s easy to forget when you’re nervous.
- Keep all your papers in one folder. It saves time.
- Ask for a reference number before you leave. It’s your proof of the visit.
- Be kind to the staff. They didn’t make the tax rules. Being friendly helps.
- Charge your phone. You may need an OTP or your SMS confirmation.
SARS Contact Details
Here’s how to contact SARS:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| SARS Contact Centre | 0800 00 7277 (toll-free, weekdays) |
| Calling from outside South Africa | +27 11 602 2093 |
| SMS booking | Send “Booking” + your ID number to 47277 |
| Website | www.sars.gov.za |
| eFiling | www.sarsefiling.co.za |
| Fraud and corruption hotline | 0800 00 2870 |
Important: SARS will never ask for your bank PIN or password by email, SMS or phone. Scammers are busy in tax season. If a message looks strange, don’t click the link. Report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SARS branches open on Saturday?
Usually not. Some branches have opened on a few Saturdays in busy tax season (about July to October), but not every year. Check SARS news before you plan a weekend visit.
Do I need an appointment to visit a SARS branch?
Yes, in almost all cases. SARS branches now work with appointments. Some branches help walk-ins if there’s a free slot, but you may wait for hours and still not be seen.
How do I book a SARS branch appointment?
Go to the SARS website, click “Book an appointment”, enter your details, choose a branch, date and time, then confirm and save your booking number.
What documents should I bring to a SARS branch?
Always bring your original ID or passport, your booking confirmation and your tax number if you have one, plus any supporting documents SARS asked for.
Can I avoid visiting a SARS branch?
Often, yes. You can use eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, the Online Query System, virtual appointments or the Contact Centre. You’ll still need a visit for bank detail changes, proving who you are, some registrations, or if SARS asks you to come in.
How do I find the SARS branch nearest to me?
Use the SARS branch locator on sars.gov.za, check the booking system, or look for mobile tax units if the nearest office is far away.
Conclusion
A visit to a SARS branch doesn’t have to be hard. Most problems come from three things: no appointment, a missing document, or going to a branch that has moved or closed. Avoid these three, and your visit will go much better.
Before you book, ask yourself: can I do this online or with a virtual appointment? Most of the time, you can. That’s the easiest way to deal with SARS.