How to check your tax compliance status in South Africa

As a taxpayer in South Africa, it is important to know your tax compliance status. Your tax compliance status refers to whether or not you are up to date with your tax obligations.

Failing to comply with your tax obligations can result in penalties, legal action, and difficulty in obtaining credit or loans. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of your tax compliance status and take steps to become tax compliant if necessary.

This article aims to discuss and educate you on the entire process of how to check your tax compliance status. We will cover both online and in-person methods for checking your tax compliance status.

Additionally, we will discuss the importance of tax compliance and what to do if your tax compliance status is non-compliant.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to be a responsible taxpayer in South Africa and ensure that you are meeting your tax obligations.

What is Tax Compliance?

Before we dive into the details of checking your tax compliance status, it’s important to understand what tax compliance is.

Tax compliance refers to a taxpayer’s adherence to the tax laws and regulations of a country. This includes the timely and accurate filing of tax returns and the payment of taxes owed.

Tax compliance is important for both taxpayers and the government. For taxpayers, being tax compliant can help avoid penalties and legal action.

For the government, tax compliance helps ensure that revenue is collected to fund essential services and programs.

How to Check Your Tax Compliance Status

There are two ways to check your tax compliance status in South Africa: online and in person.

How to Check Your Tax Compliance Status Online

To check your tax compliance status online, follow these steps:

Visit the South African Revenue Service (SARS) website at www.sars.gov.za.
Click on the “Services” tab and select “Check Tax Compliance”.
Enter your tax reference number and click “Next”.
Enter the security code and click “Next”.
Your tax compliance status will be displayed.

How to Check Your Tax Compliance Status In Person

To check your tax compliance status in person, follow these steps:

Visit your nearest SARS branch.
Bring your ID document or passport and your tax reference number.
Request to check your tax compliance status.
A SARS official will assist you and provide you with your tax compliance status.

What if Your Tax Compliance Status is Non-Compliant?

If your tax compliance status is non-compliant, it means that you have not met your tax obligations. This can result in penalties, legal action, and difficulty in obtaining credit or loans. It is important to take steps to become tax compliant as soon as possible.

Steps to Become Tax Compliant

If your tax compliance status is non-compliant, follow these steps to become tax compliant:

File all outstanding tax returns.
Pay any taxes owed.
Register for any outstanding taxes.
Update your tax registration details.

If you need assistance with becoming tax compliant, you can contact SARS for assistance. SARS provides free assistance to taxpayers who are struggling to become tax compliant.