If you are a South African citizen or a foreign national working in South Africa, you need to have a SARS tax number. This unique identifier allows the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to keep track of your tax payments and ensure that you are paying the right amount of tax.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about SARS tax numbers, including how to get one, whether they expire, and who qualifies for a tax number.
What is a SARS Tax Number?
A SARS tax number is a unique identifier assigned to South African citizens and foreign nationals who are working in South Africa. This number is used by SARS to track your tax payments and ensure that you are paying the right amount of tax.
Without a tax number, you will not be able to pay your taxes, and this could result in penalties and fines from SARS. Additionally, some employers may require you to have a tax number before they can hire you.
Does a SARS Tax Number Expire?
No, a SARS tax number does not expire. Once you have been assigned a tax number, it will stay with you for life. However, if you are not using your tax number, SARS may deactivate it, and you will need to reactivate it if you want to use it again.
How to Get a SARS Tax Number Online
You can get a SARS tax number online by following these steps:
- Visit the SARS eFiling website.
- Click on the “Register” button.
- Follow the prompts to register as a taxpayer.
- Once you have registered, SARS will assign you a tax number.
Does a SARS Tax Number Change?
No, a SARS tax number does not change. Once you have been assigned a tax number, it will stay with you for life.
Who Qualifies for a Tax Number?
Anyone who earns an income in South Africa or is working in South Africa qualifies for a SARS tax number. This includes South African citizens and foreign nationals.
When applying for a SARS tax number, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Your South African ID number or passport number (if you are a foreign national)
- Your contact details (e.g. phone number, email address)
- Your banking details (for tax refunds)
It usually takes around 10 business days to get a SARS tax number. However, if there are any issues with your application, it could take longer. If you are applying for a tax number online, the process may be faster, and you could receive your tax number within a few days.
If you ever lose your SARS tax number, you can either contact SARS directly and ask them to provide you with your tax number (You will need to provide them with your personal details, such as your full name, ID number, and date of birth, to verify your identity) or visit a SARS branch in person and ask them to provide you with your tax number (You will need to bring your ID book or passport as proof of identity).
eFiling is also a great alternative. If you have registered for eFiling, you can log in to your account and view your tax number on your profile.