HOW-TO

How to Check If You Owe SARS (Statement of Account)

Your SARS Statement of Account (ITSA) is the key to understanding your tax position. Here's how to access and interpret it.

Step by step

1. Log in to SARS eFilingGo to the official SARS eFiling website and sign in with your own username and password. If you do not yet have an account, set one up first; our eFiling registration guide covers the process. Never log in through a link sent to you by SMS or email.
2. Open your Statement of Account (ITSA)Once logged in, look for the Statement of Account icon, usually near the top right of the screen. This opens the Income Tax Statement of Account, known as the ITSA, which lists your transaction history per tax year.
3. Choose the period you want to reviewSelect the tax year or a date range so the statement covers the period you care about. If you are unsure, choose a range that spans the last few years to catch any older unpaid balances or penalties.
4. Click Refresh BalancesThe screen may show a cached figure. Click Refresh Balances to pull the most current position. The Account Balance Summary then highlights any unpaid amounts and the dates by which they are due.
5. Read the balance correctlyA positive "Amount Due" or "Outstanding" figure means you owe SARS. If SARS owes you, a refund amount and expected payment date appear instead. Note that the total may include penalties and interest added to the original assessment.
6. Use the SMS or MobiApp if you cannot log inIf you are away from a computer, SMS Balance, a space, then your ID number to 47277, or request a statement on the SARS MobiApp. As of 2026 the SMS channel is free; confirm current details on the official SARS site.

Wondering whether you owe SARS or SARS owes you? The answer lies in your Statement of Account, which provides a detailed breakdown of your tax position. Understanding how to check if you owe SARS (Statement of Account) is crucial for managing your tax obligations effectively.

Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or a business owner, knowing how to access and interpret your SARS Statement of Account (ITSA) is essential. This guide will walk you through the process of checking your SARS balance using eFiling, the MobiApp, and SMS, ensuring you have all the information you need to stay on top of your tax affairs.

How can I check if I owe SARS using eFiling?

How can I check if I owe SARS using eFiling?

To determine whether you owe SARS or if SARS owes you, accessing your Statement of Account (ITSA) through the SARS eFiling platform is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your balance using eFiling:

First, log in to the official SARS eFiling website using your unique username and password. If you haven’t registered for eFiling yet, you will need to set up an account. Ensure you follow the official registration process and never log in through any links sent to you via SMS or email to avoid security risks.

Once logged in, navigate to the Statement of Account icon, typically located near the top right of the screen. Clicking this icon will open your Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA), which provides a detailed transaction history for each tax year. To focus on the period you are interested in, select the specific tax year or date range. This selection ensures the statement covers the timeframe you need to review. If you’re unsure about the period, choosing a range that spans the last few years can help you identify any older unpaid balances or penalties.

After selecting the appropriate period, click the “Refresh Balances” button. This action updates the screen with the most current figures, ensuring you have the latest information. The Account Balance Summary will then display any unpaid amounts and the due dates for these payments. You should read the balance correctly:

• A positive “Amount Due” or “Outstanding” figure indicates that you owe SARS money.
• If SARS owes you, a refund amount and the expected payment date will be shown instead.
• Note that the total may include any penalties and interest added to the original assessment.

If you encounter difficulties accessing eFiling, you can also check your balance via SMS or the SARS MobiApp. For SMS, send “Balance” followed by a space and your ID number to 47277. For the MobiApp, simply log in and request a statement. Remember to verify current details on the official SARS website, as the SMS service is set to be free until 2026.

What is the process for accessing the SARS Statement of Account (ITSA)?

What is the process for accessing the SARS Statement of Account (ITSA)?

To check whether you owe SARS or if SARS owes you, you need to access your Statement of Account (ITSA). This document provides a detailed overview of your tax transactions and outstanding balances. Here’s how you can access your ITSA through various channels:

First, you can use the SARS eFiling platform. Follow these steps:

• Log in to the official SARS eFiling website using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to register first.
• Once logged in, locate the Statement of Account (ITSA) icon, usually found near the top right of the screen.
• Click on the ITSA icon to open your Income Tax Statement of Account, which lists your transaction history per tax year.
• Select the tax year or date range you wish to review. If you are unsure, choose a range that spans the last few years to ensure you catch any older unpaid balances or penalties.
• Click on Refresh Balances to update the figures and view the most current position. The Account Balance Summary will highlight any unpaid amounts and their due dates.

Alternatively, you can use the SARS MobiApp or SMS service. If you are away from a computer, you can send an SMS with the keyword Balance followed by a space and your ID number to 47277. As of 2023, this service is free, but it is always wise to confirm the current details on the official SARS website. The MobiApp also allows you to request a statement directly from your mobile device.

When reviewing your ITSA, You should read the balance correctly. A positive “Amount Due” or “Outstanding” figure indicates that you owe SARS. Conversely, if SARS owes you, a refund amount and the expected payment date will be displayed. Remember that the total may include any penalties and interest added to the original assessment.

How do I use the SARS MobiApp to check my balance?

How do I use the SARS MobiApp to check my balance?

Checking your SARS balance using the MobiApp is a convenient option if you are away from a computer or prefer using a mobile device. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

First, ensure that you have the SARS MobiApp installed on your smartphone. You can download it from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for iOS devices. Once the app is installed, open it to begin.

Next, log in to the SARS MobiApp using your eFiling credentials. If you do not have an eFiling account, you will need to register for one on the official SARS eFiling website before you can use the MobiApp. Remember to never log in through a link sent to you by SMS or email to avoid phishing scams.

Once you are logged in, follow these steps to check your balance:

• Navigate to the “Services” section of the app.
• Select the “Statement of Account (ITSA)” option. This will open your Income Tax Statement of Account, which lists your transaction history per tax year.
• Choose the tax year or date range you wish to review. If you are unsure, selecting a range that spans the last few years is advisable to catch any older unpaid balances or penalties.
• Click on “Refresh Balances” to ensure you are viewing the most current figures. This will update the Account Balance Summary, highlighting any unpaid amounts and the dates by which they are due.

Interpreting the balance is straightforward: a positive “Amount Due” or “Outstanding” figure indicates that you owe SARS money. Conversely, if SARS owes you, a refund amount and the expected payment date will be displayed. Note that the total may include any penalties and interest added to the original assessment.

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, you can contact SARS directly through the app’s help section or visit the official SARS website for more detailed guidance.

Using the SARS MobiApp to check your balance is not only convenient but also ensures that you have real-time access to your tax information, helping you stay on top of your financial obligations.

Can I check if I owe SARS via SMS?

Can I check if I owe SARS via SMS?

Yes, you can check if you owe SARS (South African Revenue Service) using SMS as a convenient alternative to eFiling or the MobiApp. This method is particularly useful if you are away from a computer or prefer not to use the mobile application. To check your balance via SMS, you need to send a message to the SARS SMS service number.

Here is how you can do it:

• Open the SMS application on your mobile phone.
• Compose a new message.
• Type Balance followed by a space and your ID number. For example: Balance 1234567890123.
• Send the message to 47277.

Once you send the SMS, you will receive a reply from SARS with your Statement of Account details. This will include your current balance, any outstanding amounts, and whether SARS owes you a refund. The response will also indicate any penalties or interest that may have been added to your account.

While the SMS service is a quick way to check your balance, it does not provide the detailed transaction history that you would see on eFiling or the MobiApp. For a comprehensive view of your tax account, you may still need to log in to one of those platforms.

Here is a summary of the SMS service:

Remember to ensure that your ID number is entered correctly to receive accurate information. If you encounter any issues with the SMS service, consider using the SARS MobiApp or eFiling for more detailed and reliable information.

What documents or requirements are needed to check my SARS balance?

What documents or requirements are needed to check my SARS balance?

To check your SARS (South African Revenue Service) balance, you need to have certain documents and meet specific requirements to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you need to know:

First and foremost, you must have access to the SARS eFiling platform or the SARS MobiApp. To log in to these platforms, you will need:

• Your valid South African ID number.
• A registered SARS eFiling profile. If you do not have one, you can register on the official SARS eFiling website. The registration process requires your ID number and some personal information.
• A secure internet connection to access your account and avoid potential security risks.

Once you have these basic requirements, you can proceed to check your SARS balance. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

If you owe SARS money, the Statement of Account will show a positive “Amount Due” or “Outstanding” figure. Conversely, if SARS owes you, a refund amount and expected payment date will be displayed. Always ensure that your information is up-to-date and accurate to avoid any discrepancies.

By having these documents and following these steps, you can easily check your SARS balance and stay on top of your tax obligations.

Are there any fees or timelines associated with checking my SARS balance?

Are there any fees or timelines associated with checking my SARS balance?

When it comes to checking your SARS balance, there are no direct fees associated with accessing your Statement of Account (ITSA) through the official SARS channels. Whether you use SARS eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or the SMS service, checking your balance is a free service provided by SARS. However, it’s important to note that while there are no fees for accessing your balance, any penalties or interest that have accrued on your outstanding amount will be included in the total amount due.

Regarding timelines, the process of checking your SARS balance is generally instantaneous when using the eFiling platform or the MobiApp. Once you log in and navigate to the Statement of Account section, you can view your current balance by clicking on the Refresh Balances button. This ensures that you are seeing the most up-to-date information. If you are using the SMS service, the response time may vary, but it typically takes only a few minutes to receive a reply with your balance information.

Here is a summary of the key methods and their respective timelines:

You should ensure that you are accessing your balance through official SARS channels to avoid any potential security risks. Never use links sent to you via SMS or email to log in. Always go directly to the official SARS eFiling website or use the verified SARS MobiApp. This practice helps protect your personal information and ensures that you are receiving accurate information about your SARS balance.

What should I do if I find out I owe SARS money?

What should I do if I find out I owe SARS money?

If your Statement of Account (ITSA) reveals that you owe SARS money, You should take prompt action to avoid additional penalties and interest. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next:

1. Verify the Amount Due: Double-check the balance to ensure accuracy. The “Amount Due” or “Outstanding” figure indicates the amount you owe, which may include penalties and interest. If you believe there’s an error, contact SARS immediately for clarification.
2. Understand the Payment Deadline: Note the due date for the payment. Failing to pay by this date can result in further penalties and interest. The Account Balance Summary in your ITSA will highlight these dates.
3. Choose a Payment Method: SARS offers several ways to pay your outstanding amount:
   • EFT or Bank Transfer: Use your SARS payment reference number to make a transfer via your bank’s online platform.
   • Debit Order: Set up a debit order through SARS eFiling for automatic payments.
   • At a Bank Branch: Pay at any branch of the supported banks using the SARS payment reference number.
   • Mobile Payment: Use the SARS MobiApp to make a quick and secure payment.
4. Keep Records: After making the payment, keep a record of the transaction for your records. This includes the payment confirmation and updated Statement of Account.

If you are unable to pay the full amount by the due date, consider applying for a payment arrangement. SARS may allow you to pay in installments, but you need to apply through eFiling or contact SARS directly. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Remember, ignoring the debt will only lead to more complications. Act promptly and responsibly to resolve your tax obligations with SARS.

CluedUp is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.