HOW-TO

How to Get a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)

The SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) is now exclusively digital, obtained through eFiling, and serves as proof of tax compliance for individuals and businesses.

Step by step

1. Register and log in to eFilingGo to the official SARS eFiling site (sarsefiling.co.za) and log in. If you are not registered, register first — you need eFiling access with at least one tax type (such as Income Tax) active on your profile.
2. Activate Tax Compliance StatusOpen the Tax Status menu and activate the Tax Compliance Status service. You only do this once; it then stays active on your profile.
3. Open My Compliance ProfileView your My Compliance Profile to see where you stand across returns and payments. This shows any red flags you must clear before your status can read compliant.
4. Clear any non-compliance firstIf the profile shows outstanding returns or debt, submit the returns or arrange payment (or a payment arrangement) with SARS. The PIN reflects your live status, so fix issues before requesting.
5. Request the TCS and choose the typeSelect Tax Compliance Status Request and pick the type you need — usually "Good Standing", or "Approval for International Transfer" if you are moving funds abroad. Complete and submit the form.
6. Receive and note your PINOnce SARS approves the request, it issues a unique PIN for that request. Confirm your contact details are correct so the PIN reaches you. Each request gets its own PIN.
7. Share the PIN with the third partyGive the PIN (and your tax reference number, if asked) to the organisation that needs to verify you. They enter it on eFiling to see your current status — nothing more.

How to Get a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) is a common question for individuals and businesses needing to prove their tax compliance in South Africa. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has modernized the process by replacing the old paper Tax Clearance Certificate with a digital Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN.

Obtaining a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) is now a straightforward, free, and entirely online process through the SARS eFiling platform. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you can quickly and efficiently obtain your TCS PIN.

How do I register for SARS eFiling to get a Tax Clearance PIN?

How do I register for SARS eFiling to get a Tax Clearance PIN?

To obtain a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN from SARS, you must first register for SARS eFiling. This online platform is essential for managing your tax compliance status and requesting your TCS PIN. Follow these steps to register and activate the necessary services:

1. Visit the SARS eFiling website: Go to the official SARS eFiling site at sarsefiling.co.za. If you are already registered, simply log in with your credentials. If not, you will need to register as a new user.

2. Register as a new user: Click on the “Register” button on the homepage. You will be prompted to enter your personal details, including your tax reference number. Ensure that the information you provide matches your official tax records to avoid any issues. Once you have completed the registration form, submit it for verification.

3. Activate your eFiling profile: After your registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate your profile. Follow the link provided in the email to set up your password and security questions.

4. Log in to eFiling: Use your newly created credentials to log in to your eFiling account. Once logged in, you will need to activate the Tax Compliance Status service.

5. Activate the Tax Compliance Status service: Navigate to the “Tax Status” menu and select the option to activate the Tax Compliance Status service. This step only needs to be completed once, and the service will remain active on your profile.

Here is a summary of the key steps and requirements:

Once you have completed these steps, you can proceed to request your TCS PIN. Remember, the TCS PIN is free of charge, and any entity claiming to issue a certificate for a fee is not affiliated with SARS.

What are the requirements to activate the Tax Compliance Status service?

What are the requirements to activate the Tax Compliance Status service?

To activate the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) service on SARS eFiling, you must first ensure that you have a registered profile on the SARS eFiling platform. If you are not yet registered, you will need to visit the official SARS eFiling site and complete the registration process. During registration, You should link at least one active tax type, such as Income Tax, to your profile to access the TCS service.

Once your eFiling profile is set up and you are logged in, follow these steps to activate the TCS service:

• Navigate to the ‘Tax Status’ menu on your eFiling dashboard.
• Select the option to activate the Tax Compliance Status service.
• Complete the activation process, which typically involves agreeing to terms and conditions and confirming your details.

You only need to activate the TCS service once. After activation, the service will remain active on your profile, allowing you to request your Tax Compliance Status PIN whenever needed.

Before requesting your TCS PIN, ensure that your compliance profile is up to date and free of any red flags. This means you should have no outstanding returns or unpaid taxes. You can check your compliance status by opening your ‘My Compliance Profile’ on eFiling. If there are any issues, such as outstanding returns or debts, you must resolve them before proceeding. You can submit any missing returns or arrange a payment plan with SARS to clear any debts.

Here is a summary of the key requirements to activate the TCS service:

By following these steps and ensuring your compliance, you can successfully activate the TCS service and request your PIN for verification purposes.

How do I request a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) on eFiling?

How do I request a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) on eFiling?

Requesting a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) on eFiling is a straightforward process that replaces the old paper Tax Clearance Certificate system. Follow these steps to obtain your Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN, which third parties can use to verify your tax compliance status in real time.

First, ensure you have access to the SARS eFiling platform. If you are not yet registered, visit the official SARS eFiling site and complete the registration process. You will need to have at least one tax type, such as Income Tax, active on your profile to proceed.

Once registered and logged in, follow these steps to request your TCS PIN:

• Activate Tax Compliance Status: Navigate to the Tax Status menu and activate the Tax Compliance Status service. This activation is a one-time process and will remain active on your profile.
• Open My Compliance Profile: Access your My Compliance Profile to review your current tax compliance status. This will highlight any outstanding returns or payments that need to be addressed before you can be considered compliant.
• Clear any non-compliance: If your profile shows any red flags, such as outstanding returns or debts, you must resolve these issues. This may involve submitting overdue returns or arranging a payment plan with SARS. Your PIN will reflect your live status, so You should clear any non-compliance before proceeding.
• Request the TCS and choose the type: Select the Tax Compliance Status Request option and choose the type of compliance status you need. The most common type is “Good Standing,” but if you are moving funds abroad, you should select “Approval for International Transfer.”
• Complete and submit the form: Fill out the necessary details and submit the form. SARS will review your request and issue a PIN upon approval.
• Receive and note your PIN: Once approved, SARS will send you a unique PIN. Ensure your contact details are correct to receive the PIN without delay.

Each request generates a new PIN, which you must share with the third party requiring your tax compliance verification. Remember, SARS does not charge for issuing a TCS PIN, so beware of any service claiming to issue a certificate for a fee.

By following these steps, you can efficiently obtain your SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) and ensure your tax compliance status is readily available to third parties.

What should I do if my compliance status is not “Good Standing”?

What should I do if my compliance status is not “Good Standing”?

If your Tax Compliance Status (TCS) is not “Good Standing,” you must resolve the issues before requesting a Tax Compliance Status PIN. SARS’s system reflects your live compliance status, so any non-compliance will prevent you from obtaining a PIN. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get back to “Good Standing”:

• Check Your My Compliance Profile: Log in to SARS eFiling and navigate to your My Compliance Profile. This will show you any areas of non-compliance, such as outstanding returns or unpaid taxes.
• Submit Outstanding Returns: If you have any outstanding tax returns, submit them as soon as possible. You can do this through the eFiling platform.
• Pay Any Outstanding Debt: If you owe money to SARS, settle the debt or contact SARS to arrange a payment plan. You can make payments online via eFiling or at a bank.
• Request a Payment Arrangement: If you cannot pay the full amount immediately, you can request a payment arrangement through SARS eFiling or by contacting SARS directly.
• Wait for SARS to Update Your Status: After resolving the issues, SARS will update your compliance status. This may take a few days, so be patient.

Once your compliance status is updated to “Good Standing,” you can proceed to request your TCS PIN. Here’s a quick recap of the process:

Remember, the TCS PIN is free and can be requested as many times as needed. Avoid any third parties charging fees for a “certificate” as SARS does not charge for this service. Always ensure your contact details are up to date to receive your PIN promptly.

How long does it take to receive a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)?

How long does it take to receive a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)?

The process of obtaining a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN is designed to be efficient and straightforward. Once you have submitted your request through the SARS eFiling platform, the time it takes to receive your TCS PIN can vary depending on several factors. Generally, if your tax compliance status is already in good standing and there are no issues or discrepancies, you can expect to receive your PIN almost immediately. The system is automated, and upon approval, the PIN is generated and made available in your eFiling profile.

However, if there are any issues with your tax compliance, such as outstanding returns or unpaid taxes, the process may take longer. In such cases, you will need to resolve these issues first before you can successfully request a TCS PIN. Here are some key steps and timeframes to consider:

• Immediate Approval: If your tax compliance status is in good standing, you may receive the PIN instantly after submitting the request.
• Resolution of Issues: If there are compliance issues, resolving them may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the problem and the responsiveness of SARS.
• Verification and Processing: After resolving any issues, the verification and processing of your TCS PIN request should take no more than a few business days.

It is important to ensure that all your tax affairs are up to date and that there are no discrepancies in your tax records. This will help expedite the process of obtaining your TCS PIN. Below is a table summarizing the key aspects of the TCS PIN request process:

By following these guidelines and ensuring your tax compliance, you can efficiently obtain your SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN and share it with the relevant third parties for verification.

Can I request a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) for international transfers?

Can I request a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN) for international transfers?

If you need to move funds abroad, you will require a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN specifically for international transfers. This process ensures that you meet all tax obligations before transferring money out of South Africa. Here’s how you can request a TCS PIN for international transfers:

First, you need to log in to the official SARS eFiling site (sarsefiling.co.za). If you are not already registered, you will need to do so. Ensure that your eFiling profile has at least one active tax type, such as Income Tax. Once logged in, you must activate the Tax Compliance Status service. This is a one-time setup that will remain active on your profile.

Next, navigate to your My Compliance Profile to review your current tax standing. You should ensure that there are no outstanding returns or debts, as these will affect your compliance status. If there are any issues, you must submit the necessary returns or arrange payment with SARS. Remember, the TCS PIN reflects your live status, so any non-compliance will prevent you from obtaining a “Good Standing” status.

To request the TCS PIN for international transfers, follow these steps:

• Select the “Tax Compliance Status Request” option from the menu.
• Choose the type of compliance status you need. For international transfers, select “Approval for International Transfer”.
• Complete and submit the form.

Once your request is approved, SARS will issue a unique TCS PIN. This PIN is specific to your request and should be shared with the relevant third party, such as a bank or financial institution. It is important to confirm that your contact details are correct so that you receive the PIN without delay.

Here is a summary of the key details for requesting a TCS PIN for international transfers:

Remember, the TCS PIN is free to request and should not be confused with any third-party services that may charge fees. Anyone charging you to “issue a certificate” is not affiliated with SARS.

What fees are associated with obtaining a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)?

What fees are associated with obtaining a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)?

Obtaining a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN is a straightforward and cost-free process. SARS has transitioned from the old paper Tax Clearance Certificate to a digital TCS PIN, which is issued free of charge through the eFiling platform. This means there are no fees associated with requesting or receiving your TCS PIN. If any individual or entity claims to charge a fee for “issuing a certificate” on behalf of SARS, they are not affiliated with the official SARS process.

To ensure you are not misled, remember that the TCS PIN is accessible directly through your SARS eFiling account. The process involves logging in, activating the Tax Compliance Status service, and requesting the TCS PIN. Here is a summary of the key steps:

• Register and log in to SARS eFiling: Visit sarsefiling.co.za and ensure you have an active profile with at least one tax type registered.
• Activate the Tax Compliance Status service: This is a one-time activation that remains on your profile.
• Request the TCS PIN: Choose the type of compliance status you need, such as “Good Standing” or “Approval for International Transfer”.
• Receive and share the PIN: Once approved, SARS will issue a unique PIN that you can share with third parties for real-time verification.

The TCS PIN reflects your live tax compliance status. Therefore, You should clear any outstanding returns or debts with SARS before requesting the PIN. This ensures that the PIN accurately reflects your current compliance status.

There are no fees for obtaining a SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN. The process is designed to be accessible and transparent, allowing you to manage your tax compliance efficiently and at no cost.

What documents do I need to provide for a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)?

What documents do I need to provide for a SARS Tax Clearance (PIN)?

When applying for a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN, you do not need to provide physical documents in the traditional sense. The process is entirely digital and is managed through the SARS eFiling platform. However, you need to ensure that your tax affairs are in order and that you have access to certain information that may be required during the application process.

Here are the key steps and information you need to have ready:

• Active eFiling Profile: You must have an active eFiling profile with SARS. If you do not have one, you need to register on the official SARS eFiling site. Ensure that at least one tax type, such as Income Tax, is active on your profile.
• Tax Compliance Status Activation: Once logged in, you need to activate the Tax Compliance Status service. This is done through the Tax Status menu and only needs to be done once.
• Access to My Compliance Profile: You must have access to your My Compliance Profile. This will show you your current compliance status across different tax types and highlight any areas of non-compliance that need to be addressed before you can apply for a TCS PIN.
• Resolution of Non-Compliance Issues: If your profile shows outstanding returns or debts, you must submit the necessary returns or arrange for payment (or a payment arrangement) with SARS. The TCS PIN reflects your live status, so You should resolve any issues before requesting the PIN.
• Selection of TCS Type: When requesting the TCS, you need to select the type of compliance status you require. The most common type is “Good Standing”, but if you are moving funds abroad, you may need to select “Approval for International Transfer”.

It is important to note that SARS does not charge a fee for issuing a TCS PIN. Anyone charging you for this service is not affiliated with SARS. The PIN is generated once your request is approved, and it is unique to each request. Ensure your contact details are correct so that you receive the PIN promptly.

By ensuring you have all the necessary information and resolving any compliance issues, you can smoothly apply for and receive your SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN.

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.