HOW-TO

How to Register for SARS eFiling

A plain-language walkthrough of registering a new SARS eFiling profile online, what SARS asks for, and how the OTP verification works.

Step by step

1. Open the official SARS siteGo to www.sars.gov.za or www.sarsefiling.co.za. Look for the eFiling options at the top right of the home page and select Register Now. You can also register on the SARS MobiApp with the same steps.
2. Enter your personal detailsCapture your name, surname, whether you are a South African citizen, your identification number and date of birth, then continue. Type carefully so details match Home Affairs records.
3. Add contact and login detailsProvide your own cell number and email address, then choose a username and a strong password you have not used elsewhere. Confirm the password before proceeding.
4. Let SARS verify youSARS checks the information you captured against its records. The outcome shows on the eFiling registration verification page or is emailed to you. This can be instant or take a little longer.
5. Confirm the OTPIf verification succeeds, SARS sends a One-Time PIN to your preferred channel. Enter it to finish. Never read your OTP out to anyone who phones you claiming to be from SARS.
6. Note your tax numberIf you did not have a tax reference number, SARS usually registers you for Income Tax and issues one. You can view it later under SARS Registered Details.
7. If it fails, use official helpIf verification or biometrics fail, use the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) or book an appointment via sars.gov.za. Do not hand your ID and login to any third-party 'registration' site.

Who needs an eFiling profile

SARS eFiling is the South African Revenue Service’s free online platform for managing your tax affairs. If you earn an income, run a small business, or simply need to request documents like your Notice of Registration, an eFiling profile is the most direct way to deal with SARS without standing in a queue. CluedUp is an independent guide and is not SARS or a tax practitioner, so treat this as general information and confirm the current process on the official site before you start.

The good news is that registering is genuinely free and usually quick. The two things that trip people up are mismatched personal details and OTP problems, both of which we cover below.

Before you begin

Have three things ready: your South African ID number (or passport/asylum-seeker number where applicable), a cell number that is yours, and an email address you can open right now. SARS sends a One-Time PIN to confirm you are the account holder, so you must be able to receive it. Choose a password you have not used on any other website.

• Use your own contact details, not a friend’s or an agent’s.
• Check that your name and ID exactly match your official documents.
• Register only on the official SARS website or MobiApp.

What actually happens during sign-up

After you click Register and enter your personal, contact and login details, SARS runs an automatic verification against its records. Most people pass this instantly. You then receive an OTP on your chosen channel, and entering it takes you to the eFiling login screen. If you never had a tax reference number, SARS generally registers you for Income Tax and issues one at this point, which saves a separate trip.

If verification fails, do not panic and do not turn to a random ‘tax helper’ website. Use the SARS Online Query System or book a branch appointment. Handing your ID and password to a third party is how many login-harvesting scams begin.

Common problems and honest fixes

The most frequent snag is a details mismatch, often because your surname or ID differs slightly from Home Affairs records. SARS itself points non-citizens or those who fail biometric checks to the Contact Centre or an appointment. A second common issue is not receiving the OTP; check signal, spam folders, and that the number and email you entered are correct.

Once you are in, it is worth learning your way around straight away. Our guide on how to log in to SARS eFiling covers password and username recovery, and if you are unsure of your reference number, see how to find or get your SARS tax number.

After you are registered

With an active profile you can request returns, view your Statement of Account, and download official letters. Most individuals register precisely so they can submit their annual return. When filing season opens, follow our walkthrough on how to file your tax return on eFiling rather than guessing at the steps.

Filing-season dates change each year, so we deliberately avoid quoting a fixed deadline here. As of 2026, always confirm the current season dates and requirements on sars.gov.za before you rely on them. Keeping your contact details up to date on your profile also means future OTPs and refund notices reach you.

Scammers impersonate SARS constantly, especially around filing season. Remember the simple rules: SARS never asks for your password or full OTP, registration is free, and the only safe places to register are the official website and MobiApp. If something feels off, close the page and go directly to sars.gov.za by typing the address yourself.

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.