Rules and personal circumstances differ. Confirm current details with the relevant official source or a qualified professional before acting.
Register through an official channel
Go to the official SARS eFiling site and select Register, or use the SARS MobiApp. Follow the identity and contact-detail prompts. SARS says a person with a valid South African ID who does not yet have a personal income tax number can be registered automatically during the eFiling process.
After registration
- View or request your tax reference number and notices.
- Confirm personal, contact and banking details.
- Check returns, auto-assessments and correspondence.
- Use strong, unique login details and never share one-time PINs.
Avoid scams
Do not follow payment or login links from unexpected messages. Type the SARS address yourself and check correspondence inside eFiling. SARS will not need your banking password or card PIN.
A simple example
If your employer has already registered you for income tax, eFiling registration links your online profile to that tax record rather than creating a second tax identity.
Common mistakes
- Registering through a link in an unsolicited message
- Using someone else’s phone number or email for security codes
- Ignoring contact-detail or banking-detail verification
Quick checklist
- Start on sars.gov.za or the official MobiApp
- Keep your South African ID and contact details ready
- Save your tax reference number securely
- Open and read SARS correspondence in your profile
Frequently asked questions
What is the main takeaway from how to register for sars efiling?
Use only official SARS channels and make sure your phone number, email and banking details remain under your control.
What should I do first?
Start on sars.gov.za or the official MobiApp
What is a common mistake?
Registering through a link in an unsolicited message
Use the numbers, not a guess
Try a free calculator or continue with a related South African guide.
Related guides
Reviewed on 27 July 2026. Official links below are the source of current legal, tax or regulatory facts; practical guidance is general.