Description

The primary objective of e-Filing is to facilitate the electronic submission of tax returns and payments by taxpayers and tax practitioners.

Currently, the following returns are available:

• Pay-As-You-Earn (EMP201 return)
• Skills Development Levy (included on the EMP201 return)
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (included on the EMP201 return)
• Value Added Tax (VAT201)
• Provisional Tax (IRP6)
• Secondary Tax (IT56)
• Additional Payments;
• Request for Tax Clearance Certificate
• Request for Tax Directive
• Request for Extensions
• Transfer Duty
• Stamp Duty
• Reportable Arrangements
• Tax Practitioner Registration
• VAT Vendor Search
• Personal Income Tax
• Company Tax Return
• Advanced Tax Ruling (ATR).

Taxpayers are given the opportunity to receive, complete, submit and pay tax returns through trusted and secure payment gateways on a 24-hour per day basis.

Taxpayers, accounting firms and tax practitioners who wish to file their own tax forms, or who file tax forms on behalf of their clients, are able to register with the system via the Internet. No special software is required – just a web connection and a standard Windows operating system.

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Steps to follow

Taxpayers who wish to file and pay electronically must register with the SARS e-filing service.

• Go to SARS e-filing.
• Select the register button on the left-hand side and select the registration type that applies to you.
• Once the registration process is complete, you will receive a private access code and password to access the available services.
• The private access code and password will only be issued once you or your representative has been authenticated in accordance with the regulatory measures for electronic signature.
• Your relevant details will be verified against that of the SARS master database and you will be activated as an e-filer for the relevant products.
• When returns are issued, SARS will issue the electronic returns to e-filing service facility. You can then complete and submit your return electronically. SARS will no longer distribute hard copy forms to e-Filers.
• The e-filing service will issue a reminder, either by SMS or e-mail, informing you of the return that is ready for completion or submission.
• You must utilise your private access code and password to access the return.
• The Web-based application will automatically display the return information as on the normal printed return. You will then complete the return on the Website.
• Once you have completed the return, the information entered onto the return is validated thoroughly. All calculations are performed by the system in order to eliminate any chance of transmitting incorrect information.
• You have the option to make a payment when submitting the return and can make such payment any time prior to the due date.

While this process sounds complicated, in practice it is actually both simple and fast. Support is only a phone call away at a well-staffed Call Centre and Support Desk to guide you through the process.

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Legal framework

Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act 58 of 1962)

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Service standard

There is no set time for this service.

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Cost

The service is free.

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Forms to complete

Submit your returns and payments online.

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Contact details