How to Register for SARS eFiling (2026): Step by Step, Including the Face Check
Prices and facts checked 17 October 2026. We don't accept payment for rankings.
On this page
Short answer: go to the SARS eFiling website or the SARS MobiApp, click Register, enter your details, choose a username and password, and complete a biometric face check with your phone or webcam. You need a valid South African ID, your own email address and your own cellphone number. If you don't have a tax number yet, SARS issues one automatically when you register (SARS: How do I register for tax?; SARS eFiling registration guide).
Watch out for scams. Only register on the official SARS eFiling site or the SARS MobiApp. SARS will never ask you to share your OTP or password, and nobody needs to charge you to register.
What you need
- A valid South African ID (eFiling registration requires one)
- An email address and cellphone number that aren't already linked to another eFiler. SARS will reject contact details that someone else is actively using
- A camera: a smartphone (with the SARS MobiApp) or a computer with a webcam, for the face check
- About 10 minutes
Source: SARS eFiling guide (effective 25 August 2025).
Step by step
From SARS's eFiling registration guide:
- Open eFiling on the SARS website (or the MobiApp) and click Register.
- Enter your personal details and click Next.
- Enter your contact details: email and cellphone. These become your security details for one-time PINs.
- Choose a username and password. The password must have at least 8 characters, with an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, a number and a special character. It can't include your name, email or username, or obvious sequences like "12345".
- Complete the biometric face check. South African citizens are taken to a facial recognition step, which matches your photo against SARS's reference data in real time.
- Enter the OTP (a 6-digit PIN) sent by SMS or email. It's time-sensitive and you can only ask for it to be resent twice.
- Log in. Your tax number shows on your profile once you're registered.
If the face check fails, or you don't have a camera, book an appointment at a SARS branch for help.
Other ways to register for tax
If you only need to register for income tax (not eFiling yet), SARS lists these options:
| Channel | How |
|---|---|
| SARS Online Query System (SOQS) | Submit a personal income tax registration request online |
| USSD | Dial *134*7277# and choose PIT registration |
| Save 0800 11 7277, send "Hi" and choose PIT registration | |
| Your employer | Employers can register employees through eFiling |
| SARS branch | Book an appointment and bring your ID |
Since July 2022, SARS has also registered some people automatically using third-party information, such as payroll data. If that applies to you, you'll get an SMS and a letter.
Forgot your tax number?
According to SARS, you can get your tax reference number:
- By SMS: send "TRN" and your ID number to 47277
- On WhatsApp: message 0800 11 7277
- By USSD: dial *134*7277# and choose "What's my tax number?"
- On eFiling or the MobiApp, under SARS Registered Details
- From Lwazi, SARS's chatbot, or your employer
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Contact details already in use" | Use your own email and cellphone. SARS rejects details already linked to another eFiler |
| Face check keeps failing | Try the MobiApp in good light, or book a branch appointment |
| OTP not arriving | Check the cellphone or email on your profile. After two resends, try later |
| Locked out | Use Forgot Username or Forgot Password on the eFiling login page |
After you register
- Check your bank details on eFiling. Wrong or unverified details are a top reason refunds get delayed (SARS). See our SARS refund delays guide.
- Check whether you need to file. Not everyone has to submit a return; SARS explains the criteria on its Do you need to submit a return? page.
- File your return on time. Non-provisional taxpayers have until 23 October 2026 (SARS filing season). See our deadline guide.
- Two-pot withdrawals need you to be registered for tax before your fund can pay out. See our two-pot guide.
FAQ
How do I register for SARS eFiling?
On the SARS eFiling website or MobiApp, click Register, enter your personal and contact details, choose a username and password, complete the face check and enter the OTP.
Do I need a tax number to register for eFiling?
No. If you don't have one, SARS issues a tax number automatically when you register on eFiling for the first time.
Why does eFiling say my email or cellphone is already in use?
Another eFiler is already using those contact details. SARS requires your own unique email address and cellphone number.
How do I get my SARS tax number by SMS?
SMS "TRN" followed by your ID number to 47277.
Is registering for eFiling free?
SARS doesn't charge you to register on eFiling or use the MobiApp. Be wary of anyone who asks for money to register you.
Sources
Pages we used for this article, checked on or before the update date above.
- SARS: How do I register for tax? · sars.gov.za
- SARS eFiling registration guide · sars.gov.za
- SARS · sars.gov.za
- Do you need to submit a return? · sars.gov.za
- SARS filing season · sars.gov.za
Changelog: 17 Oct 2026, first published.