All individuals must register as taxpayers with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) within 60 days of receiving their first income. Before doing so, one has to apply for a tax reference number, and here is all you ought to know how to get your tax number.
It is either you or your employer has registered you and you would have been issued with a 10-digit tax reference number from SARS.
You may have an IT150 Notification of registration that states your reference number. If you have an IRP5 or payslip from your employer, your tax reference number may appear there.
If you think you *might* have a tax number but aren’t sure, rather phone SARS at 0800 00 7277 to check. If you have not registered then the process is easy:
Please note: Previously SARS allowed taxpayers to download and complete an IT77 taxpayer registration form then send it to SARS to register. The process has since changed. Now all taxpayers are required to visit SARS in person with the documents below.
Take the following documents to your nearest SARS branch to register as a taxpayer:
- A certified proof of identification either an ID, passport or driver’s license.
- A certified copy of your 3 months latest bank statements and letters from your bank confirming the details.
- Proof of address or residence (for instance, a water bill).
- Your payslips for the last three years.
- A company can apply using the tax number form IT77C.
Take all of the above documents to a friendly SARS employee working at the counter. They will register you on the SARS system and should provide you with your new tax number immediately!
You may receive your tax number by post sometime after your in-branch registration in the form of an IT150 / Notification of registration (see below). If you would like to call SARS (0800 00 7277) to find out what the current status of your registration is, remember to have your ID number with you for the call.
