How to Get a SARS Tax Number for the First Time (2026 Guide)

Every person earning taxable income in South Africa needs a SARS tax number. It's the unique 10-digit reference that connects you to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and you'll need it for your first job, opening a business account, claiming UIF, and filing an annual tax return. This plain-English guide explains how to get a SARS tax number for the first time in 2026 — online, on your phone, or at a branch — and why registering doesn't automatically mean you'll owe tax.

Who needs a SARS tax number?

You need a tax number if you are:

  • A first-time employee starting your first formal job
  • A freelancer, sole proprietor, or independent contractor earning any income in South Africa
  • A South African resident earning foreign income
  • A student earning income from part-time work (even below the threshold)
  • Anyone applying for tax clearance, UIF, or a home loan that requires SARS confirmation

Most employees are auto-registered by SARS when their employer submits their first monthly PAYE (EMP201) return. Even so, registering yourself takes a few minutes and gives you immediate control over your tax profile.

What you'll need before you start

  • A valid SA ID document (Smart ID Card or green ID book), or passport for non-citizens
  • Proof of residential address not older than three months (utility bill, bank statement, retail account, or CRA1 sworn affidavit)
  • Proof of a South African bank account in your name (bank statement or a bank letter showing your name, account number, and branch)
  • A working email address and cellphone number (SARS sends one-time PINs to both)

How much does it cost?

Free. Registering for a SARS tax number does not cost anything, whether you register online, on the SARS MobiApp, or at a branch.

The 3 ways to register for a SARS tax number

Option 1: SARS eFiling (fastest, from your laptop)

  1. Go to sarsefiling.co.za and click Register.
  2. Choose For Myself and enter your ID number, name, and contact details exactly as they appear at Home Affairs.
  3. Confirm your cellphone number and email address with the one-time PINs SARS sends you.
  4. SARS verifies your identity against Home Affairs. In most cases you get a tax number instantly.
  5. Log in, download your IT150 Notice of Registration, and save the PDF — this is your official proof of tax number.

Option 2: SARS MobiApp (fastest from your phone)

  1. Download the SARS MobiApp from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Tap Register and complete the same form as eFiling.
  3. Take a live selfie for identity verification — SARS matches this against your Home Affairs photo.
  4. Once approved, tap Notice of Registration to download your IT150.

Option 3: In person at a SARS branch

  1. Book an appointment on sars.gov.za — walk-ins are usually turned away.
  2. Bring your original ID, proof of address, and bank confirmation letter.
  3. A consultant registers you on the spot and prints your IT150.

How to find your tax number if you've forgotten it

  • Log in to SARS eFiling → My Profile
  • Open the SARS MobiApp → Notice of Registration
  • Send an SMS with TaxRef and your ID number to 47277
  • Call the SARS contact centre on 0800 00 7277
  • Check your payslip — most employers print the tax number on it

Does registering for tax mean I have to pay tax?

No. Registration alone does not create a tax liability. You only pay income tax if your annual income exceeds the SARS tax threshold. For the 2026 tax year the thresholds are:

  • Under 65: R95,750 per year
  • 65 to 74: R148,217 per year
  • 75 and older: R165,689 per year

If you earn less than the relevant threshold, you may still need to submit a return (SARS will tell you via your eFiling dashboard), but you won't owe anything.

Common reasons SARS registration is rejected or delayed

  • The name on your ID doesn't exactly match Home Affairs records (usually because of a recent surname change)
  • Proof of address is older than three months
  • The address on your bank statement doesn't match your ID address
  • You already have a tax number from a previous employer and eFiling flags a duplicate
  • Your ID number has been used for a fraudulent registration — SARS will send you to a branch to sort it out

What to do after you get your tax number

  • Save your IT150 as a PDF
  • Give your tax number to your employer so PAYE is deducted correctly
  • Register for eFiling if you didn't already, so you can file your annual return (ITR12)
  • Update SARS with any changes of address, name, or bank account within 21 business days

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a SARS tax number online without going to a branch? Yes. Both SARS eFiling and the SARS MobiApp let you register from home. A branch visit is only needed if online verification fails.

How long does it take to get a tax number? Online registration is usually instant. Branch registration is same-day. If SARS can't verify your identity automatically, it can take up to 21 business days.

Do freelancers and sole proprietors need a tax number? Yes. Any person earning income in South Africa needs a tax number, regardless of whether they are formally employed.

I'm under 18 — can I still get a tax number? Yes. Minors can register for a tax number, and it's often needed for casual work, bursaries, and estate matters.

References and official sources

Last reviewed: July 2026. Tax thresholds, forms, and processing times are set by SARS and can change with each annual Budget Speech — always confirm current figures on the official SARS website.