SARS Tax Portal: Login Links, Forms & Tax-Benefit Checklist
Ready to claim the deductions and credits from our tax guides? This page is the bridge: the real SARS web addresses, the forms where tax benefits are actually claimed, and a printable checklist of the certificates and receipts to have next to you before you log in.
This is not SARS. Plain English SA Forms is an independent guide. Every link below opens the official SARS site in a new tab. SARS never sends you a login link by SMS, WhatsApp or email — if you did not type the address yourself, treat it as phishing.
Official SARS login & service links
- OpenSARS eFiling loginsecure.sarsefiling.co.za
The main portal for personal tax: file your ITR12, view your ITA34 assessment, request a Tax Compliance Status PIN, update banking details and pay SARS.
- OpenRegister for eFiling (new users)secure.sarsefiling.co.za
First-time registration. You need your ID number, a cellphone and an email address you control — SARS verifies your identity by OTP and selfie or branch visit.
- OpenForgot password / usernamesecure.sarsefiling.co.za
Recover access using your ID number and the OTP sent to your registered cell or email.
- OpenSARS Online Query System (SOQS)tools.sars.gov.za
No login needed: get your tax number, submit supporting documents, check refund progress or report an estate.
- OpenSARS MobiAppsars.gov.za
File your ITR12 from your phone, view your Notice of Registration (IT150) and do live selfie verification.
- OpenBook a SARS branch appointmentsars.gov.za
Branches work by appointment only — book a virtual or in-branch slot before you travel.
- OpenTax Season dates and filing thresholdssars.gov.za
Check whether you must file at all this year, the auto-assessment process, and the current season's opening and closing dates.
- OpenVerify an organisation's Section 18A / PBO statussars.gov.za
Before donating for the tax deduction, confirm the sports body or charity is an approved Public Benefit Organisation using its PBO reference number.
SARS forms for claiming tax benefits
Most SARS forms are generated inside your eFiling profile rather than downloaded. Here is what each one does and the exact menu path to reach it.
- OpenITR12Income Tax Return (Individuals)
The return where every tax benefit is claimed: retirement contributions, medical credits, Section 18A donations and travel allowances.
Issued on your eFiling profile under Returns → Returns Issued → Personal Income Tax (ITR12). Not a downloadable PDF.
- OpenITA34Notice of Assessment
SARS's result after you file — refund, amount due, or nil. Check it line by line to confirm your deductions were allowed.
eFiling → Returns → SARS Correspondence → Search Correspondence, immediately after submission.
- OpenIT150Notice of Registration
Official proof of your tax number — needed by employers, banks, bursary offices and retirement funds.
eFiling → SARS Registered Details → Notice of Registration, on the MobiApp, or via SOQS 'What's my tax number'.
- OpenRAV01Registration, Amendments and Verification
Update banking details (refunds only pay into your own account), address, contact details, or add a tax type.
eFiling → SARS Registered Details → Maintain SARS Registered Details. Bank changes trigger a verification request.
- OpenTCS PINTax Compliance Status PIN
The modern tax clearance — used for tenders, emigration and proof of good standing.
eFiling → Tax Status → Tax Compliance Status → Activate, then request a PIN per purpose.
- OpenNOONotice of Objection
Dispute an assessment that disallowed a deduction (for example medical expenses or an 18A donation) — normally within 80 business days of assessment.
eFiling → Returns → Disputes → New, select the assessment and lodge the objection with your supporting documents.
Printable checklist: have these ready
Tick these off before you open eFiling — each one maps to a real deduction, credit or verification step.
- South African ID number (or passport and permit)
- Your SARS tax numberOn any payslip, IRP5, IT150 or ITA34. Lost it? Use SOQS 'What's my tax number' before registering.
- Cellphone and email you controlSARS sends a separate OTP to each; update outdated details before filing season.
- Bank account in your own nameSARS never pays a refund into a third-party account. Verify details on the RAV01 before filing.
- IRP5 / IT3(a) employee tax certificatesUsually pre-populated on the ITR12 — keep yours to check the figures.
- Retirement annuity / pension contribution certificatesNeeded to claim the 27.5% deduction up to the R430,000 annual cap.
- Medical scheme tax certificateFor the section 6A medical scheme fees credit — your scheme issues it each tax year.
- Out-of-pocket medical receiptsFor the Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit (section 6B) — claimed only on the ITR12, not through payroll.
- Section 18A donation receiptsMust show the PBO reference number — verify the organisation on sars.gov.za before donating.
- TFSA statements from every providerTrack your own combined contributions: over R46,000 a year or R500,000 lifetime triggers a 40% penalty tax.
- IT3(b) / IT3(c) interest and investment certificatesFor the interest exemption and capital gains calculations.
- Travel logbookOnly if you claim a travel allowance — SARS rejects logbook-less claims on audit.