Your South African Tax Reference Number: A Complete Guide

Understanding your tax obligations in South Africa begins with knowing your unique tax reference number. This important identifier, issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), is used for income tax registration, tax returns, PAYE, provisional tax, tax compliance and most SARS-related interactions.

What is a Tax Reference Number?

A tax reference number is a unique 10-digit number issued by SARS to identify a taxpayer. It is different from your South African ID number, passport number or company registration number, although SARS may use those details to verify your identity.

Why is Your Tax Reference Number Important?

• Tax compliance: You need it to submit income tax returns and communicate with SARS.
• Employment: Employers use it for PAYE and IRP5 purposes.
• Business compliance: Businesses need tax registration for SARS, VAT, PAYE and other tax matters.
• Financial administration: Banks, accountants and tax practitioners may request it when assisting with tax-related matters.

How to Find Your Tax Reference Number in South Africa

If you are asking, “What is my tax reference number?”, SARS provides several ways to retrieve it.

Method 1: Use the SARS Online Query System

You can request your personal income tax number directly through the SARS Online Query System using the official SARS “What’s My Tax Number?” service:

Request your tax reference number from SARS

You will need to complete the online verification steps before SARS can provide the result.

Method 2: Check Your Payslip or IRP5

If you are employed, your tax reference number may appear on your payslip or IRP5 certificate issued by your employer.

Method 3: Use SARS eFiling

If you are registered for SARS eFiling, you can request your Notice of Registration, also known as an IT150, from the SARS Registered Details section. Your IT150 will show your tax reference number.

Method 4: Use the SARS SMS Service

You can request your tax reference number by sending an SMS to SARS on 47277 using the following format:

TRN IDNUMBER

For example:

TRN 8001015009087

The cellphone number used should match the cellphone number registered on your SARS profile.

Method 5: Use the SARS USSD Service

You can dial *134*7277# from your mobile phone and follow the prompts. Select the option for “What’s my Tax Number?” and complete the verification steps.

Method 6: Use SARS WhatsApp

You can save the SARS WhatsApp number, 0800 11 7277, send a greeting such as “Hi”, and follow the menu options to request your tax reference number.

Method 7: Contact SARS or Visit a Branch

You can contact the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. If you need to visit a SARS branch, you should make an appointment first and take your original ID document or valid passport with you.

What if You Are Not Registered for Income Tax?

If SARS cannot find a tax reference number for you, you may not yet be registered for income tax. You can register through SARS eFiling, the SARS Online Query System, SARS USSD, the SARS MobiApp or by booking an appointment at a SARS branch.

If you need assistance, My Accountant can help you with tax registration and SARS compliance.

Common Issues When Looking for Your Tax Number

• Your details do not match SARS records: Your cellphone number, email address or personal details may be outdated.
• You are not yet registered: SARS may not have issued a tax reference number yet.
• You are using the wrong ID or passport number: Always use the details SARS has on record.
• You are trying to request someone else’s tax number: SARS will not provide a tax number to another person unless they are authorised, such as a registered tax practitioner or someone with power of attorney.

Need Help with SARS Tax Registration?

My Accountant assists individuals and businesses with SARS tax registration, tax compliance and related services.

• Personal Tax Services
• Business Tax Services
• Provisional Tax Assistance
• VAT Registration
• Payroll Management

Whether you need to find your tax number, register for income tax or resolve SARS compliance issues, contact My Accountant for professional assistance.

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