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Corporate Tax Governance

Appoint Registered Tax Representative

Appoint or update a Public Officer, Representative Taxpayer, or accredited Tax Practitioner for your business or trust.

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Verified SARS Portal

Appoint a Tax Representative / Public Officer Online

Use official SARS digital query portals to submit company resolutions, CIPC certificates, and representative appointments.

Launch SOQS Portal
Appointment Instructions

How to Appoint a SARS Representative

01

Open the SOQS Registered Representative Portal

Navigate to tools.sars.gov.za/sarsonlinequery/RegisteredRepresentative (or inside SARS eFiling → Organisations → Register New → Maintain SARS Registered Details / RAV01).
02

Capture Entity & Proposed Public Officer Details

Enter the company CIPC registration number (or Trust Master's number), the entity's 10-digit Income Tax number, and the personal ID and tax reference number of the proposed Public Officer.
03

Select the Statutory Representative Capacity

Select 'Public Officer' for a Private/Public Company or Close Corporation, 'Main Trustee' for a Trust, or 'Executor' for a Deceased Estate.
04

Upload Mandatory FICA, CIPC & Resolution Pack

Attach the CIPC CoR14.3 / CoR39 certificate, signed Board Resolution appointing the Public Officer, acceptance of appointment letter, proof of residential address, and a high-resolution selfie of the representative holding their ID and a handwritten note reading 'Update my details' with the current date.
05

Activate Representative Rights on eFiling

Once SARS approves the case (within 21 business days) and updates the RAV01 container, log in to eFiling → Organisations → Request Tax Type Transfer to unlock full filing and banking maintenance rights.

Statutory Deadlines & Turnaround

Statutory Appointment Window: Within 1 month after company incorporation or commencing business under Section 246 of the TAA.

SARS SOQS Verification Time: 7 to 21 business days from receipt of complete FICA and resolution documents.

RAV01 Update Notification: Instant email confirmation once the case officer approves the link.

Why SARS Rejects Public Officer Updates

Missing or Illegible 'Update My Details' ID Selfie

SARS strictly enforces biometric anti-fraud verification for all Registered Representative applications. Omitting the photo of the Public Officer holding their original ID next to their face and a dated handwritten note causes immediate rejection.

Appointing a Non-Resident Without a South African Residential Address

Under Section 246(2) of the Tax Administration Act, a company's Public Officer must be an individual residing in the Republic of South Africa.

Personal Tax Non-Compliance of the Proposed Public Officer

If the director being appointed as Public Officer does not have an active personal Income Tax number or has an unverified personal RAV01 profile, SARS cannot link them as the entity's Registered Representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SARS Public Officer and why is it mandatory?

Under Section 246 of the Tax Administration Act, every company carrying on business in South Africa must appoint a resident individual as its Public Officer within 1 month of incorporation. Without an active Public Officer linked on RAV01, you cannot activate VAT, PAYE, or update company bank details on eFiling.

How long does SARS take to approve a Registered Representative appointment?

SARS takes up to 21 business days to verify the CIPC CoR14.3 certificate, board resolution, and biometric ID selfie submitted via SOQS before activating the Public Officer on the RAV01 profile.

What documents are required to appoint a SARS Public Officer online?

You need the CIPC CoR14.3 or CoR39 disclosure certificate, a signed Directors' Resolution appointing the Public Officer, certified ID copy, a selfie holding the ID and a note stating 'Update my details' with today's date, and proof of residential address.

What is the difference between a Public Officer and a Tax Practitioner on eFiling?

The Public Officer is the statutory officer of the company (usually a resident director) who holds legal accountability, whereas a Registered Tax Practitioner (SAIT/SAICA) is appointed via shared eFiling access to prepare and submit returns on the company's behalf.

Can My Accountant handle our SARS Public Officer update or act as resident Public Officer?

Yes! We prepare and lodge complete SOQS Registered Representative packs to unlock blocked eFiling profiles, and we also provide dedicated Resident Public Officer services for foreign-owned South African subsidiaries.

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