If you've just started your first job, or you're moving on from using a tax practitioner, logging into SARS eFiling for the first time can be intimidating.
But in reality, eFiling is a world-class system that's designed to be user-friendly. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you registered and on your way to filing your first return (the ITR12).
What You Need Before You Start
Make sure you have these two things on hand:
- Your South African ID number.
- Your Tax Reference Number: This is your unique 10-digit number from SARS. Your employer will have it (it's on your IRP5) or you can call SARS to get it.
Step 1: Register for eFiling
- Go to the official SARS eFiling website: www.sarsefiling.co.za
- On the homepage, click the "REGISTER" button.
- Follow the prompts. You'll be asked to enter your personal details, including your ID number, tax number, name, and contact details (phone and email).
- You will need to create a Username and a Password. Write these down and keep them somewhere safe!
- SARS will verify you by sending a One-Time-Pin (OTP) to your phone or email. Enter this to complete your registration.
Step 2: Log In and Find Your Tax Return
- Go back to the eFiling homepage and log in with the new username and password you just created.
- On the main dashboard, go to the "Returns" tab at the top.
- In the returns list, you should see a return labelled "ITR12" (Income Tax Return for Individuals).
- Find the correct tax year (e.g., 2025) and click "Open" or "Request Return."
Step 3: Complete the "Form Wizard"
This is the most important part of the modern eFiling return.
- Your ITR12 will open on a "Form Wizard" or a questionnaire.
- This wizard asks you a series of "Yes/No" questions to build a tax return that is customised for you.
- For example, it will ask:
- "Did you receive income from more than one employer?"
- "Do you want to claim for home office expenses?"
- "Did you contribute to a Retirement Annuity Fund?"
- "Did you earn any freelance or business income?"
- Be honest and thorough. If you click "No" to a question, that section of the form will be hidden. If you want to claim for a home office but click "No" on the wizard, you won't be able to.
Step 4: Fill in Your Information
Once you finish the wizard, the form itself will open. You will see that SARS has already "pre-populated" a lot of information from your IRP5, medical aid, and bank.
Your job is to:
- Verify the pre-populated data: Check that your IRP5 details are correct.
- Fill in the blanks: Go to the sections you added in the wizard (like "Home Office" or "Rental Income") and manually enter your income and expenses.
- Upload documents (if prompted): For certain claims, eFiling may ask you to upload the supporting documents then and there.
Step 5: Calculate, Review, and Submit
- When you are finished, click the "Calculate" button (or "Tax Calculation"). This will show you a preliminary calculation—either a refund due or an amount payable. This is not your final assessment.
- Review this calculation. Does it look right?
- If you are happy, click "Submit to SARS."
- Congratulations! You've just filed your first tax return.
You will receive an immediate confirmation, and within a few days, SARS will issue your official assessment (an ITA34) to confirm your tax position.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting with a registered tax practitioner to address your specific circumstances. TaxClaw.ai is a tool to assist you in managing your tax obligations and is not a substitute for professional advice.
