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How to Apply for a SARS Tax Number in South Africa

A simple guide for domestic workers

What is a SARS tax number

A SARS tax number is your personal number at the South African Revenue Service.
It links all information about your income and tax.

You use it for things like payslips, UIF, job applications, credit checks and tax returns.

You only pay income tax if you earn above the annual tax threshold. But even if you earn less, having a tax number helps you prove your income and stay compliant.

Check if you already have a tax number

Many workers already have one without knowing.

Ask yourself

  • Have you had a previous employer

  • Did you ever submit a tax return

  • Did you ever apply for credit

  • Did your bank ask for tax details

Before you register, look for the number here

  • Old payslips

  • IRP5 or IT3a certificates

  • SARS letters or emails

If you do not find it, use one of these methods to ask SARS:

Online Query System
Choose What is my tax number and enter your ID.

WhatsApp
Save 0800 11 7277.
Send a simple Hi.
Choose the option for tax number.

USSD
Dial 1347277#
Choose What is my tax number.

SMS
Send TRN yourIDnumber to 47277.

Call SARS
0800 00 7277.

If SARS cannot find a number for you, you can register.

Step 1

Get your documents ready**

You need proof of identity and proof of address.

South African citizens

Bring

  • Green ID book or smart ID

  • Proof of home address

  • Bank statement or bank letter (if you have a bank account)

If you stay in someone’s back room or informal housing
Bring a letter from the person who receives the bills.
Add their proof of address.

Foreign nationals

Bring

  • Passport

  • Valid work permit, visa or asylum document

  • Proof of home address

  • Bank statement if you have an account

Keep photos of these if you want to register online.

Step 2

Choose how you want to register

There are different ways to get a tax number. You only need to choose one.

Option 1

Register on SARS eFiling**

Best if you have a smartphone or computer.

Steps

  1. Go to the SARS eFiling website

  2. Select Register

  3. Enter your ID and personal details

  4. Create a username and password

  5. Activate Personal Income Tax on your profile

If you do not have a tax number, SARS will create it for you.
You can then download your IT150 notice inside eFiling.

Option 2

Register on the SARS MobiApp

Great for mobile users.

Steps

  1. Install SARS MobiApp from your app store

  2. Open the app and tap Register

  3. Enter your ID and details

  4. Complete the steps for personal income tax

You can request your IT150 inside the app.

Option 3

Register using WhatsApp or USSD

Useful if you have limited data or a basic phone.

USSD
Dial 1347277#
Choose Register for personal income tax.

WhatsApp
Send Hi to 0800 11 7277
Choose Register for personal income tax
Follow the prompts.

SARS might still ask for documents.

Option 4

Ask your employer to register you

Your employer can add you on their SARS eFiling profile.

What you do

  • Give your ID and contact details

  • Wait for SARS to create your tax number

You must still get your own IT150 and set up your own profile later.

Option 5

Visit a SARS branch

Best if you prefer help in person.

Steps

  1. Make an appointment online, by phone or WhatsApp

  2. Take your ID or passport and address proof

  3. Tell the consultant you want to register

  4. They create your tax number

Mobile tax units in some communities can also help.

Step 3

Get your IT150 (your proof of registration)

Your IT150 shows your tax number.

You can request it through

  • eFiling

  • SARS MobiApp

  • Online Query System

  • WhatsApp

  • USSD

  • SMS

  • A SARS branch

Save a copy and keep it somewhere safe.

Do you start paying tax immediately

Not always.

If you earn below the annual tax threshold, you do not pay income tax yet.

You may still pay UIF. UIF is separate. UIF protects you when you are retrenched, go on maternity leave or get sick.

Even if you earn below the tax threshold, having a tax number helps you with future work and financial applications.

Common questions

I work for two different families. Do I need two tax numbers

No. You only have one tax number for life.

What if I change employers

Your number stays the same. Give it to your new employer.

What if I do not have a bank account

You can still register.
But you will need a bank account for refunds.
A basic bank account is very cheap.
Capitec, FNB eWallet, Nedbank MobiMoney and TymeBank are good options.

How AskMandla can help

If you are an AskMandla domestic worker

  • We guide you through registration

  • We store your number safely so you never lose it

Registration is free.
No one should ever charge you for a SARS tax number.