Starting your first job is exciting, but the paperwork can feel confusing. One of the first things your employer may request is a SARS tax number, also called an income tax reference number.
In South Africa, your tax number helps SARS identify you for income tax purposes. You may need it when completing your employee information, checking your payslip, submitting a tax return or dealing with SARS in the future.
The good news is that you can usually complete your SARS tax number application online. Here is what you need to know and do.
What is a SARS tax number?
A SARS tax number is a unique reference number issued by the South African Revenue Service. It links your income, tax deductions and tax records to your profile.
Your tax number is not the same as:
- Your South African ID number: This identifies you as a citizen or resident.
- Your bank account number: This is used to receive your salary.
- Your eFiling login details: These give you access to SARS online services.
- Your tax certificate: This is usually an IRP5 or another document showing income and tax deducted.
Your employer uses your tax number when reporting employment income and PAYE deductions to SARS. If you earn above certain tax thresholds, or SARS requests a return, you may also need the number when submitting your annual income tax return.
Do you need a tax number before starting your first job?
Not always. Many first-time employees assume they cannot start work until they have a SARS tax number, but this is not generally the case.
Your employer should guide you on the information required for payroll. In some cases, the employer may ask you to register with SARS before your first salary is processed. In other cases, the employer may help with the registration or submit your details through its payroll process.
If you do not yet have a tax number:
- Tell the employer that you are registering for one.
- Complete the SARS registration as soon as possible.
- Give your employer the correct number once SARS issues or confirms it.
- Keep proof of your registration for your records.
Your employer should not simply invent a tax number or use your ID number in its place. If PAYE is deducted from your salary, ask for a payslip showing the deduction. You can also learn more in this guide on how to read a South African payslip.
Step 1: Check whether you already have a SARS tax number
Before applying for a new number, check whether SARS has already registered you.
You may already have a tax number if you:
- Had a previous formal or temporary job.
- Completed paid learnership or internship work.
- Registered with SARS in the past.
- Submitted an income tax return.
- Earned income from freelance or contract work.
- Were registered by an employer during an earlier tax year.
You should not apply for a second tax number. A person should generally have one income tax reference number, even if they change employers or move provinces.
How to verify an existing SARS tax number
You can try to verify your number through:
- Your SARS eFiling profile.
- The SARS MobiApp.
- Previous IRP5 or IT3(a) certificates.
- Previous SARS correspondence.
- A SARS branch or official SARS contact channel.
If you cannot access your eFiling profile, use the official SARS website or contact SARS directly rather than relying on unofficial websites or social media advice.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
Having your documents ready makes the first job tax registration process much easier. SARS may ask for information that confirms your identity and address.
Typical required tax registration documents may include:
- A valid South African identity document or smart ID.
- A valid passport and permit, where applicable.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or official municipal document.
- Your banking details, if SARS requests them for refunds or verification.
- Your employer’s details, if you are already employed.
- A recent payslip or employment confirmation, where applicable.
The exact documents can depend on your situation and the registration channel you use. Names, identity details and dates should match across your documents.
Important: Do not send your ID copy, banking details or tax information to an unverified recruiter. Read this POPIA-compliant job application guide before sharing sensitive personal information.
Step 3: Register for SARS eFiling
For most first-time employees, SARS eFiling is the most convenient option. You can register online using a phone, tablet or computer with internet access.
The general SARS eFiling registration process is:
- Visit the official SARS eFiling website.
- Select the option to register as an individual taxpayer.
- Enter your identity and contact details.
- Create a username and strong password.
- Verify your cellphone number and email address.
- Follow the instructions to link or register your income tax profile.
- Complete any requested identity or supporting-document checks.
Use an email address and cellphone number that you can access regularly. SARS may send verification messages, notices or requests for additional information to these contact details.
If you already have an eFiling profile, do not create a second account. Try the account recovery options or contact SARS for help.
Step 4: Register through the SARS MobiApp, if suitable
If you have limited access to a computer, you may be able to use the SARS MobiApp. The app can assist with certain taxpayer services, including registration and profile management.
Before starting:
- Download the app from an official app store.
- Check that the publisher is SARS.
- Keep your ID and cellphone nearby.
- Use secure mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Never share your password or one-time PIN with another person.
The app may ask you to complete identity verification. Follow the instructions carefully and take clear photographs if supporting documents are required.
Step 5: Visit a SARS branch if online registration does not work
An online tax number application is usually quicker, but a SARS branch can help when your details cannot be verified electronically.
You may need a SARS branch registration appointment, depending on the service and branch requirements. Check the official SARS appointment process before travelling.
Take the following with you:
- Your original identity document or passport.
- Copies of supporting documents, if requested.
- Proof of address.
- Your cellphone.
- Your employer’s details or employment letter.
- Any SARS reference, error message or registration confirmation you already have.
Branch staff may ask additional questions if your identity details, address or previous records do not match. Answer accurately and keep any confirmation or case number you receive.
Step 6: Wait for SARS to issue or confirm your number
Once SARS completes the registration, you should receive confirmation through eFiling, the MobiApp, email, SMS or another official channel.
Your tax number is usually shown as a series of digits. Save it securely in more than one place, such as:
- Your password manager.
- A secure personal document folder.
- Your employee records.
- A printed copy kept safely at home.
Do not post your tax number publicly or send it through an unverified WhatsApp number. Your tax number is sensitive personal information, even though it is not a password.
Step 7: Give the correct details to your employer
Once you have your number, provide it to the payroll or human resources department using the employer’s approved process.
Check that your:
- Full name is correct.
- ID or passport number is correct.
- Tax number is entered accurately.
- Bank details belong to you.
- Address and contact information are up to date.
Mistakes can cause payroll delays, incorrect employee records or problems when SARS matches your income information.
Your first payslip should show your gross salary, deductions and net pay. PAYE may be deducted depending on your earnings, tax status and applicable thresholds. A tax number does not automatically mean you will owe tax every month.
What happens if your salary is below the tax threshold?
If you earn a low salary, SARS may not require PAYE to be deducted. This depends on the applicable annual tax threshold and your personal circumstances for the relevant tax year.
You should still provide your correct tax details to your employer. The tax number helps SARS match your employment information, even if your monthly PAYE deduction is zero.
A tax number also does not mean every employee must submit a tax return every year. SARS may exempt some taxpayers from filing, while others may be required to submit a return. Check the filing requirements for the relevant tax year rather than assuming.
Common problems and how to solve them
“I cannot register because my details are already on the system”
This may mean SARS already has a record for you. Try to recover your eFiling profile or ask SARS to verify your existing tax number.
Do not create another profile or apply for a second number.
“My cellphone number or email address is incorrect”
Update your contact information through eFiling, the MobiApp or a SARS branch. You may need to complete additional verification before changes are accepted.
“My employer says my tax number is invalid”
Check every digit and confirm that you have supplied your income tax reference number, not your ID number or eFiling username. If the details are correct, ask the employer to explain the payroll error and contact SARS for verification.
“SARS is asking for documents”
Upload clear, readable copies through the official SARS channel. Check that the names and identity numbers match, and avoid sending documents through informal contacts claiming to represent SARS.
Protect yourself from tax and recruitment scams
Your first job may involve sharing personal information with several people, but you still have the right to be cautious.
Watch for someone who:
- Charges you a “tax registration fee”.
- Requests your eFiling password.
- Asks for your one-time PIN.
- Promises a tax refund in exchange for payment.
- Requests your banking login details.
- Sends a suspicious link resembling SARS.
- Demands your ID and bank details through an unverified account.
SARS will not need your banking password or eFiling password to confirm your tax number. If a recruitment scammer has already received your information, follow these immediate recovery steps after sharing personal details.
Do you need eFiling after getting a tax number?
Registering for a tax number and registering for eFiling are related but separate steps. eFiling gives you access to online SARS services, including profile updates, notices, returns and certain tax submissions.
It is worth setting up eFiling once your employment begins because it allows you to:
- Check your SARS profile.
- View correspondence.
- Submit an income tax return when required.
- Track SARS requests.
- Update contact details.
- Monitor potential refunds or balances.
For a more detailed walkthrough, see this guide on how to register for SARS eFiling as a first-time employee.
Final checklist for your first job tax registration
Use this quick checklist before payday:
- Check whether you already have a SARS tax number.
- Prepare your ID, proof of address and employment details.
- Register through official SARS eFiling or the MobiApp.
- Visit a SARS branch if online verification fails.
- Save your income tax reference number securely.
- Give the correct number to your employer.
- Check your first payslip for accurate PAYE and personal details.
- Never share your eFiling password or one-time PIN.
- Keep your IRP5 and SARS correspondence for your records.
Key takeaway: Getting a SARS tax number for your first job is usually manageable online. Check for an existing number first, use official SARS channels, protect your personal information and make sure your employer records the correct details.