SARS modernised its current 3rd Party Data Platform to accommodate the bulk submission of 3rd Party Data for certain tax types on the new Direct Data Flow channels. These channels will enable submitting entities to submit data directly to SARS, reducing the overall administrative burden of large volume data transfer to SARS.
The Direct Data Flow channels uses IBM Sterling IBM®Connect:Direct® and IBM® Sterling File Gateway® technologies for secure file transfer. Entities that opt to use the Connect:Direct® channel will need to purchase it. To obtain more information about the Connect: Direct technology, visit www.ibm.com or www.trustlink.co.za. The IBM® Sterling File Gateway® is web-based interfaces for customer self-services through which entities gain access by obtaining a digital certificate and the link from SARS.
How to register with SARS to submit data via these channels
Submitting entities need to complete the form list below in accordance to the channel they opt to use for data submission. This will enable SARS personnel to enrol the entity for the selected channel in the testing environment.
Form sections which are applicable to each channel for enrolment
Sterling File Gateway (HTTPS):
Connect:Direct:
For renewal of certificates:
- Appendix C (for Connect Direct Users)
- Appendix D
What are the basic rules for channel enrolment?
- Each entity must have at least three users for the Organisation to be successfully enrolled;
- Only one user may be enrolled as a Business Administrator for enrolment purposes;
- There may be multiple users enrolled as Technical User or Technical Administrator;
- A user may not be allocated to multiple roles; and
- Certificates issued will only be valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
SARS will only do the enrolment in the test environment and send the certificate to the client. The client will import the certificate and will then be able to submit test data. Complete the relevant appendices and submit to [email protected] to enrol for trade testing. The client will be responsible for enrolment and activation in the production environment. For more information refer to the Third Party Data Enrolment and Activation Guide.
