| Government Connect Issue 25 – January 2025 |
We kick the year off with a gentle reminder to taxpayers to ensure that they only use registered tax practitioners. We also provide an update on the latest scam about refunds on assessments and highlight the Medical Indemnity insurance and the tax implications of such. We provide brief overview of the latest enhancements to the SARS MobiApp, and finally, please note that SARS is now issuing the Notice of Registration (IT150) through the SARS WhatsApp number. |
- Enhancements to the SARS MobiApp
- Notice of Registration (IT150) Now Issued on WhatsApp
Protect Yourself — Use Only Registered Tax Practitioners! |
| Section 240(1) of Chapter 18 of the Tax Administration Act governs the registration of Tax Practitioners. SARS is aware of unregistered individuals offering to help taxpayers with their tax matters. The short tutorial video below explains the risks of using the services of unregistered individuals and shows how taxpayers can seek the help of registered Tax Practitioners. |
| Taxpayers can also use the online look-up feature to check if a Tax Practitioner is indeed registered. |
Enhancements to the SARS MobiApp |
The SARS MobiApp now offers two new tax services, labelled “My Auto Assessment Status” and “Tax Return Status Dashboard”. These additional tax services help to resolve queries about:
See the following updated guides:
Enhancements to the Two-Factor Authentication and eFiling Password Criteria Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to input two different authentication methods to log into eFiling. The first layer of authentication requires users to enter their username and password. Once validated as correct, the second layer requires users to input a one-time-pin (OTP) sent to their preferred security contact details. Upon successful validation of the OTP, users are granted access to their eFiling profile. SARS’s two-factor authentication:
The eFiling password requirements have also been enhanced. All new and changed passwords must:
A password meter has been added to show eFilers the strength of the password. |
For more information, see the updated guides: |
Scam Alert: Message about Recent Assessment Refund
Beware of fraud! Don’t fall for imposters pretending to be SARS sending notifications about refunds on assessments. Always verify the authenticity of such messages on the Scams & Phishing webpage. Stay informed, stay safe! #SARS #ScamAlert
Notice of Registration (IT150) Now Issued on WhatsApp |
SARS is now issuing of the Notice of Registration (IT150) through the SARS WhatsApp number (0800 11 7277). Taxpayers who contact the SARS WhatsApp number and choose the option either to register for Personal Income Tax (PIT) or ask their Tax Reference Number (TRN) must give certain details. Those registering for PIT must submit their demographic and personal information, while those requesting their TRN must provide their SARS registered details. When SARS has verified the submitted information and validated the cell number used to contact SARS on WhatsApp, the IT150 will be issued as an attachment within the WhatsApp chat. The IT150 can be downloaded and saved. The IT150 will be encrypted, requiring the taxpayer to enter her/his ID number or passport details (UPPERCASE) to access the file. |
See the updated guide: IT-AE-45-G01 — Guide to SARS Mobile Tax Services — External Guide |
