Issue 26 – February 2025
In this newsletter, we provide information about steps taken by SARS to keep your information safe through biometrics, the release of a new version of e@syFile, preparation for the upcoming Employer filing season and the criteria for taking out a selfie when submitting supporting documents to SARS.
- SARS is keeping your eFiling and tax information safe with biometrics
- Employer e@syFile Version 8.0
- Requirements when taking out a Selfie
SARS is keeping your eFiling and tax information safe with biometrics
New eFiling registrations for Personal Income Tax may now require facial recognition. Biometric facial recognition authentication is being introduced for all individuals who register for eFiling using a valid South African ID.
This applies to the eFiling website, the SARS MobiApp and the SARS Self Service Kiosks:
- The system will provide instructions e.g. required background setting, removal of head gear and glasses, facial position and distance from the camera, and online guidance to help users capture clear photos for the authentication.
- Individuals utilising the eFiling website or SARS MobiApp to register will require a device with a camera e.g. a Desktop with a webcam or a laptop with a camera feature or a smartphone with a camera.
- Individuals who do not have access to a device with a camera must book an appointment for a SARS official to assist with the eFiling registration.
- The existing eFiling registration, authentication and manual verification process will still apply to non-South African citizens.
For more information, see the updated Guides:
Latest Scam Alert: Beware of fraud! Don’t fall for imposters pretending to be SARS sending notifications. Always verify the authenticity of such messages on the Scams & Phishing webpage.
Employer e@syFile Version 8.0
SARS has launched e@syFile™ Employer- version 8.0. The platform has been redesigned to enhance your filing experience. Version 8.0 will replace all previous versions of the software, effective 1 March 2025. Please download version 8.0 timeously to familiarise yourself with the new features. Please download version 8.0 timeously to familiarise yourself with the new features.
What’s new on e@syFile™ Employer 8.0?
The following enhancements have been made to the latest version:
- Latest technology: developed using modern technology to improve performance and processing speed.
- Enhanced navigation and design: easier navigation and data capturing experience with a new and improved user interface.
- Easy to update: updates are now modular, which reduces update time and eliminates the need for a full re-installation with software updates.
- Quick access links: new quick links to related functionalities to remove the need to continuously navigate through multiple menu items.
- User management enhancements: an enhanced user-maintenance functionality to add and remove users and manage access restrictions.
- Improved security: enhanced security measures to safeguard against unauthorised access to data.
System requirements for e@syFile™ Employer 8.0
The minimum system requirements are:
- Windows 10 (64 bit).
- 8 GB RAM.
- 2 GB hard drive space (for downloading and installation to C:/ drive; additional space will be required as employer data increases).
Important information
If your hardware does not comply with the minimum requirements, it is recommended that you upgrade your systems to ensure that the e@syFile™ Employer 8.0 application can be installed.
Employers with 50 employees or fewer who are unable to upgrade their systems can still use eFiling to submit.
- Reconciliation information submitted on the current e@syFile Employer must be imported to version 8.0. This will allow employers to make amendments if required.
- First-time login will require a user to add recovery details. This information will enable the user to recover the ADMIN password to enable access to version 8.0 if they forget it. This password is for the user to log into the application and does not relate to any employer information for which reconciliations will be done.
Why is it important to upgrade?
- Employers are encouraged to upgrade their hardware to enjoy the latest technology, faster processing times, improved security, and access to the new features that make it easier to manage their tax obligations.
- Let us work together to foster a modern and smart tax system.
For more information, please visit the e@syFile™ webpage.
Requirements when taking a Selfie
If you are required to provide a selfie as part of supporting documentation, please ensure that the selfie meets the following requirements.
The requestor submitting the supporting documents electronically must provide an image of themselves holding their proof of identity and a written note saying ‘update my details’ with the date of submission of the documents. The case number must also be indicated.
It is important that all the information is clearly visible.
Example: Proof of identity
For more information, go to: Need to verify your banking details
