Government Connect Issue 28 – May 2025
In this issue, we provide guidance on simplifying tax compliance for both taxpayers and third-party data providers. More functionalities are now available on the SARS Online Query System (SOQS) and the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) guide has been updated. We also offer comprehensive information on how and where taxpayers can update their banking details. Lastly, we remind you that Help-U-eFile has been decommissioned.
- Third-Party Data Providers’ Commitment to Compliance Helps taxpayers with Their Tax Compliance
- Update to Corporate Income Tax Guide
- Update Your Security Details with SARS
- Help-You-eFile Decommissioned
Third-Party Data Providers’ Commitment to Compliance Helps taxpayers with Their Tax Compliance
Third-party data providers help to streamline the tax process by submitting complete and accurate data the first time around. The data are used to pre-populate and automatically assess tax returns, allowing SARS to provide a seamless service and experience, while making it easy for taxpayers to comply with their obligations.
Tax regulations require third-party data providers to share specific data with SARS. These data include financial aspects such as:
- Savings account interest.
- Medical scheme contributions.
- Withholding Tax on Interest.
- Dividends Tax.
- T3 data submissions: IT3(b), IT3(c), IT3(d), IT3(e), IT3(s), and IT3(t).
- Insurance payments.
The third-party data submission deadline is 31 May 2025. Third-party data providers can submit data through three electronic channels:
- eFiling: through a submission form with a limited volume of 25 certificates (50 for IT3d and IT3t).
- Connect: Direct®: allows for unlimited data submission.
- Secured File Gateway (HTTPS): recommended for files under 10 MB in size.
For easy and simple submission, third-party data providers must be registered on eFiling to activate these channels.
For more information, visit: Third Party Data Submission Platform
Update to Corporate Income Tax Guide
The Corporate Income Tax Guide has been updated to clarify Beneficial Ownership. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), South Africa is committed to implementing measures that make available adequate, accurate, and timely information on the beneficial ownership and control of legal persons and arrangements. In line with this commitment, SARS has introduced requirements for submitting the Beneficial Interest and Beneficial Ownership registers as part of the Income Tax Return for Companies (ITR14) submission process, effective from the 2022 year of assessment.
Updated guide: How to complete the Income Tax Return ITR14 for Companies
Simplify Your Tax Declarations with SARS Online Query System (SOQS)
Taxpayers can now submit Donations Tax (IT144) and Withholding Tax on Royalties (WTR01) declarations online through SOQS. This platform streamlines tax declarations with automated systems and improved efficiency. Taxpayers can now manage their taxes from home or the office, 24/7, without having to visit a branch.
Update Your Security Details with SARS
As the 2025 filing season approaches, SARS asks taxpayers to check that their banking details are correct and updated. This helps us pay any refunds quickly.
If you need to change your bank information, you must first check that your security contact details (email and cell phone number) and SARS eFiling log-in details are up to date.
Please note: if your information is correct, you do not need to update anything.
Why Keeping Your Details Updated Matters
- Stay informed: receive important updates about your tax affairs immediately.
- Receive One-Time Pins (OTP): SARS will use your contact details (email or cell phone number) to send you an OTP.
- Your OTP is the key to your eFiling account and for updating your banking details.
- If your contact details are outdated, your OTP will not reach you, making it difficult for you to update or change your bank details.
- Secure your account: keep your log-in details current and protect your information
How to Update Your Information
To Update Your Security Contact Details (Required to receive OTPs)
- Log in to eFiling (sarsefiling.co.za).
- Click on “My Profile” in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Select “Profile and Preference Setup” and scroll to the “Security Contact Details” section. Here, you can update your email address or cell phone number.
- Verify with OTP: choose your preferred method of communication (email or SMS) to receive an OTP. Enter the OTP to confirm the changes.
- Save changes: once the OTP is verified, your updated contact details will be saved.
To Update Your Banking Details Quickly
- Log in to eFiling.
- Click the express-access option: “Update My Personal Income Tax Bank Account”.
- The Banking Details Update screen will be displayed.
- Click “Maintain SARS Registered Details”.
- Click the drop-down menu to select the bank name.
- Fill in the branch code/branch name, account number, account type and account-holder name.
- Click “Update Banking Details”.
- Confirm the banking-details change with the OTP sent to your preferred method of communication.
Note: if both your email address and cell phone number have changed and you cannot follow the steps above, you will need to call the SARS Contact Centre (0800 00 7277) or visit a SARS branch to verify your identity. To avoid long queues, remember to book an appointment.
For more information, see:
Help-You-eFile Decommissioned
The Help-You-eFile service on the SARS eFiling website was disabled on 11 April. Originally designed to enable taxpayers to share their eFiling browser screen with a SARS agent and interact in real-time, the application became outdated and its use decreased since the introduction of other services like the SARS MobiApp, WhatsApp, SMS USSD, and the AI Assistant on the SARS website.
Please access the updated guide which speaks about all the changes made to eFiling: How to Register for eFiling and Manage Your User Profile-External Guide
