eFilers Now Enjoy an Easier, Safer, and More Secure Platform
As part of our programme to build a smart and modern organisation, SARS has introduced a new Express Functionality on our eFiling platform to make it easier for taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations.
What’s the Change?
The most frequently used functions for Personal Income Tax are now more directly accessible on the eFiling landing page.
When you log in to your eFiling profile, you will notice the new Express Tabs at the top-left of the home page. These new functions let you instantly:
- Submit previous years’ returns.
- View or edit tax returns.
- Update your personal or bank details.
Keep an eye out for eFiling tutorials on our YouTube channel.
Two-Factor Authentication for eFiling
Two-Factor Authentication protects taxpayers’ information and prevents malicious cyber-attacks on SARS data. This method enhances security by requiring users to provide two different authentication factors to access their eFiling accounts. The latest improvements to SARS Two-Factor Authentication are:
- Enforcing Two-Factor Authentication on all individual profiles.
- Confirming and updating security contact details.
The process is straightforward:
- First, users access their eFiling profile by entering their username and password.
- Users are prompted to input a One-Time-Pin (OTP) sent to their preferred security contact details, which may be either their cellphone or email address. Once the OTP is validated, users are granted access to their eFiling profile.
If you last logged in to eFiling to submit your 2024 Personal Income Tax Return, you will be prompted to set up Two-Factor Authentication when you next log in.
Stronger Passwords for Filing Season
eFiling password requirements have also been updated. Passwords must now:
- Contain at least eight characters.
- Include at least one uppercase letter, lowercase letter, numeric digit, and special character.
- Exclude repetitive or sequential characters (such as “aaaaa” or “12345”).
A password-strength meter was added to show eFilers how secure their passwords are.
For more information on managing your eFiling profile, read GEN-ELEC-18-G01 – How to Register for eFiling and Manage Your User Profile – External Guide
Employers — Don’t Miss the EMP501 Deadline on 31 May 2025
Remember that all outstanding monthly returns (EMP201) and annual reconciliations (EMP501) must be submitted before the deadline of May 31, 2025.
Late submission, non-filing, or filing inaccurate EMP501 information may result in administrative penalties. Incomplete or late EMP501 submissions will incur a 1% penalty of the year’s PAYE liability, increasing monthly up to 10%.
For more information on returns and reconciliations, please consult:
- PAYE-easyFile-G01 – e@syfile™TC Employer Guide – External Guide
- EMP-GEN-02-G01 – A Guide to the Employer Reconciliation Process – External Guide
- Businesses and Employers
Watch our YouTube video on how to submit an Employer Annual PAYE Reconciliation EMP501 on eFiling below:
#YourTaxMatters
