Organisation : South African Revenue Service
Facility/ Service Name : SMS Services
Head Office : Pretoria
Website : https://www.sars.gov.za/
What is SARS SMS Service?
SARS SMS channel involves sending an SMS to SARS requesting either an eBooking service which involves booking an appointment with a SARS agent, or requesting specified tax related services from SARS.
Related / Similar Service : SARS Filing Season for Individuals 2021
SARS will respond to the received SMS by calling the taxpayer back (where an eBooking request was made) or respond by providing the taxpayer with the requested information of the tax service request.
** The SMS sent through to SARS must be worded and sent through in the following manner
i. Complete the SMS text field with the applicable wording that is reserved for the specified service together with demographic information.
Note: The specific wording is demonstrated below
Example: If a taxpayer would like to receive the balance of his/her personal income tax account. The relevant SMS should be “BALANCE plus a “space” plus ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number”
ii. Send the completed text wording to the following number: 47277
Note : You will not be charged for the SMS
** The SMS self-help service request functionality is only be available to Individual Taxpayers for Personal Income Tax (PIT).
Things to note when using the SMS tax service option:
** For eBooking queries, the taxpayer/representative must be registered for Personal Income Tax (PIT). Where the taxpayer/representative is not registered, kindly refer to the registration process on the SARS website www.sars.gov.za
** Where there are concerns regarding your registration status such as the duplication of your personal information ( e.g. tax reference or ID number), kindly follow the prompts on the SARS SMS response or alternatively call the SARS Contact Centre.
Note : This service will not be available until your registration matters are rectified.
** This service is not available for tax practitioners.
** Ensure that the SMS you send contains the relevant amount of detail (i.e. mandatory ID/passport/Asylum number). If the SMS contians missing or incorrect details your tax serice request will not be resolved.
SARS Tax Services Offered Via SMS
The SARS tax services offered to taxpayers via SMS includes :
** Confirmation whether you should submit a Personal Income Tax (PIT) return
<File> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
** Request the issuing of your Notice of Registration (IT150)
<TRN> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
** Request account related queries (balance statements) and your Statement of Account (SOA)
<Balance> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
** Request an eBooking appointment
<Booking> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
Note that in response authentication will be performed and SARS will respond with the requested information in the most appropriate channel(s), which includes SMS and/ or email.
Steps To Request SARS SMS Tax Services
** Submit an SMS to SARS on the specific service you require.
Note that the SMS must contain a word that is reserved for each service as well as demographic information required
** Example is if you would like to receive your balance account, then SMS “BALANCE plus a “space” plus ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number”
** Confirmation whether you should submit your Personal Income tax (PIT) tax return
<File> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
** Request the issuing of your IT150 (Tax Reference Number)
<TRN> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
** Request Account related queries (balance statements) and your Statement of the Account (SOA)
<Balance> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
** Request an eBooking appointment
<Booking> Space <ID number/Passport number/Asylum Seeker number>
How To Request An eBooking Appointment Via SMS?
** The taxpayer can send an SMS to SARS requesting an eBooking appointment. SARS will respond by calling the taxpayer back to book an appointment on their behalf.
** Below are the steps to follow when requesting this service.
i. Send an SMS to SARS by texting the following message
<Booking> Space <ID number/Passport number/ Asylum number>
e.g. Booking 8301011234080 or Booking A029666601
ii. Send the SMS to 47277
** If the information sent through is correct
iii. A response SMS will be sent confirming receipt of SMS
iv. A SARS agent will call back and book an appointment for you
SMS Keyword To Use When Requesting A Tax Service
i. As mentioned above, when requesting a tax service, it is essential to note the keyword. The keyword allows SARS to respond to your specific tax query requirement. This section list keywords that should use to generate a response from SARS.
ii. To request your Tax Reference Number – TRN, the following keyword should be used
TRN :
Example:
<TRN> Space <ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number>
e.g. TRN 8301011234080 or TRN A029666601
iii. To request a Return Confirmation – RCT (This implies confirmation whether you should submit your Income Tax return) , The following keyword should be used;
File :
Example :
<File> Space <ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number>
e.g. File 8301011234080 or File A029666601
iv. To request your Account Balance, (This implies to determine the balance of your personal income tax account), the following keyword should be used
Balance :
Example:
<Balance> Space <ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number>
e.g. Balance 8301011234080 or Balance A029666601
v. To request an eBooking appointment, the following keyword should be used
Booking :
Example :
<Booking> Space <ID number/Passport number/ Asylum Seeker number>
e.g. Booking 8301011234080 or Booking A029666601
FAQ On South African Revenue Service
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the tax collection agency of the South African government. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about SARS:
What is the role of SARS?
SARS is responsible for the administration and collection of taxes in South Africa. Its primary role is to ensure that taxpayers comply with their tax obligations, and to collect the revenue that is needed to fund government services.
What types of taxes does SARS collect?
SARS collects a wide range of taxes, including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), customs and excise duties, and other taxes and duties related to specific industries.
How does SARS ensure compliance with tax laws?
SARS uses a range of tools and strategies to ensure that taxpayers comply with tax laws. These include audits, investigations, and penalties for non-compliance. SARS also provides guidance and support to taxpayers to help them understand their tax obligations.