• Updated 11 August 2025
Need to speak to a SARS agent without spending hours on hold? Here’s the quickest, mobile-friendly way to reach the South African Revenue Service call centre; plus a few back-up options if the lines are jammed.
Main SARS call-centre numbers
- 0800 00 SARS (0800 00 7277) – Toll-free from any SA cellphone or landline.
- 0800 11 18 00 – eFiling help-desk.
- +27 11 602 2093 – International callers.
Operating hours
Monday; Friday: 08:00–17:00 (closed weekends & public holidays). Load-shedding tip: call before 14:00 when call volumes spike.
Get through faster on your phone
- Save the number in your contacts as “SARS 0800”.
- Press 1 for English, 2 for Afrikaans, 3 for isiZulu, etc.
- Have these details ready:
– 10-digit tax number (or ID if you’re a new taxpayer).
– Latest IRP5/IT3(a) form.
– PIN for eFiling (if you have one). - Use the call-back option (press 9) to skip the queue; an agent phones you back within 2 hours.
Other ways to reach SARS if the line is busy
- Twitter DM @sarstax – replies within 30 min during office hours.
- WhatsApp “Hi” to 0800 11 18 00 – automated menu plus live chat option.
- SARS MobiApp – download from Google Play or App Store; tap “Contact Us” for a live chat.
- Branch visit – book an appointment on sarsonline.co.za → “Book an Appointment” to avoid queues.
- Email – send query via secure eFiling mailbox; response time 3–5 working days.
Common SA search phrases people type
“SARS call centre today”, “SARS 0800 number not working”, “SARS WhatsApp contact”, “SARS eFiling helpline”, “SARS call centre hours load-shedding”.
Pro tip for load-shedding
If cell towers are down, dial 1347277# on any SA network for a free USSD menu that links to SARS self-service.
Bottom line
Save 0800 00 7277 in your phone, call between 08:00–14:00, and keep your tax number handy. If the queue is long, request a call-back or switch to WhatsApp or Twitter—both channels are staffed by real SARS agents.