• Updated 11 August 2025
Lost your 10-digit SARS tax number? Don’t queue; grab it in minutes with these phone-friendly steps.
- Dial the free line
0800 00 7277 → press 1 for English → press 3 for “Tax Number Enquiry”. Have your ID number and one recent IRP5/IT3(a) ready. - USSD (no airtime needed)
From any SA cellphone:
134*7277# → choose option 1 “Forgot Tax Number”. Enter your ID and date of birth. Your tax number is texted back instantly. - WhatsApp SARS
Save 0800 11 18 00 as “SARS Chat”.
Send: “Hi, forgot tax number. ID 820101xxxxxxx.”
An automated reply drops the number within 60 seconds. - SARS MobiApp (Android / iOS)
Tap Forgot Tax Number → scan your ID barcode → the app displays it on-screen. Works offline once downloaded. - eFiling back-up
If you still remember your eFiling password:
- Open m.sarsefiling.co.za
- Log in → Home → Profile → Tax Reference Number.
- Still stuck? Quick branch visit
Book online at sarsefiling.co.za → Branch Appointment. Bring ID + proof of address; staff print the number on the spot.
Where else your tax number hides
- IRP5 certificate – top-right corner.
- SARS eFiling e-mail confirmations.
- Bank statements – look for refunds labelled “SARS TFN”.
Common SA search phrases
“SARS tax number USSD code”
“How to get tax number from phone”
“Forgot SARS tax number eFiling login”
“SARS WhatsApp tax number retrieval”
Bottom line
Use USSD 134*7277# or WhatsApp 0800 11 18 00; both are free and give you the tax number in under a minute. Save it in your phone’s notes with a screenshot so you never lose it again.