SARS Registration

This article provides the guidelines on the SARS Registration process and the required documents which are needed for SARS Registration.

You must register as a taxpayer with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) if you earn more than a specific amount, which is determined every year. You must register within 60 days of first receiving an income.

SARS registration process

Below are three ways to register for tax in South Africa:

Auto registration for Personal Income Tax: When you register for SARS eFiling for the first time and you do not have a tax reference number, SARS will automatically register you and issue a tax reference number. Note that you must have a valid South African ID. You can also register for SARS eFiling on the SARS MobiApp.

Register through your Employer via SARS eFiling: SARS eFiling offers the SARS registration function which allows employers to submit employee income tax registrations to SARS.

Register at a SARS branch office: You can request a service consultant to assist you in registering for tax at your nearest SARS branch office. Remember to bring the relevant supporting documents.

If you are unsure whether you are registered or not, you can ask your Employer, use the SARS online Query function, or call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. SARS won’t provide your tax number to another person unless the person is your tax practitioner or has Power of Attorney (POA) to conduct your tax affairs.

You can request a Notice of Registration (IT150) which will reflect your tax reference number through several channels. For example, you can send a query to SARS, request your notice of registration via MobiApp if you are a registered eFiler, or use the SARS SMS Channel by sending an SMS to SARS on 47277 from your mobile device.

Documents are needed for SARS supporting registration

To register for SARS (South African Revenue Service) in South Africa, you will need the following documents:

  • Proof of Identity: A copy of a valid identity document, driving license, passport, temporary identity document, asylum seeker certificate or permit together with the original identification. If you are a minor, a copy of your birth certificate together with a copy of one of the parent’s/guardian’s identity documents is required. If there is no surviving parent, the death certificate of one parent must be provided by the appointed guardian.
  • Proof of Address: This could be a utility account (e.g., rates and taxes, water or electricity account), educational institution account, co-op statement (for farmers), medical aid statement, mortgage statement from mortgage lender, telephone account (all networks), e-Toll account, SABC television license, retail accounts (e.g., Woolworths, Edgars, etc.), motor vehicle license documents, court order, subpoena, traffic fine, documentation relating to UIF or pension pay-out, life assurance document, short-term insurance document, health insurance document, funeral policy document, investment statement from share, portfolio or unit trust, or a current and valid lease/franchise agreement.
  • Bank Account Details: For proof of banking details for new taxpayers or changes in banking details for existing taxpayers, see the list of required supporting documents.
  • Contact Information: Including email address and telephone number.

Please note that if you’re an eFiler, you will be able to change some of your details via eFiling. If you want to apply for registration of Payroll taxes, you need to complete the EMP101e Payroll taxes – Application for Registration taxes form.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.