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Guide · South Africa · Published 2026-10-11

How to get a Tax reference number in South Africa

Getting a Tax reference number in South Africa: who needs one, how to register, what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.

  • R ZAR
  • VAT 15%
  • Tax reference number
  • A4
  • English

What the Tax reference number is

The Tax reference number is the number South African Revenue Service (SARS) assigns to a taxpayer in South Africa. It follows you across every tax you deal with: VAT, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to South African Revenue Service (SARS) by this number.

Who needs one

Anyone who earns income above the tax threshold, every employee (employers register staff), and every company from incorporation, which is registered automatically through CIPC.

How to register, step by step

  1. Register on SARS eFiling or the MobiApp with your ID number; SARS issues the tax reference number on completion.
  2. If an employer registered you, request the number through the SARS Online Query System, WhatsApp or SMS rather than registering again.
  3. Companies get a number automatically after CIPC registration; find it on eFiling.
  4. Download the Notice of Registration (IT150) from eFiling as proof of your tax number.

How to find or check a Tax reference number

Log in to eFiling and request a Notice of Registration, or SMS the word TRN followed by a space and your ID number to 47277. SARS also answers on WhatsApp.

Documents, cost and how long it takes

At a SARS branch (appointment only; the IT77 form for individuals is discontinued) bring your original ID with a certified or uncertified copy: green barcoded ID book or smart ID card, driving licence, passport, temporary ID, or asylum seeker certificate or permit. For a minor, bring the birth certificate and a parent's or guardian's ID. Proof of address must show your name and physical address. SARS accepts a municipal, school, telephone or retail account under three months old, a mortgage statement under six months old, or a vehicle or TV licence document under a year old. If the account is in someone else's name, or no municipal accounts are issued where you live, complete form CRA01; in the second case your Chief or Councillor signs it. For refunds, bring a bank letter no older than 30 days or a statement no older than three months. Individuals can also register by dialling *134*7277#. eFiling is free.

Sources

How this guide was made

Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-10-11. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with South African Revenue Service (SARS) before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.

This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with South African Revenue Service (SARS).