Who needs a Tax reference number in South Africa, how to register with South African Revenue Service (SARS), what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.
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Updated for 2026
Last reviewed September 2026
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.
Ten digits, usually starting with 0, 1, 2, 3 or 9.
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
Register on SARS eFiling or the MobiApp with your ID number; SARS issues the tax reference number on completion.
If an employer registered you, request the number through the SARS Online Query System, WhatsApp or SMS rather than registering again.
Companies get a number automatically after CIPC registration; find it on eFiling.
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.
Where it goes on your paperwork
In the invoice header next to your business name, and in the client block when the client is a registered business. Quotations and purchase orders carry it too, so the client's accounts team can match documents. The South Africa invoice generator has a Tax reference number field in both blocks.
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything to get a Tax reference number?
Registration with South African Revenue Service (SARS) is normally free. Agents charge for filling in the same form; pay one only if you want the time saved.
Can I invoice without a Tax reference number?
You can write the document, but many clients will not pay an invoice that has no Tax reference number, and you cannot charge VAT without being registered. Register first; it is usually quick.
Is the Tax reference number the same as VAT registration?
Not necessarily. The Tax reference number identifies you as a taxpayer; VAT registration is a separate status you take on when turnover passes the threshold or you opt in. Some countries use one number for both, others issue a separate VAT number.
How long does registration take?
Online registrations are often instant or take a few days; applications that need a visit or document checks take longer. Start before you need to send your first invoice.
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-09-03. 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).
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Tools for South Africa
Invoices, quotations, purchase orders, credit notes and waybills in ZAR, with VAT and the Tax reference number on the document. Plus a VAT calculator and a salary tax calculator. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.