Locked Out of SARS eFiling? Here’s What to Do If You Forgot Both Your Email Address and Cellphone Number
So, you’ve forgotten both your email AND your cellphone number for your SARS eFiling account? Oof. Been there. Not fun. Basically, you’re locked out of tax-land, and SARS isn’t exactly known for its warm, fuzzy customer service. But don’t freak out—there are ways to get back in. Here’s how I’d tackle it:
Dig Through Your Digital Junk
Before you panic and sprint to a SARS office, poke around in your old emails and phone messages. Maybe you’ve got a dusty old “Welcome to eFiling!” email hiding in your inbox, or some random SMS from SARS with your details. Think—what email were you obsessed with back when you registered? (We all have that embarrassing Hotmail from 2012.) Check paperwork too—like tax letters or confirmations you might’ve stashed somewhere “safe.” (You totally forgot where, right?)
Face the Music—Go to SARS In Person
If memory lane’s a dead end, you gotta bite the bullet and visit a SARS branch. Yup, in person. Don’t just rock up, though—they’re appointment-only these days. Here’s what you’ll need to drag along:
– Your South African ID (the green book or card, doesn’t matter)
– Anything with your tax reference number (if you can find it)
– If you’re sorting someone else’s mess (bless you), bring papers proving you’re allowed to do that (Power of Attorney, company thingies, etc.)
To book: head to the SARS Booking System online, pick ‘eFiling profile reset’ or ‘contact update’, then lock in your slot. Walk-ins? Forget it. They’ll just turn you away.
Step 3: Phone or Email (If You Hate Leaving the House)
Can’t face the outside world yet? Try calling SARS: 0800 00 7277 (Monday to Friday, 8 to 5). Or, shoot them an email at eFilingAssist@sars.gov.za. Make sure you include:
– Full name & ID
– Tax reference number (if you know it)
– The whole sad story about why you can’t get in
Heads up: They might STILL make you schlep to a branch for ID checks. Classic.
Update Your Details (ASAP, Seriously)
Once you’re back in? Don’t just do a happy dance—fix your contact info pronto. Log in, find “Maintain User Details,” slap in your correct email and cell, save it, and maybe try triggering an OTP just to make sure.
Never Let This Happen Again
You know what’s worse than doing this once? Doing it twice. So:
– Write your login details down (and put them somewhere you’ll actually remember)
– Keep your email/number with SARS up to date
– Use a password manager (seriously, it’s 2024, get with the program)
– Tell SARS if you change your contact info
Bottom Line
Look, losing access sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. Just act fast. If you’re stuck or absolutely allergic to admin, maybe rope in a tax practitioner—they actually like this stuff (weirdos). Stay on top of your contact details and you’ll avoid this whole circus next time. Good luck!