SARS Contact Centre Number

Official contact details

Finding the correct official communication channels for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is essential for handling tax queries safely. For general telephonic support, the official SARS Contact Centre number is 0800 00 7277(0800 00 SARS).

• Operating Hours: Weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00, except on Wednesdays when operating hours begin at 09:00 until 16:00. The contact centre is closed on weekends and public holidays.
• International Callers: If you are calling from outside South Africa, you can use the international number +27 11 602 2093 (note that local international time differences apply).Always verify these details against official resources such as the [Government Contact Directory contact details] or the main [SARS Contact Details] page before proceeding.

Best contact route by issue

Depending on the specific nature of your inquiry, SARS provides different routing options to resolve problems efficiently:

• General Tax Queries & Account Balance: Use the self-service online channels, eFiling, or the automated USSD/WhatsApp lines first before queuing for a phone agent.
• Submissions and Payments: Issues regarding eFiling or payments not processed via online portals should be directed through the main contact centre line or a booked branch visit.
• Fraud and Scams: Suspicious communications should be reported immediately via dedicated secure channels rather than regular lines (see [SARS phishing scam contact details]).
• Corruption or Bribery Reports: Internal misconduct or corruption matters should be routed through formal whistleblowing channels (refer to [Anti Corruption Hotline South Africa]).

Customer care and call centre options

When dealing with complex personal income tax, corporate tax, or compliance matters, speaking directly to an agent via the official call centre is often necessary. By calling 0800 00 7277, taxpayers can access trained advisors. To avoid long holding queues, it is recommended to call during off-peak hours or utilize digital alternatives first. For specialized registrations like business startups or compliance documentation, see specific service channels such as [BizPortal Company Registration Contact Details] or [BizPortal B BBEE Certificate Contact Details].

Online

Managing tax obligations online is heavily promoted by SARS to reduce administrative backlogs. Taxpayers can utilize the official SARS eFiling platform or the SARS MobiApp to submit returns, view notices of assessment, request tax clearance certificates, and check auto-assessment statuses. The official website portal also features the SARS Online Query System (SOQS), which allows users to log specific queries securely without needing to phone or visit a physical branch.

WhatsApp or self-service options

SARS offers interactive and self-service digital platforms for quick, day-to-day queries.

• WhatsApp Channel: Taxpayers can interact via WhatsApp by saving the official SARS WhatsApp number 0800 11 7277 to their contact list and sending a greeting (such as “Hi” or “Hello”). This allows users to check auto-assessment status, request a Tax Reference Number, view statements of account, or track refund and audit statuses. Note that you must message from the mobile number registered on your eFiling profile.
• USSD Code: For users without smartphone data, dialing *134*7277# grants access to a menu providing basic services like tax reference number retrieval, account balances, and Two-Pot retirement system calculations.

Claims

For queries related to tax refunds, travel claims, medical tax credits, or employer reconciliations, taxpayers should review their relevant assessment notices on eFiling. If a refund or financial claim is delayed past standard turnaround times, you should query the status through the official contact centre or log a service query via the SARS Online Query System while quoting your specific assessment reference number.

faults

Technical faults involving digital platforms such as the eFiling website, MobiApp login errors, or profile lockouts should be reported through technical support query options. Before logging a technical fault, ensure your browser cache is cleared or your app is updated to the latest version. If digital channels remain inaccessible, contacting the central helpline or booking a virtual/physical branch appointment is the recommended alternative.

complaints or escalation

If you experience poor service, unresolved operational matters, or prolonged delays past statutory turnaround times, South Africa’s formal escalation procedure should be followed:

1. Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the front-line agent or supervisor at the point of contact, ensuring you record all case or reference numbers.
2. If unresolved, lodge a formal complaint online via eFiling or through the SARS Complaints Management Office (CMO) toll-free line at 0800 12 12 16.
3. If the matter remains unaddressed following internal complaints processes, taxpayers can escalate the dispute to the independent Office of the Tax Ombud for review.

What to prepare before contacting

To ensure a smooth support experience, gather the following relevant information before reaching out to SARS:

• Your official South African ID number, passport number, or asylum seeker permit number.
• Your official Tax Reference Number.
• Relevant reference numbers, case numbers, or transaction IDs from previous correspondence.
• Supporting documents, error screenshots, or proofs of payment where applicable.Avoid sharing unnecessary personal identity details or passwords via unsecured channels.

Related contact pages

To explore other related services and directories, review the following authorized sections:

• [Government Contact Pages]
• [Government Contact Directory contact details]
• [SARS Contact Details]
• [SARS phishing scam contact details]
• [Anti Corruption Hotline South Africa]
• [BizPortal B BBEE Certificate Contact Details]
• [BizPortal Company Registration Contact Details]

FAQs

What is the best way to contact SARS Contact Centre Number?

The most reliable route depends on your specific need. For general phone support, call the official SARS Contact Centre number at 0800 00 7277. However, for faster results regarding administrative checks (such as checking tax numbers or account balances), utilizing self-service channels like the SARS WhatsApp line (0800 11 7277) or eFiling is often faster.Always verify live details on official channels before proceeding.

What information should I prepare?

Before calling or messaging SARS support, you should prepare your official ID or passport number, your Tax Reference Number, any existing case or reference numbers related to your query, and relevant supporting documents or error logs.

What should I do if I cannot get help?

If standard channels fail to resolve your issue or turnaround times are exceeded, request a supervisor escalation, obtain a formal reference number, and log a complaint via the SARS Complaints Management Office toll-free number (0800 12 12 16) or through eFiling. If exhaustion of internal remedies occurs, consider approaching the Office of the Tax Ombud.