How To Request Tax Compliance Status

Quick answer

To request tax compliance status in South Africa, the official and primary method is through the South African Revenue Service (SARS) eFiling platform or the official SARS Mobile App. Taxpayers use the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) system to manage their tax standing and share it securely with third parties through a unique TCS PIN.

When you need to request tax compliance status, you must first verify your tax standing on your eFiling profile. If your account is compliant, you can issue a TCS PIN for reasons such as Good Standing, Tender, Foreign Investment Allowance, or Emigration.

Please note that ContactDetails.co.za is an independent directory and information service designed to guide users toward verified official support channels. We are not SARS, and we do not process tax applications or issue compliance PINs directly. To keep your tax information secure, always perform compliance transactions directly through verified SARS portals.

When this guide applies

This request tax compliance status guide applies when you need to prove your tax compliance to a third party—such as a government institution, bank, employer, or prospective tender issuer—or when you need to resolve account issues before issuing a PIN.

This guide helps you navigate safe routing for:

• Official login access: Navigating securely to the SARS eFiling portal or mobile application.
• Account-lock and password issues: Steps to regain access through official identity verification without exposing personal credentials.
• App support and profile management: Checking “My Compliance Profile” to identify outstanding returns, administrative penalties, or unverified contact details.
• Security cautions: Protecting your profile. Never share eFiling passwords, one-time pins (OTPs), or bank account details with unverified third parties, social media pages, or unverified brokers.

If you are looking for general compliance navigation or other administrative help, you can explore our Guides Contact Pages or visit the broader Tax, Business Registration, And Compliance contact details hub.

Step-by-step process

To request tax compliance status safely, follow this official eFiling workflow:

1. Access the Official Portal: Go to the official SARS eFiling website or open the SARS Mobile App.
2. Log In: Enter your verified username and password. If prompted, complete the multi-factor authentication step.
3. Check My Compliance Profile: Before submitting a request, navigate to the TAX COMPLIANCE STATUStab and click on My Compliance Profile. Review the color-coded indicators (Green for compliant, Red for non-compliant) across categories such as Registration, Submission of Returns, Audit/Verification, and Outstanding Debt.
4. Remediate Non-Compliance: If any category is flagged as non-compliant, you must submit missing tax returns or pay/arrange payments for outstanding amounts before proceeding.
5. Select Request Tax Compliance Status: Once your profile displays a compliant status, select the Activationor Request TCS menu item.
6. Choose Request Type: Select the applicable reason for your TCS request (e.g., Good Standing, Tender, Foreign Investment Allowance, or Emigration).
7. Submit and Generate PIN: Review your request details and click submit. Once approved, SARS will issue a unique Tax Compliance Status PIN and a downloadable TCS document.
8. Share the PIN: Provide the TCS PIN and your Tax Reference Number to the requesting organization, allowing them to verify your status in real time.

What information to prepare

What information should I prepare?

Before starting the process or contacting official SARS channels for assistance, ensure you have the following information and records accessible:

• Tax Reference Number: Your individual or company SARS tax reference identifier (Income Tax, VAT, or PAYE).
• eFiling Login Credentials: Your verified eFiling username, password, and registered mobile device for receiving security OTPs.
• Identification Documents: Valid South African ID document/smart card or passport number (and registered business registration number for companies).
• Proof of Payment or Statements: If clearing an outstanding debt to fix non-compliance, have proof of payment or SARS statement of account ready.
• Supporting Documentation: Additional documents if requesting specialized TCS types, such as proof of funds for Foreign Investment Allowance.
• Screenshots of System Errors: If contacting support regarding technical eFiling glitches, capture screenshots showing the date, time, and error prompt (ensuring personal sensitive details are masked).

Who to contact first

What is the best way to contact How To Request Tax Compliance Status?

When seeking how to request tax compliance status official support, always reach out to SARS through direct official routes.

1. SARS eFiling Online Services: The fastest route to request TCS or view non-compliance reasons is directly through the online eFiling platform.
2. SARS Online Query System (SOQS): If you experience issues accessing your account or need to update contact information, use the official SARS Online Query System on the main SARS portal.
3. SARS Contact Centre: For telephone-assisted support, contact the official SARS Call Centre. Always verify that you are calling the number published on the official SARS contact page.
4. SARS eBooking System: If your tax compliance issue requires an in-person or virtual consultation with an agent, book an appointment online via the SARS eBooking tool prior to visiting a physical branch.

Before dialing any contact number found online, refer to our guide on how to verify a contact number to ensure you are connecting with a verified service line. For overarching company compliance resources, consult our Business Compliance Hub.

When to escalate

What should I do if I cannot get help?

If you encounter persistent service failures or technical errors while attempting to request your tax compliance status, follow the standard South African escalation sequence:

1. Log a Formal Dispute/Query on eFiling: Submit an official administrative query via eFiling detailing the system error or technical barrier preventing your TCS request.
2. Log a Formal Complaint with SARS: If the issue is not resolved within official SARS service turnaround times, access how to request tax compliance status complaints options by logging a formal SARS complaint on eFiling (or via the SARS Service Manager). Keep your complaint reference number.
3. Escalate to the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO): If you have exhausted the internal SARS complaints process and your matter remains unresolved after the standard timeframe (usually 21 business days), you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Tax Ombud. Note that the OTO handles procedural and administrative service grievances regarding SARS.

Related official contacts

When looking for official channels regarding tax, corporate entity management, and business compliance, ensure you verify channels through official channels. Related compliance guides under our network include:

• CIPC Annual Returns Deregistration Help
• CIPC Company Name Search Help
• CIPC Name Reservation Status Contact

Official communication routes for SARS should always be checked directly on the official SARS portal (sars.gov.za/contact-us/).

FAQs

What is the official way to handle how to request tax compliance status?

The official way is to log into the SARS eFiling portal or the SARS Mobile App, review “My Compliance Profile,” resolve any outstanding tax obligations, and select “Request Tax Compliance Status” to generate a valid TCS PIN. Always verify live details on the official SARS website before submitting information.

What information should I prepare for how to request tax compliance status?

You should prepare your SARS Tax Reference Number, registered eFiling login details, South African ID or passport, and any necessary supporting documents (such as proof of payment or tax returns) needed to resolve outstanding non-compliance items.

Is how to request tax compliance status available by phone, email or WhatsApp?

Tax Compliance Status PINs are generated securely through online self-service portals (eFiling and SARS Mobile App). While how to request tax compliance status customer care agents can guide you over the phone or during an eBooking appointment, official channels are limited to those listed on the official SARS portal. Channels such as direct email or WhatsApp should only be used if explicitly confirmed on the official SARS contact page.