How to Register Your Business on SARS eFiling

How to Register Your Business on SARS eFiling in 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide

Registering your company with the CIPC is only the first half of becoming tax-compliant. Once you receive your CoR14.3 certificate, SARS automatically generates an income tax reference number for the company. However, that number does nothing until you actively set up and claim the business on SARS eFiling.

This guide shows exactly how to do it in 2026 — whether you run a Pty Ltd or trade as a sole proprietor. It is written for first-time business owners who want the process done correctly the first time, without unnecessary branch visits or delays.

Why You Must Still Register on eFiling

CIPC and SARS systems talk to each other. The tax number is created automatically. What is not automatic is:

Linking the company to a human (the Registered Representative)
Activating the correct tax types
Updating the Public Officer details
Adding banking details so refunds can be paid

Until these steps are complete, you cannot file returns, request a Tax Compliance Status (TCS), or receive any refunds.

What You Need Before You Start SARS eFiling company registration

Have these ready:

Your personal SARS eFiling login (or the ability to create one)
Company registration number (from the CoR14.3)
Company income tax reference number (usually in the CIPC confirmation SMS/email or on the CoR14.3)
Certified copy of your ID
Recent proof of residential address (not older than three months)
CoR14.3 Certificate of Incorporation
Board resolution appointing you as Registered Representative / Public Officer (simple template is fine for a sole-director company)
Business bank account details (once the account is open)

Step-by-Step: how to add company to eFiling

1. Log in (or register) with your personal profile
Go to sarsefiling.sars.gov.za. If you do not yet have a personal eFiling profile, click Register and complete the process using your South African ID. You will need a cellphone number and email that can receive OTPs.

2. Become the Registered Representative
Once logged in:

Go to Organisations → SARS Registered Details → Activate Registered Representative.
Upload the required supporting documents (certified ID, proof of address, CoR14.3, and board resolution).
Submit. SARS usually reviews within 21 working days. Keep an eye on your eFiling messages.

This step is the one that causes the most delays. Incomplete or unclear documents are the main reason applications are rejected.

3. Add the company as an Organisation
After you are approved as Registered Representative:

Go to Organisations → Register New.
Select Income Tax (Companies).
Enter the company tax reference number.
Complete any additional verification SARS requests.

The company should now appear under your Organisations list.

4. Activate SARS tax types
Navigate to Home → User → Tax Types (or Manage Tax Types). Activate at minimum:

Corporate Income Tax (ITR14)
Provisional Tax (IRP6)

Add PAYE, UIF and SDL only if you have employees. Add VAT only if you are registered (or required to register) for VAT.

5. Update the Public Officer and banking details
Use the RAV01 form (Maintain SARS Registered Details) to:

Confirm or appoint the Public Officer (usually the same person as the Registered Representative for small companies)
Capture the company’s banking details accurately

Incorrect banking details are the most common reason refunds are delayed or rejected.

What If You Are a Sole Proprietor?

You do not register a separate “company” profile. Instead:

Register (or log in) with your personal eFiling profile.
Declare your business income on your personal income tax return (ITR12).
Register as a provisional taxpayer if required.
If your turnover qualifies, consider registering for Turnover Tax (covered in our companion guide).

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

“I cannot find my company tax number” → Check the original CIPC confirmation SMS/email or log into BizPortal and download the documents again.
Registered Representative application rejected → Re-upload clearer certified documents and a properly signed resolution.
Company does not appear after approval → Log out, clear browser cache, and log back in. Sometimes it takes a few hours to reflect.
Tax Compliance Status shows non-compliant → Almost always caused by an outdated Public Officer or missing banking details. Update via RAV01.

After You Are Fully Set Up

You can now:

File the annual ITR14 (or ITR12 for sole props)
Submit provisional tax returns
Request a Tax Compliance Status pin instantly
Register for additional tax types when needed
Receive refunds directly into the business bank account

Final Checklist

Personal eFiling profile active
Registered Representative approved
Company added under Organisations
Correct tax types activated
Public Officer and banking details updated via RAV01

Once this is done, your business is properly linked to SARS and ready for ongoing compliance.

Next recommended reading:
Compare whether Turnover Tax or the normal Income Tax system will cost you less → Turnover Tax vs Income Tax for Small Businesses in South Africa 2026

And once your tax profile is live, make sure customers can find you:
→ List your business free on Small Business Directory

You have now completed one of the most important post-registration steps. Do it carefully the first time and you will avoid months of frustration later.

eFiling works best once the company already exists on CIPC. If you are still registering, use the CIPC BizPortal guide first. After tax setup, many owners look at Turnover Tax versus income tax and then focus on getting found online with a Google Business Profile and local directory presence.