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How to Request a SARS Statement of Account

Complete guide to requesting a SARS statement of account in South Africa. Learn how to request statements via eFiling, what information is included, and how to use statements for tax planning.

Tax Expert
February 17, 2026
11 min read
How to Request a SARS Statement of Account

How to Request a SARS Statement of Account

A SARS statement of account provides a comprehensive overview of your tax account, including balances, payments, assessments, and transactions. Understanding how to request and read your statement helps you manage your tax affairs effectively. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about requesting SARS statements of account.

What Is a Statement of Account?

Understanding Statements

Definition:

  • Comprehensive account summary
  • Shows all transactions
  • Current balance
  • Payment history
  • Assessment details

Purpose:

  • Track tax position
  • Verify payments
  • Check balances
  • Plan tax payments
  • Maintain records

Key Information:

  • Account balance
  • Payments made
  • Assessments issued
  • Refunds processed
  • Outstanding amounts

How to Request a Statement

Via SARS eFiling

Step-by-Step:

  1. Log In to eFiling

  2. Navigate to Statements

    • Click on "Returns" or "Account"
    • Select "Statement of Account"
    • Choose tax type (Income Tax, VAT, etc.)
    • Select date range
  3. Request Statement

    • Select period
    • Choose format (PDF, Excel)
    • Click "Request" or "Generate"
    • Download statement

Available Options:

  • Different tax types
  • Various date ranges
  • Multiple formats
  • Historical statements

Via SARS MobiApp

Mobile Request:

  1. Open SARS MobiApp
  2. Log in with eFiling credentials
  3. Navigate to "Statements"
  4. Select statement type
  5. Request and view statement

Via SARS Call Centre

Phone Request:

  1. Call 0800 00 7277
  2. Provide ID and tax reference number
  3. Request statement
  4. Receive via email or post
  5. Or view online

Via SARS Branch

In-Person Request:

  1. Book appointment
  2. Visit SARS branch
  3. Request statement
  4. Receive printed copy
  5. Or request email delivery

What's Included in a Statement

Account Information

Basic Details:

  • Tax reference number
  • Taxpayer name
  • Account type
  • Period covered
  • Statement date

Transaction Details

Payments:

  • Payment dates
  • Payment amounts
  • Payment methods
  • Payment references
  • Status

Assessments:

  • Assessment dates
  • Assessment numbers
  • Tax amounts
  • Refund amounts
  • Status

Other Transactions:

  • Penalties
  • Interest
  • Adjustments
  • Offsets
  • Other charges

Balance Information

Current Balance:

  • Amount owed
  • Amount due to you
  • Nil balance
  • Breakdown by tax type

Historical Balances:

  • Previous balances
  • Balance changes
  • Payment history
  • Trend information

Understanding Your Statement

Reading the Statement

Key Sections:

  • Account summary
  • Transaction list
  • Balance information
  • Payment details
  • Assessment information

Important Dates:

  • Statement date
  • Transaction dates
  • Due dates
  • Payment dates

Amounts:

  • Debits (amounts owed)
  • Credits (payments/refunds)
  • Net balance
  • Breakdowns

Common Terms

Debit:

  • Amount you owe
  • Tax liability
  • Penalties
  • Interest

Credit:

  • Payments made
  • Refunds due
  • Overpayments
  • Credits applied

Balance:

  • Net amount
  • Owed or due
  • Current position
  • After all transactions

Using Your Statement

Tax Planning

Planning Uses:

  • Understand current position
  • Plan future payments
  • Track compliance
  • Monitor account

Benefits:

  • Better cash flow planning
  • Avoid surprises
  • Track payments
  • Maintain compliance

Verification

Verification Uses:

  • Verify payments received
  • Check assessments
  • Confirm balances
  • Review transactions

Important:

  • Review regularly
  • Verify all transactions
  • Query discrepancies
  • Keep records

Record Keeping

Maintenance:

  • Download statements regularly
  • Keep for records
  • Organize by period
  • Maintain for 5 years

Organization:

  • File chronologically
  • Keep digital copies
  • Backup important statements
  • Easy to access

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Checking Payment

Situation:

  • Made payment
  • Want to verify received
  • Check statement

Action:

  • Request recent statement
  • Check transaction list
  • Verify payment appears
  • Confirm amount correct

Scenario 2: Understanding Balance

Situation:

  • Received notice
  • Want to understand balance
  • Review statement

Action:

  • Request statement
  • Review transactions
  • Understand components
  • Verify calculations

Scenario 3: Planning Payments

Situation:

  • Planning tax payments
  • Need current position
  • Review statement

Action:

  • Request current statement
  • Review balance
  • Plan payments
  • Track progress

Troubleshooting

Statement Not Available

Possible Causes:

  • Account not active
  • No transactions
  • System issue
  • Access problem

Solutions:

  • Contact SARS
  • Verify account status
  • Try different method
  • Check access

Discrepancies

If You Find Errors:

  • Note discrepancy
  • Gather evidence
  • Contact SARS
  • Query transaction
  • Request correction

Process:

  • Document issue
  • Contact SARS
  • Provide information
  • Follow up
  • Resolve

Best Practices

Regular Review

Frequency:

  • Monthly or quarterly
  • Before tax season
  • After payments
  • When needed

Benefits:

  • Stay informed
  • Catch issues early
  • Plan effectively
  • Maintain compliance

Record Keeping

Maintenance:

  • Download regularly
  • Keep organized
  • Backup copies
  • Maintain for 5 years

Verification

Regular Checks:

  • Verify transactions
  • Check balances
  • Confirm payments
  • Review assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I request a statement?

You can request statements as often as needed via eFiling. There's no limit on requests.

How far back can I get statements?

You can typically request statements for several years. Check eFiling for available date ranges.

Is there a fee for statements?

No, statements are free when requested via eFiling or other official channels.

Can I get statements for different tax types?

Yes, you can request statements for Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, and other tax types separately.

How long does it take to receive a statement?

Via eFiling, statements are usually available immediately. Other methods may take a few days.

What if my statement shows an error?

Contact SARS immediately to query the error. Provide evidence and request correction.

Conclusion

Requesting and understanding your SARS statement of account is essential for effective tax management. By regularly reviewing your statements, verifying transactions, and using them for planning, you can maintain better control over your tax affairs. Remember that statements are available free via eFiling and can be requested as often as needed.

For assistance with statements or to query discrepancies, contact SARS directly or consult a qualified tax practitioner.


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About the Author
Tax Expert

Tax Expert

Specializing in South African tax law, SARS eFiling, and tax compliance with extensive knowledge of the South African Revenue Service.