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:
-
Log In to eFiling
-
Navigate to Statements
- Click on "Returns" or "Account"
- Select "Statement of Account"
- Choose tax type (Income Tax, VAT, etc.)
- Select date range
-
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:
- Open SARS MobiApp
- Log in with eFiling credentials
- Navigate to "Statements"
- Select statement type
- Request and view statement
Via SARS Call Centre
Phone Request:
- Call 0800 00 7277
- Provide ID and tax reference number
- Request statement
- Receive via email or post
- Or view online
Via SARS Branch
In-Person Request:
- Book appointment
- Visit SARS branch
- Request statement
- Receive printed copy
- 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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