How to Update Personal Details on SARS
Keeping your personal details updated with SARS is essential for effective communication, accurate processing, and timely refunds. Understanding how to update your information helps ensure SARS has your current contact details, address, and banking information. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about updating personal details on SARS.
Why Update Your Details?
Importance of Current Information
Benefits:
- Receive important communications
- Get refunds promptly
- Avoid delays
- Maintain compliance
- Ensure accuracy
Consequences of Outdated Information:
- Missed communications
- Delayed refunds
- Processing delays
- Compliance issues
- Inconvenience
What Can You Update?
Contact Information
Email Address:
- Primary communication method
- Important for eFiling
- Receipt of notifications
- Account security
Phone Numbers:
- Mobile number
- Landline (if applicable)
- For SMS notifications
- Account verification
Postal Address:
- For written correspondence
- Important documents
- Statements
- Notices
Physical Address
Residential Address:
- Current address
- For verification
- Important for compliance
- May affect tax calculations
Business Address:
- If applicable
- For business taxpayers
- Separate from residential
- Important for VAT, etc.
Banking Details
Bank Account Information:
- For refunds
- For payments
- Account holder name
- Account number
- Branch code
Important:
- Account must be in your name
- Verify details carefully
- Update promptly if changed
- Critical for refunds
Other Information
Additional Details:
- Name changes (if applicable)
- ID number (rarely changes)
- Other personal information
- Business details (if applicable)
How to Update Details
Via SARS eFiling
Step-by-Step:
-
Log In to eFiling
-
Navigate to Profile
- Click on "Profile" or "My Profile"
- Select "Update Details" or similar
- Choose section to update
-
Update Information
- Enter new information
- Verify accuracy
- Save changes
- Confirm update
-
Verification
- May require verification
- Email confirmation
- SMS confirmation
- Follow instructions
Available Updates:
- Contact details
- Address information
- Banking details
- Other personal information
Via SARS MobiApp
Mobile Updates:
- Open SARS MobiApp
- Log in with eFiling credentials
- Navigate to "Profile"
- Select section to update
- Enter new information
- Save changes
Via SARS Call Centre
Phone Updates:
- Call 0800 00 7277
- Provide ID and tax reference
- Request update
- Provide new information
- Confirm update
Note:
- Some updates may require verification
- May need to visit branch for certain changes
- Follow instructions provided
Via SARS Branch
In-Person Updates:
- Book appointment
- Visit SARS branch
- Bring required documents
- Complete update forms
- Submit documents
- Receive confirmation
Required Documents:
- Valid ID
- Proof of new address (if applicable)
- Banking details (if applicable)
- Other supporting documents
Specific Updates
Updating Email Address
Process:
- Log in to eFiling
- Go to Profile
- Select Email
- Enter new email
- Verify new email
- Confirm change
Verification:
- Email sent to new address
- Click verification link
- Confirm change
- Old email notified
Updating Phone Number
Process:
- Log in to eFiling
- Go to Profile
- Select Phone
- Enter new number
- Verify via SMS
- Confirm change
Verification:
- OTP sent to new number
- Enter OTP
- Confirm change
- Update saved
Updating Address
Process:
- Log in to eFiling
- Go to Profile
- Select Address
- Enter new address
- Provide proof if required
- Save changes
Proof Required:
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Lease agreement
- Other proof of address
Updating Banking Details
Process:
- Log in to eFiling
- Go to Profile
- Select Banking Details
- Enter new details
- Verify information
- Save changes
Important:
- Account must be in your name
- Verify account number
- Verify branch code
- Double-check all details
Verification Requirements
Email Verification
Process:
- Email sent to new address
- Click verification link
- Confirm change
- Update activated
If Not Received:
- Check spam folder
- Verify email address
- Request resend
- Contact SARS if issues
Phone Verification
Process:
- OTP sent to new number
- Enter OTP code
- Confirm change
- Update activated
If Not Received:
- Check number is correct
- Wait a few minutes
- Request new OTP
- Contact SARS if issues
Address Verification
Process:
- May require proof
- Upload documents
- Or submit at branch
- SARS verifies
- Update confirmed
Best Practices
Regular Updates
When to Update:
- Immediately when changed
- Before tax season
- When moving
- When changing banks
- When contact details change
Benefits:
- Avoid delays
- Ensure communication
- Maintain compliance
- Smooth processing
Accuracy
Important:
- Double-check all information
- Verify before saving
- Ensure correct format
- Match official documents
Security
Protection:
- Never share login details
- Use secure connection
- Verify you're on official site
- Log out after updating
Common Issues
Update Not Saving
Possible Causes:
- Technical issue
- Incomplete information
- Verification not completed
- System error
Solutions:
- Try again
- Check all fields completed
- Complete verification
- Contact SARS if persists
Verification Not Received
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect contact details
- Spam/junk folder
- System delay
- Technical issue
Solutions:
- Verify contact details
- Check spam folder
- Wait a few minutes
- Request resend
- Contact SARS
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my details?
Update immediately whenever your contact details, address, or banking information changes.
Can I update my ID number?
ID numbers rarely change. If there's an error, contact SARS directly as this requires special handling.
Do I need to provide proof for all updates?
Some updates require proof (like address changes), while others (like email) only require verification via email.
How long does it take for updates to take effect?
Most updates take effect immediately after verification. Some may take a few hours to process.
Can I update details for someone else?
No, you can only update your own details. For others, you may need authorization or power of attorney.
What if I can't access eFiling to update?
You can update via call centre or by visiting a SARS branch with required documents.
Conclusion
Keeping your personal details updated with SARS is essential for effective tax management. By updating information promptly when it changes, verifying changes correctly, and maintaining accurate details, you can ensure smooth communication and processing. Remember that some updates require verification, so follow the instructions provided and complete the verification process.
For assistance with updates or if you encounter issues, contact SARS directly or visit a branch with required documents.
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