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SARS Appointment Booking Guide

Complete guide to booking SARS appointments in South Africa. Learn how to book appointments via eFiling, what services require appointments, and how to prepare for your visit.

Tax Expert
February 24, 2026
11 min read
SARS Appointment Booking Guide

SARS Appointment Booking Guide

Booking appointments with SARS helps you access services efficiently and avoid long waits. Understanding how to book appointments, what services require them, and how to prepare helps you make the most of your visit. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about booking SARS appointments.

Why Book an Appointment?

Benefits of Appointments

Advantages:

  • Guaranteed service time
  • Shorter wait times
  • Better service
  • Prepared staff
  • Efficient visit

Without Appointment:

  • Long waits possible
  • May be turned away
  • Limited service
  • Inconvenience
  • Time wasted

Services Requiring Appointments

Common Services

Require Appointments:

  • Complex tax return assistance
  • Registration services
  • Account queries
  • Payment arrangements
  • Document submissions
  • Other complex matters

May Not Require:

  • Simple queries
  • Quick questions
  • Some payments
  • Basic information
  • Check with office

How to Book an Appointment

Via SARS eFiling

Step-by-Step:

  1. Log In to eFiling

  2. Select Service

    • Choose service type
    • Select office location
    • Pick date and time
    • Confirm booking
  3. Provide Information

    • Reason for visit
    • Contact details
    • Other information
    • Submit booking
  4. Confirmation

    • Receive confirmation
    • Note reference number
    • Save details
    • Prepare for visit

Via SARS Call Centre

Phone Booking:

  1. Call 0800 00 7277
  2. Request appointment
  3. Provide details
  4. Receive confirmation
  5. Note reference number

Via SARS MobiApp

Mobile Booking:

  1. Open app
  2. Navigate to appointments
  3. Select service and office
  4. Choose date and time
  5. Confirm booking

What to Bring

Essential Documents

Always Bring:

  • Valid ID document
  • Tax reference number
  • Relevant documents
  • Any correspondence
  • Proof of address (if needed)

For Specific Services:

  • Tax returns: All income documents
  • Registration: Business documents, proof of address
  • Payments: Payment confirmation, account details
  • Queries: Relevant documents, reference numbers

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before Visit

Preparation:

  • Gather all documents
  • Organize paperwork
  • Know your questions
  • Have reference numbers
  • Plan your visit

Day of Visit:

  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • Bring all documents
  • Have ID ready
  • Be prepared
  • Allow extra time

During Visit

Best Practices:

  • Be clear about needs
  • Provide all information
  • Ask questions
  • Take notes
  • Get reference numbers

Cancelling or Rescheduling

How to Cancel

Process:

  • Log in to eFiling
  • Navigate to appointments
  • Select appointment
  • Cancel booking
  • Confirm cancellation

Or:

  • Call SARS
  • Provide reference number
  • Request cancellation
  • Confirm cancelled

Rescheduling

Process:

  • Cancel existing appointment
  • Book new appointment
  • Choose new date/time
  • Confirm new booking

Important:

  • Cancel in advance
  • Book new appointment promptly
  • Avoid no-shows
  • Be considerate

Best Practices

Booking Tips

When to Book:

  • Book well in advance
  • Avoid peak times
  • Choose convenient times
  • Plan ahead

Best Times:

  • Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
  • Mid-morning
  • Early afternoon
  • Avoid month-end

Preparation

Before Appointment:

  • Review what you need
  • Gather documents
  • Prepare questions
  • Know your situation
  • Be organized

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I book?

Usually up to several weeks in advance. Check eFiling for available dates.

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Some offices may accept walk-ins for simple matters, but appointments are recommended and often required.

What if I'm late for my appointment?

Contact the office if you're running late. They may accommodate you or ask you to reschedule.

Can I book for someone else?

Generally no, appointments are for the taxpayer. Contact SARS if you need to book for someone else.

Is there a fee for appointments?

No, appointments are free. You only pay for any services or tax amounts due.

What if I need to cancel?

Cancel as soon as possible via eFiling or by calling SARS. This allows others to use the slot.

Conclusion

Booking SARS appointments helps you access services efficiently. By booking in advance, preparing properly, and bringing required documents, you can make the most of your visit. Remember that appointments are often required for most services, so plan ahead and book early.

For assistance with booking or if you have questions, contact SARS directly or use the eFiling system.


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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.