SARS Office Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

The SARS Port Elizabeth branch (now officially in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay) serves individual taxpayers, small and medium business owners, manufacturers, auto industry workers, and employers across the metro — including Motherwell, Uitenhage, Despatch, and surrounding areas. The office handles personal income tax, VAT, PAYE, provisional tax, and company tax matters. This guide covers how to book an appointment, what to bring per service type, and how to resolve common tax issues.

Office Details

Address: SARS Port Elizabeth, Govan Mbeki Avenue, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Area: Nelson Mandela Bay metro (confirm exact address via www.sars.gov.za or call 0800 00 7277)
Public Transport: Bus and taxi services available. Parking near the Gqeberha CBD.

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
• Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays: Closed
• Appointments required for all services.

How to Book an Appointment

1. Via eFiling: Log in at www.sarsefiling.co.za and select "Book Appointment."
2. Via the SARS call centre: Call 0800 00 7277 and request an appointment at the Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha branch.

Book ahead of time — the July–October tax season and month-end periods fill slots quickly.

Services Available at Port Elizabeth

• Personal income tax (ITR12) filing and queries
• Provisional tax (IRP6) submissions and queries
• VAT registration, returns, and queries
• PAYE and employer return queries (EMP201 / EMP501)
• Tax registration (individuals and entities)
• Tax Compliance Status (TCS / clearance pin)
• Outstanding return or debt resolution
• Manufacturing and automotive sector tax queries
• Profile updates (banking, address, representative)

Document Checklists by Service Type

Personal Income Tax Return (ITR12)

• South African ID or passport — original
• IRP5 and IT3(a) certificates from all income sources
• Medical aid certificate
• Retirement annuity contribution certificate
• Travel logbook (if claiming vehicle allowance)
• Home office schedule (if applicable)
• Any open SARS correspondence

VAT Return or Registration Query

• Business registration documents
• VAT registration number
• Tax invoices and purchase records for the period in question
• Authorised representative's ID and company authority documents

PAYE and Employer Query

• Company or entity registration
• Employer tax reference number
• EMP201 payment confirmations
• EMP501 reconciliation records
• Payroll summary

Manufacturing / Automotive Sector Queries

• Company registration and tax numbers
• Section 12C / 12D capital allowance schedules (if relevant)
• Custom and excise duty correspondence (if applicable)
• Authorised representative's ID

Tax Debt / Payment Arrangement

• SARS statement of account
• Proof of recent payments
• Income and expense overview for arrangement negotiations

eFiling vs Branch Visit

Use eFiling first for:

• Submitting returns and uploading supporting documents
• Checking return or refund status
• Requesting statements of account
• Registering for income tax, VAT, or PAYE
• Generating TCS pin

Come to the branch when:

• Identity or profile issues block eFiling access
• A SARS verification or audit requires original documents
• A formal payment arrangement needs in-person documentation
• Complex company or VAT matters need face-to-face resolution

Visit Timing Tips

Best time: Tuesday to Thursday, 09:00–11:00 AM.

Avoid: Mondays, Fridays, month-end, and the July–October tax season. Nelson Mandela Bay's manufacturing workforce creates higher demand around annual returns and year-end payroll cycles.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Refund not received

Confirm banking details on eFiling are verified. Visit with ID and bank confirmation to update if they are incorrect.

Account locked on eFiling

Visit the branch with your original South African ID. Identity flags can only be cleared in person.

Return showing as outstanding after filing

Allow 48–72 hours. If outstanding after 7 days, visit with your submission confirmation printout.

VAT refund delayed

VAT refunds are often subject to verification. If SARS requested supporting invoices, upload them promptly via eFiling. Delays are frequently caused by incomplete verification responses.

EMP501 reconciliation mismatch

Bring EMP201 payment receipts and payroll records. SARS will compare against their system during the appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I handle both my personal and business tax at the same appointment?

Not typically in the same slot — personal (ITR12) and entity (company / CC) tax accounts are separate. Book two separate appointments or a longer session for complex multi-entity matters.

I work for an automotive manufacturer in Uitenhage. Can I use the Port Elizabeth SARS office?

Yes. The Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha SARS office covers the full Nelson Mandela Bay metro, including Uitenhage and Despatch.

My company has a VAT refund that hasn't been paid for 4 months. What do I do?

Log into eFiling to check if SARS has issued a verification request. If so, respond promptly with supporting documentation. If no verification is pending and the refund is still outstanding, visit the branch with your case reference.

Can I submit a tax objection at the Port Elizabeth branch?

Yes. Objections must be filed via eFiling within 30 business days of the assessment date, but the branch can assist if you have difficulty using eFiling.

Related Guidance

• Explore related guidance: Category hub
• Use our practical tools: Free checker/calculator

Official References

• SARS Website: www.sars.gov.za
• SARS eFiling: www.sarsefiling.co.za
• SARS Call Centre: 0800 00 7277

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03. Tax rules, rates, and procedures change — verify against www.sars.gov.za before acting.