“Lost Your SARS Login? Here’s What You Need to Know”

As tax practitioners, we are unable to contact SARS on your behalf if you’ve lost your login details. It’s essential for the taxpayer to retrieve them directly from SARS. You can either call the SARS call centre to reset your password or visit a branch office where they have authentication methods to verify your identity. It’s crucial to keep your details updated with every tax return or any changes, as SARS has specific rules for updating details. Failure to update may result in difficulty verifying your identity. Remember, SARS will not disclose login details to third parties.

Here are some tips for creating strong and secure passwords:

1. Length matters: Aim for a minimum of 12 characters.
2. Mix it up: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
3. Unique is key: Avoid easily guessable information like names, birthdays, or common words.
4. Don’t repeat: Use a different password for each account.
5. Avoid sequences: Steer clear of sequential characters like “123456” or “abcdef”.
6. No dictionary words: Avoid using words found in dictionaries.
7. Consider a passphrase: Use a series of words that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.
8. Use two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security where possible.
9. Change it regularly: Update your passwords every 60-90 days.
10. Password manager: Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate strong passwords.

Remember, a strong password is your first line of defence against cyber threats! It’s also important to keep your contact details consistent; avoid changing telephone numbers and use a reliable personal email rather than a work email, as job changes can invalidate work emails. For added security, choose a trustworthy tax practitioner and authorize them to manage your SARS e-filing details. This ensures quick access to correspondence from SARS, allowing both you and your practitioner to stay informed about assessments and penalties.

We realise that you only file your tax once a year so it’s easy to forget your password. So, if you’ve forgotten your e-Filing password, here’s some more help.  It’s simple, you can either do it online or over the phone, take your pick.  

Online through the e-Filing website

Go to the SARS website and click on Forgot Password or Forgot Username and follow the prompts to have your password reset or your username sent to your security contact details.

To reset both your Username and Password on eFiling you need to recover your Username first before you can reset your Password:

• Select ‘Forgot Username?’
• Complete the relevant information and follow the prompts.
• You will then be prompted to create your Password after retrieving your Username.

On the SARS MobiApp 

On the SARS Mobile application, tap on Forgot Password. This will display the Forgot Password page. Complete your username and tap on Next.

This will direct you to the OTP Contact details page. Select your preferred channel and tap on Send OTP. An OTP will be sent through to your selected channel. Your device will request you to complete the OTP sent though to your preferred channel. Complete the OTP as required and tap on Submit.

Once completed, you will be presented with a screen to complete your new password. Complete your new password on the fields stipulated before tapping on Submit.

Two Factor Authentication and Passwordless Authentication

Two Factor and Passwordless authentication is an additional security features which allow an e-Filing user to access their e-Filing profile using push notification technology to a smart device:

• Two Factor Authentication: Allows the user to access their e-Filing profile by making use of their username, password and a push notification sent to the SARS Mobile Application, on their smart device.
• Passwordless Authentication: Allows the user access to their e-Filing profile by making use of their username and a push notification sent to the SARS Mobile Application, on their smart device.

Please note, to make use of this security feature ensure that:

• The SARS Mobile Application is installed on your smart device and
• Your smart device is enrolled as the primary device on your e-Filing profile.

Need help?

If you need help on how to retrieve your username and password on SARS e-Filing, watch our helpful tutorial video on the SARS YouTube channel by clicking on the Link.

To access this page in different languages, click on the links below: 

• isiZulu
• Sesotho
• Afrikaans
• Sepedi
• Xitsonga

At The Tax Shop Polokwane West, we are highly qualified to assist you with your tax matters, making your tax management simpler and more efficient. We make your life easier!