SARS Tax Number: How to Get It or Find It If You Forgot It

By SA Gov Info

SARS tax number: SMS TRN and your ID number to 47277, dial *134*7277#, register on eFiling, or call 0800 00 7277
Quick answer: If you forgot your SARS tax number, SMS the letters TRN followed by your ID number to 47277, or dial *134*7277#. If you do not have a tax number yet, register for SARS eFiling with your South African ID: SARS will register you for income tax and give you a tax reference number automatically.

Find Your Tax Number Again

MethodHow
SMSSend “TRN” followed by your ID number to 47277
USSDDial *134*7277# (free)
SARS Online Query SystemChoose the query type “What’s My Tax Number”. No documents are needed
Contact centreCall 0800 00 7277 on weekdays

The SMS and USSD services only work from the cellphone number SARS has on record for you.

Get a Tax Number for the First Time

OptionHow it works
Register for eFilingWhen you register for eFiling for the first time and have no income tax number, SARS registers you and issues a tax reference number. You need a valid South African ID
Already on eFilingRegister for personal income tax through the SARS Online Query System
Through your employerYour employer can register you for tax
USSD or WhatsAppUse *134*7277# or WhatsApp 0800 11 7277
SARS branchA SARS consultant can register you. Book an appointment first

See our step-by-step guide to SARS eFiling registration.

Who Needs a Tax Number?

You usually need a tax number if you:

  • earn a salary or wage,
  • run a business or do freelance work,
  • earn rental or investment income, or
  • need to submit a tax return.

Keep Your Tax Number Private

SARS will not give your tax number to anyone else, unless that person is your registered tax practitioner or has power of attorney to deal with your tax affairs. Be careful who you share it with, and never share your eFiling password or one-time PIN.

SARS Tax Number Questions

How do I get my SARS tax number by SMS?

Send TRN followed by your ID number to 47277 from the cellphone number SARS has on record.

Can I get a tax number without going to a SARS branch?

Yes. Register for eFiling online and SARS issues your tax number, or use USSD, WhatsApp or the SARS Online Query System.

What is a tax reference number?

It is the number SARS uses to identify you as a taxpayer. You need it for eFiling and when dealing with SARS.

Can my employer get my tax number for me?

Your employer can register you for tax. SARS does not give your tax number to other people without your authority.

More: SARS contact numbers and SARS tax refund status.