SARS has rolled out a new facial biometric verification system to strengthen security and combat identity fraud on eFiling. While this improves data protection, it also means business owners and registered representatives must take action or risk being locked out of critical tax services.
The Risk of Not Acting
If you’re listed as the Registered Representative for a company, trust, or estate, and you haven’t completed this new verification, SARS will:
- Block all new tax type registrations, including VAT, PAYE, and Customs.
- Reject approval requests with error messages like “Approver’s contact details could not be found.”
- Prevent your accountant or tax practitioner from acting on your behalf.
In short, your tax compliance and business operations could come to a standstill until your identity is verified.
Who Must Complete the Verification
You must complete the SARS facial biometric process if:
- You represent any business, trust, or estate at SARS; and
- You either don’t have an eFiling profile, or your profile was created before November 2024 and has not yet been verified.
What You Need to Do Next
Option 1: Register a New eFiling Profile
- Go to gov.za
- Click “Register” (top right) → Select “Individual.”
- Enter your ID number and complete your personal details.
- When prompted, follow the steps for facial biometric verification, using your phone or computer camera in good lighting.
- Once verified, your eFiling profile will automatically link to your ID.
Option 2: Verify an Existing Profile
- Download the SARS MobiApp from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your eFiling username and password.
- If SARS detects missing biometrics, it will automatically prompt you.
- Follow the quick steps to capture your face and complete verification.
This is a once-off process. Once completed, you’ll be fully verified to continue managing your tax matters seamlessly.
How JZA Can Help
At JZA, we understand how easily new SARS requirements can disrupt your operations. Our team ensures your compliance process is efficient, accurate, and stress-free.
We’ll help you:
- Confirm your current verification status directly with SARS.
- Guide you through each step of the biometric setup.
- Ensure your business remains compliant and uninterrupted.
JZA Advisory & Tax will get your SARS verification done right, the first time.
While every reasonable effort is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, neither the writers of articles nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information or recommendations contained herein. Our material is for informational purposes.