How to check SARS balance online or via SMS and USSD code

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Keeping track of your tax balance with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is essential for managing your financial health. Knowing your current tax status ensures that you remain compliant with tax obligations and helps you stay informed about any refunds due to you. SARS offers several convenient methods to check your tax balance, whether you prefer using the internet, SMS, or a USSD code. In this guide, we will explore these methods in detail to help you easily access your SARS balance

Checking Your SARS Balance Online

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) provides a convenient way to check your tax balance online. Follow these steps to access your SARS balance online:

  1. Visit the SARS eFiling Website: Go to the official SARS eFiling website at www.sarsefiling.co.za.
  2. Log In or Register: If you already have an account, log in with your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you will need to register by providing your personal details and following the registration process.
  3. Access Your Account: Once logged in, navigate to the “Tax Status” or “My Account” section.
  4. View Your Balance: Here, you can view your current tax balance, including any amounts owed or refunds due.

The online platform is user-friendly and allows you to manage your tax affairs from the comfort of your home or office.

Checking Your SARS Balance via SMS

For those who prefer using SMS, SARS offers a simple way to check your tax balance. Here’s how:

  1. Compose an SMS: Open your messaging app and create a new message.
  2. Enter the Relevant Details: Type in your tax reference number followed by the word “Balance”. For example, if your tax reference number is 1234567890, your message should read: 1234567890 Balance.
  3. Send the SMS: Send the SMS to 47277.
  4. Receive Your Balance: You will receive an SMS reply with your current tax balance information.

This method is quick and convenient, especially if you do not have immediate access to the internet.

Checking Your SARS Balance via USSD Code

Another convenient way to check your SARS balance is through a USSD code. Follow these steps:

  1. Dial the USSD Code: Open your phone’s dialer and dial *134*7277#.
  2. Follow the Prompts: You will be prompted to enter your tax reference number.
  3. Receive Your Balance: Follow the subsequent prompts, and your current tax balance will be displayed on your phone screen.

The USSD method is especially useful for those who prefer not to use the internet or SMS services.

How to Check if SARS Owes You Money

If you suspect that SARS owes you a refund, you can check your refund status using the following methods:

  1. Online Check:
    • Log in to your SARS eFiling account.
    • Go to the “Tax Status” or “My Account” section.
    • Check the status of your refund. If SARS owes you money, it will be reflected in your account balance.
  2. Call the SARS Contact Centre:
    • Dial the SARS Contact Centre at 0800 00 7277.
    • Provide your tax reference number and personal details to the consultant.
    • The consultant will inform you of any refunds due.
  3. Visit a SARS Branch:
    • Go to your nearest SARS branch with your ID and tax reference number.
    • A SARS official will assist you in checking if there are any outstanding refunds.

Summary and Conclusion

Checking your SARS balance is essential to stay updated with your tax obligations and refunds. You can conveniently check your balance online through the SARS eFiling website, via SMS by sending your tax reference number followed by the word “Balance” to 47277, or through a USSD code by dialing *134*7277#. Additionally, you can determine if SARS owes you a refund by logging into your eFiling account, calling the SARS Contact Centre, or visiting a SARS branch.

Staying informed about your tax balance helps you manage your finances better and ensures that you are compliant with tax regulations. Make use of these easy methods to check your SARS balance and refund status regularly

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