Outdated SARS Security Details Could Lock South African Expatriates Out of the System

Without access, you risk missing submission deadlines, critical login One-Time PIN (OTP), tax notifications, and compliance reminders, which can lead to unnecessary penalties and stress.

As SARS is tightening digital security protocols, it is essential for both tax residents and non-resident taxpayers overseas to keep their contact and login details at the tax authority current.

The Common Oversight

A frequent misconception among expats is that moving abroad somehow pauses or simplifies their tax responsibilities. It does not. SARS still requires up-to-date contact details and secure login credentials for your eFiling profile.

The problem is that many still have contact details, set up years ago while still in South Africa, which are now defunct. Once locked out of eFiling, fixing it can be far harder than most expect.

What Has Changed? New SARS Digital Security Measures

SARS continues to upgrade its systems for availability, enhanced security and compliance monitoring. Recent key changes include:

1. Contact Details Update at Login
   Expatriates can now update their mobile number and email directly from the login page. As simple as it sounds it can pose problems for those no longer using South African contact numbers or email accounts. Where you find yourself attempting this update after you have left the country, you will hit various proverbial walls preventing if you do not have access to South African contact details you once used.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   SARS now requires 2FA to log in, using an OTP sent to your registered contact details. If your registered contact details are not updated before departing the country, you will not receive the OTP, will not be able to log in and locked out of eFiling profile, with very little recourse.

This is not just an inconvenience; it is a risk to your tax compliance. If a Letter of Demand or compliance notice is issued while you are locked out, penalties and interest can accrue, and other compliance actions may follow.

3. Biometric Authentication
   Certain processes now require biometric authentication, such as facial recognition. While this improves security, it can cause huge frustration for expatriates abroad if devices do not support biometrics or where their listed details with SARS do not match those provided.
4. Document Uploads and Rejections
   When updating your details, SARS has the right to request supporting documents. These uploads are sometimes rejected without explanation, leaving you stuck with a case number and a tedious process to try and rectify the situation.

What About The “Update Contact Details” Option

We often see taxpayers run into difficulties when using the “Update Contact Details” function on eFiling. While it appears to be a quick fix, it can lead to complications, especially if:

• You never registered an eFiling profile before; or
• You have not logged in for several years.

In these cases, SARS may not have sufficient information to verify your identity. The verification process is rarely straightforward and more often than not, SARS will be unable to verify your details, and you will encounter the rejection outcome:

“The South African Revenue Services (SARS) would like to thank you for registering for eFiling. Unfortunately, we are unable to verify you. Please visit your nearest SARS branch in order to complete the eFiling registration process.”

This can happen after waiting days or even weeks for feedback, only to find yourself back at square one. For expatriates the instruction to “visit your nearest branch” is often impossible at short notice.

Why It Matters for Expatriates

If you cannot access your SARS profile, you cannot:

• File tax returns
• Receive SARS correspondence
• Respond to compliance notices
• Claim or receive refunds
• Update your tax residency status

Avoid a Possible Admin Nightmare

When South Africans move abroad, their to-do list is long: visas, housing, banking, and adapting to a new culture. Amid the commotion and disruption of relocating, updating your security details at SARS is often overlooked. And that small oversight can lead to big problems down the line.

If you are already abroad or running into problems updating your security details, it is best to get guidance from a tax professional in checking your access and updating it where necessary. Do not wait until you are locked out, face penalties, or stuck in a verification loop. Leave it to the tax experts.