How to Contact SARS (Phone & Offices)
Knowing how to contact SARS effectively is essential for resolving tax issues, getting answers to questions, and ensuring compliance. This comprehensive guide covers all methods to contact SARS in South Africa, including phone numbers, office locations, online options, and best practices for getting the help you need.
SARS Contact Methods
Method 1: SARS Call Centre
Main Call Centre:
- Phone: 0800 00 7277 (toll-free)
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Languages: English, Afrikaans, and other languages
- Services: General inquiries, account queries, return assistance
Specialized Lines:
- eFiling Support: Available via main number
- VAT Queries: Available via main number
- Customs: Different number for customs matters
- International: +27 11 602 2093 (for callers outside SA)
Best Times to Call:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid Mondays and Fridays
- Avoid month-end periods
What to Have Ready:
- Your ID number
- Tax reference number
- Specific question or issue
- Any reference numbers
- Relevant documents
Method 2: SARS eFiling
Online Contact:
- Log in to eFiling
- Use "Query" function
- Submit online queries
- Track query status
- Receive responses
eFiling Features:
- Submit queries online
- Track query progress
- Receive email responses
- Access help section
- View FAQs
Advantages:
- 24/7 access
- No phone queues
- Written record
- Can attach documents
- Trackable
Method 3: SARS MobiApp
Mobile App Contact:
- Download SARS MobiApp
- Log in with eFiling credentials
- Access help section
- Submit queries
- Receive notifications
Features:
- Mobile-friendly
- Push notifications
- Easy access
- Same features as eFiling
- Convenient
Method 4: SARS Branch Offices
In-Person Visits:
- Book appointment required
- Visit during office hours
- Bring required documents
- Get face-to-face assistance
- Resolve complex issues
Booking Appointments:
- Via eFiling
- Via call centre
- Online booking system
- Select convenient branch
- Choose suitable time
What to Bring:
- Valid ID document
- Tax reference number
- Relevant documents
- Any correspondence
- List of questions
Method 5: Email Contact
Email Options:
- Specific email addresses for different matters
- Check SARS website for current addresses
- Include reference numbers
- Provide clear subject line
- Attach relevant documents
Response Time:
- Usually 5-10 business days
- May vary by query type
- Peak season delays possible
- Check spam folder
SARS Office Locations
Major Cities
Johannesburg:
- Multiple branches available
- CBD and suburban locations
- Book appointments
- Check specific addresses
Cape Town:
- Several branches
- City and suburban offices
- Appointment required
- Verify locations
Durban:
- Multiple locations
- City and surrounding areas
- Book in advance
- Check addresses
Pretoria:
- Various branches
- City and suburban offices
- Appointment system
- Verify locations
Finding Your Nearest Office
Online:
- SARS website office locator
- Enter your location
- Find nearest branch
- View contact details
- Get directions
Other Methods:
- Call centre can assist
- Check eFiling
- Use SARS MobiApp
- Contact for information
Best Practices for Contacting SARS
Before Contacting
Prepare:
- Gather all relevant documents
- Have reference numbers ready
- Write down your questions
- Know your tax reference number
- Have ID number ready
Organize:
- Organize documents
- List questions clearly
- Note important dates
- Have calculations ready
- Prepare summary
During Contact
Be Clear:
- Explain issue clearly
- Provide all information
- Answer questions honestly
- Ask for clarification if needed
- Take notes
Be Patient:
- Wait times may be long
- Be courteous to staff
- Understand peak season delays
- Follow instructions
- Cooperate fully
After Contact
Follow Up:
- Note reference numbers
- Keep records of contact
- Follow up if needed
- Save all correspondence
- Track progress
Common Contact Scenarios
Scenario 1: General Inquiry
Situation:
- General tax question
- Need information
- Simple query
Best Method:
- Call centre
- eFiling query
- Check website FAQs
- Quick response
Scenario 2: Complex Issue
Situation:
- Complex tax matter
- Need detailed assistance
- Multiple documents
Best Method:
- Branch visit (book appointment)
- Bring all documents
- Get face-to-face help
- Resolve comprehensively
Scenario 3: Technical eFiling Issue
Situation:
- eFiling problem
- Technical issue
- Account access
Best Method:
- eFiling help section
- Call centre (eFiling support)
- Online query
- Technical support
Scenario 4: Urgent Matter
Situation:
- Urgent tax issue
- Deadline approaching
- Time-sensitive
Best Method:
- Call centre (early morning)
- Explain urgency
- Request priority
- Follow up if needed
Contacting SARS by Topic
Tax Return Queries
Contact For:
- Return filing questions
- Return amendments
- Return status
- Return assistance
Best Method:
- Call centre
- eFiling query
- Branch visit (if complex)
Refund Queries
Contact For:
- Refund status
- Refund delays
- Refund issues
- Banking details
Best Method:
- eFiling (check status first)
- Call centre
- Online query
Account Queries
Contact For:
- Account balance
- Statement requests
- Payment arrangements
- Account issues
Best Method:
- eFiling (view online)
- Call centre
- Branch visit
Registration Queries
Contact For:
- Tax registration
- VAT registration
- Provisional tax
- Other registrations
Best Method:
- eFiling (if available)
- Call centre
- Branch visit (for complex)
Tips for Successful Contact
Phone Calls
Best Practices:
- Call early in the day
- Have all information ready
- Be patient with wait times
- Speak clearly
- Take notes during call
Avoid:
- Calling during peak times
- Calling without information
- Being impatient
- Hanging up and calling back repeatedly
- Not taking notes
Branch Visits
Preparation:
- Book appointment
- Bring all documents
- Arrive on time
- Have questions ready
- Be organized
During Visit:
- Be clear about issue
- Provide all information
- Ask questions
- Take notes
- Get reference numbers
Online Queries
Best Practices:
- Be specific in query
- Include all relevant information
- Attach supporting documents
- Use clear subject line
- Check for responses regularly
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue: Long Wait Times
Solutions:
- Call early morning
- Avoid peak times
- Use online options
- Book branch appointment
- Be patient
Issue: Not Getting Through
Solutions:
- Try different times
- Use online methods
- Book branch appointment
- Try different numbers
- Persist but be patient
Issue: Unhelpful Response
Solutions:
- Ask to speak to supervisor
- Try different contact method
- Visit branch for complex issues
- Get second opinion
- Escalate if necessary
Alternative Resources
SARS Website
Resources Available:
- Comprehensive FAQs
- Guides and tutorials
- Forms and documents
- Tax calculators
- Help sections
Website:
Tax Practitioners
When to Use:
- Complex tax matters
- Need professional advice
- Ongoing tax management
- Compliance assistance
Benefits:
- Expert knowledge
- Time-saving
- Professional representation
- Peace of mind
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to call SARS?
Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) on Tuesday-Thursday is usually best. Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and month-end periods.
Do I need an appointment to visit a SARS branch?
Yes, appointments are required for most branch visits. Book via eFiling, call centre, or online booking system.
How long does it take to get a response from SARS?
Phone calls: immediate (after wait time). Online queries: 5-10 business days typically. Branch visits: immediate assistance.
Can I contact SARS via email?
Yes, but check the SARS website for current email addresses for specific matters. Response times vary.
What if I can't get through on the phone?
Try calling at different times, use online methods (eFiling queries), book a branch appointment, or try the international number if outside SA.
Is there a way to contact SARS outside business hours?
Online methods (eFiling, website) are available 24/7. Phone and branch services are only during business hours.
Can I contact SARS about someone else's tax matters?
Generally no, due to privacy laws. You may need authorization or power of attorney. Contact SARS to discuss specific situations.
Conclusion
Contacting SARS effectively requires knowing the right method for your situation, being prepared with necessary information, and understanding the best times to contact. Whether you use the call centre, eFiling, branch visits, or online methods, proper preparation and patience will help you get the assistance you need. Remember that peak times may have longer wait times, so plan accordingly and consider using online methods when possible.
For the most current contact information and office locations, always refer to the official SARS website.
Related Articles:
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