SARS Banking Details Update Guide

Keeping your banking details updated with SARS is crucial for receiving tax refunds promptly and making payments efficiently. Incorrect or outdated banking information can cause significant delays in refund processing. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about updating your banking details with SARS.

Why Update Banking Details?

Importance of Correct Banking Information

Critical for Refunds:

• Refunds processed to bank account
• Incorrect details delay refunds
• May require manual processing
• Can cause significant delays

Payment Processing:

• For tax payments
• Debit orders (if applicable)
• Payment confirmations
• Account reconciliation

Consequences of Incorrect Details:

• Refund delays
• Payment failures
• Processing issues
• Inconvenience
• Additional verification needed

When to Update Banking Details

Situations Requiring Updates

Account Changes:

• Changed bank accounts
• Closed old account
• Opened new account
• Account number changed

Before Tax Season:

• Update before filing returns
• Ensure refunds go to correct account
• Verify details are current
• Avoid delays

After Account Issues:

• If refund failed
• Payment issues
• Account verification failed
• SARS requests update

How to Update Banking Details

Via SARS eFiling

Step-by-Step:

1. Log In to eFiling

   • Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za
   • Enter username and password
   • Complete security verification

2. Navigate to Banking Details

   • Click on "Profile"
   • Select "Banking Details"
   • Choose "Update" or "Edit"

3. Enter New Details

   • Bank name
   • Account type (cheque, savings, etc.)
   • Account number
   • Branch code
   • Account holder name

4. Verify Information

   • Double-check all details
   • Ensure account is in your name
   • Verify account number
   • Confirm branch code

5. Save Changes

   • Click "Save" or "Update"
   • Confirm changes
   • Note confirmation message
   • Keep record

Verification:

• May require verification
• SARS may verify with bank
• Confirmation sent
• Update activated

Via SARS MobiApp

Mobile Update:

1. Open SARS MobiApp
2. Log in with eFiling credentials
3. Navigate to "Profile"
4. Select "Banking Details"
5. Enter new information
6. Save changes

Via SARS Branch

In-Person Update:

1. Book appointment
2. Visit SARS branch
3. Bring required documents
4. Complete update form
5. Submit documents
6. Receive confirmation

Required Documents:

• Valid ID
• Bank statement or proof of account
• Account details
• Other supporting documents

Required Information

Banking Details Needed

Account Information:

• Bank name
• Account type
• Account number
• Branch code
• Account holder name

Important Requirements:

• Account must be in your name
• Active account
• Correct account number
• Correct branch code
• Valid account type

Finding Branch Code

Methods:

• Check bank statement
• Contact your bank
• Bank website
• Mobile banking app
• Bank branch

Format:

• Usually 6 digits
• Specific to branch
• Required for transfers
• Verify accuracy

Verification Process

SARS Verification

How It Works:

• SARS may verify with bank
• Checks account exists
• Verifies account holder name
• Confirms account is active
• Activates update

Timeline:

• Usually 1-3 business days
• May take longer
• Check status on eFiling
• Contact SARS if delayed

What Happens After Update

Processing:

• Details verified
• Update activated
• Confirmation sent
• Ready for use

For Refunds:

• Future refunds to new account
• Previous refunds may need re-request
• Check refund status
• Contact SARS if needed

Common Issues

Update Not Saving

Possible Causes:

• Technical issue
• Incomplete information
• Invalid account details
• System error

Solutions:

• Verify all information
• Check account details
• Try again
• Contact SARS if persists

Verification Failed

Possible Causes:

• Account not in your name
• Account closed
• Incorrect details
• Bank verification failed

Solutions:

• Verify account is in your name
• Check account is active
• Double-check all details
• Contact bank if needed
• Try again

Refund Still to Old Account

Situation:

• Updated banking details
• Refund still processing to old account
• Need to redirect

Solutions:

• Contact SARS immediately
• Explain situation
• Provide new account details
• Request refund redirection
• May need to re-request refund

Best Practices

Before Updating

Preparation:

• Have new account details ready
• Verify account is active
• Confirm account is in your name
• Have branch code
• Double-check all information

Accuracy

Important:

• Enter details carefully
• Double-check account number
• Verify branch code
• Confirm account holder name
• Match bank statement exactly

Timing

When to Update:

• Before tax season
• Immediately when account changes
• Before expecting refund
• When account closes
• As soon as possible

Security Considerations

Protecting Information

Security:

• Only update via official channels
• Never share banking details unnecessarily
• Use secure connection
• Verify you're on official site
• Log out after updating

Scams:

• Be wary of phishing
• Only use official SARS channels
• Never share details via email
• Report suspicious activity

Troubleshooting

Refund Delayed After Update

Possible Causes:

• Update not yet processed
• Verification pending
• Refund already processed to old account
• System delay

Solutions:

• Check update status
• Verify update was successful
• Contact SARS
• Check refund status
• Request refund redirection if needed

Cannot Update Online

Possible Causes:

• Account locked
• Technical issue
• Verification required
• System maintenance

Solutions:

• Try again later
• Contact SARS call centre
• Visit SARS branch
• Get assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for banking details to update?

Usually 1-3 business days after verification. SARS may need to verify with your bank.

Can I use someone else's bank account?

No, the account must be in your name. SARS requires the account holder name to match your tax profile.

What if my refund was sent to the wrong account?

Contact SARS immediately. They may be able to reverse and redirect, but this depends on timing and circumstances.

Do I need to provide proof of bank account?

Usually not for online updates, but SARS may request proof if verification fails or for certain updates.

Can I have multiple bank accounts registered?

Generally, you register one primary account for refunds. Contact SARS if you need multiple accounts.

What if I don't have a bank account?

You may receive refunds via cheque, but this takes longer. Consider opening a bank account for faster processing.

Conclusion

Keeping your banking details updated with SARS is essential for receiving refunds promptly and ensuring smooth tax processing. By updating details immediately when they change, verifying information carefully, and ensuring the account is in your name, you can avoid delays and ensure efficient refund processing. Remember that verification may take a few days, so update well before expecting refunds.

For assistance with updating banking details or if you encounter issues, contact SARS directly or visit a branch with required documents.

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Related Articles:

• How to Update Personal Details on SARS
• SARS Refund Process Explained
• Why Your SARS Refund Is Delayed

Official Resources:

• SARS eFiling
• SARS Website
• SARS Call Centre