Tax Clearance Certificate South Africa: How to Get One
A tax clearance certificate, officially called a Good Standing Certificate or PIN, confirms that a taxpayer has no outstanding tax debt with SARS and all returns are up to date. It is required for government tenders, foreign investment allowances, and certain business licences. The certificate is obtained from SARS and is valid for one year.
What Is a Tax Clearance Certificate?
A tax clearance certificate (also called a Good Standing Certificate or Tax Compliance Status PIN) is a document issued by SARS confirming that a taxpayer is compliant with all tax obligations.
Compliance means all tax returns (income tax, VAT, PAYE, etc.) have been filed on time and all outstanding taxes have been paid or are subject to an approved payment arrangement.
The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Many government departments and large corporates require it before doing business with you.
How to Apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate Online
- Log in to SARS eFiling at www.sarsefiling.co.za.
- Navigate to Home, then Tax Status, and select Tax Compliance Status.
- Click on Request and select the reason: Good Standing, Foreign Investment Allowance, or Tender.
- SARS will check your compliance status automatically.
- If compliant, a unique PIN is generated. You can share this PIN with third parties for verification.
- Download or print the certificate from eFiling.
Apply via SARS MobiApp
You can also apply for a tax clearance certificate using the SARS MobiApp on Android or iOS. Navigate to Services, then Tax Compliance Status, and follow the prompts.
The MobiApp is useful for sole proprietors and individuals. Companies may find eFiling more suitable.
The fastest way to get a tax clearance certificate is via SARS eFiling. If you are compliant, the PIN is generated instantly.
Apply at a SARS Branch
You can visit any SARS branch and request a tax clearance certificate in person. Bring your South African ID document and your income tax reference number.
Branch visits are recommended if you have outstanding issues with SARS that need to be resolved before the certificate can be issued.
If your tax clearance application is rejected, you must resolve the compliance issue with SARS before reapplying. Contact your nearest SARS branch or call 0800 00 7277.
Why Your Application May Be Rejected
- Outstanding tax returns not yet submitted (income tax, VAT, PAYE)
- Unpaid tax debt with no approved payment arrangement
- Company registration details at SARS not matching CIPC records
- Inactive or blocked SARS eFiling profile
- Penalties or interest accrued and not resolved
Verifying a Tax Clearance Certificate
Third parties such as government departments can verify a tax clearance PIN on the SARS website without logging in. Enter the taxpayer reference number and the PIN to confirm validity.
This verification system prevents fraudulent certificates. Always verify certificates received from suppliers or contractors.