The Complete 4-Step Preparation

Before you can apply for a VAT number, you must ensure your SARS eFiling profile is correctly registered and your company is linked to you as the official representative. Watch our step-by-step video guides below to complete the setup.

Step 1
Register on eFiling
Step 2
Activate Representative
Step 3
Link the Company
Step 4
Apply for VAT

The "Biometrics Loop" Warning

Honest Advice: This process is currently causing huge frustration for accountants and business owners.

  • The system often blocks you, forcing you to do facial biometrics first.
  • Most people get stuck because the "Manage Access Request" menu is hidden.
  • SARS will try to phone you 3 times after submission. If you miss these calls, they reject the application.

Detailed Screenshot Guide for Step 4

If you prefer reading, follow along with our screenshots below to complete the actual VAT101/RAV01 application form on eFiling.

Log In & Select Organisation

Log in to eFiling. Ensure you select "Organisations" in the top menu, not "Home" (which is for individuals).

Select Organisations Menu

Navigate to Registered Details

On the left-hand menu, click on SARS Registered Details.

Left Menu Navigation

Maintain Details

In the sub-menu, click Maintain SARS Registered Details. A screen will appear asking you to agree to the terms.

Maintain Details Agreement

The Biometrics Block

Critical Step: At this point, the system often blocks you. You cannot proceed until you complete the biometrics.

The Fix:
1. Open a New Tab in your browser.
2. Go to the SARS eFiling Public Homepage (www.sarsefiling.co.za) - Do not log in.
3. Look for the "Manage Access Requests" icon in the top row (see image below).
4. Click it to launch the facial recognition tool. Once passed, close the tab and return here.

Manage Access Requests on Public Homepage

Select VAT Product

Once inside the RAV01 form, navigate to My Tax Products → Revenue → VAT.

Select VAT Product

Add New Registration

Click the button "Add new Product registration" on the top right.

Add New Registration Button

Complete the RAV01 Form

The VAT container will open (Red Bar). You must complete the Liability Date and Business Activity Code accurately.

VAT Container Form

Submission & The Waiting Game

Once you submit, SARS creates a case.

  • Step A: Check "Correspondence" for a letter requesting documents.
  • Step B: Upload documents (Bank statements, ID, Proof of Address) immediately.
  • Step C: Answer your phone! SARS will attempt to call you 3 times to verify details. If you miss them, they reject the case.

Final Step: Link the Tax Type

Do not forget this! Once you receive your VAT number, it does not automatically appear on your profile. You cannot file returns until you do this:

  1. Go to Organisations (Top Menu).
  2. Select Organisation → Tax Types (Left Menu).
  3. Select Manage Tax Types.
  4. Check the box for VAT (201) and enter your new VAT number.
  5. Click Submit. Now you can access your returns.

We can help (but we can't speed it up)

We can handle the paperwork, the correct codes, and the document uploads for you. However, please note that the biometrics and SARS phone interview must be done by you (the director).

Contact Us for Assistance
Note: We charge for the setup, submission, and document handling. We cannot guarantee timelines due to SARS backlogs.