You’re settling into your day in London, Sydney, or Toronto when your phone buzzes.
A message from SARS pops up.
Before jumping to conclusions, take a breath. Not every unexpected message is bad news. In fact, SARS on WhatsApp is part of a broader shift toward making tax communication faster and more accessible for South Africans abroad.
The real advantage? You can now manage your tax affairs from anywhere without being tied to long calls, paperwork, or outdated processes.
The South African revenue services shift to digital: Why this is good news for expats
SARS has steadily shifted toward digital convenience, making it much easier to manage your tax affairs from anywhere in the world. Tools like the SARS eFiling app reduce the need for long-distance calls or manual admin, allowing you to stay compliant with far less friction. From checking your profile to responding to requests or completing an online SARS tax number application, most tasks can now be handled remotely. In parallel, channels like SARS WhatsApp are being explored for quick, low-complexity queries, adding another layer of accessibility for expats.
Why SARS may contact you while living abroad
Receiving communication from SARS does not necessarily indicate a problem. In most cases, it forms part of standard compliance and record-keeping.
You may be contacted for:
- Outstanding tax returns
Including nil returns where no income was earned - Verification processes
Routine checks to confirm the accuracy of submitted information - Tax residency matters
Particularly if you are formalising your non-resident status - Refund validations
To confirm banking details before payment is released - Foreign income and asset declarations
Linked to international tax reporting agreements
If you have not yet registered, you can apply for a SARS tax number via eFiling.
It is important to note that requesting a SARS tax number via email is not a recognised or secure process.
Understanding official SARS communication channels
To assess whether a message is legitimate, it is essential to understand how SARS typically communicates.
SARS will generally contact taxpayers through:
- SMS notifications directing you to your eFiling profile
- Emails from official domains (e.g., @sars.gov.za)
- The SARS eFiling app, which serves as a secure communication platform
In some cases, SARS may test or implement limited functionality via SARS on WhatsApp, but this is restricted to non-sensitive interactions (such as general queries or automated responses).
Importantly, SARS will not conduct sensitive or transactional processes via WhatsApp.
If you are ever unsure, please verify the message by logging into your profile directly or consulting the official SARS offices. Avoid relying on unverified sources when searching for the South African Revenue Service contact details.
A quick sense-check: Spotting the unusual
While most communication is legitimate, it’s still worth knowing what doesn’t align with how SARS operates.
Be cautious if a message:
- Requests sensitive information like passwords or OTPs
- Encourages urgent payment or threatens penalties
- Includes suspicious links instead of directing you to eFiling
- Suggests you can get a SARS tax number via email (this is not standard practice)
When in doubt, don’t click; log in directly via the SARS app download or your browser.
Staying in control, wherever you are
A few simple habits can keep everything running smoothly:
- Use eFiling as your base
- Keep your details up to date
- Save the correct SARS contact details
This ensures you’re using the right SA Revenue Service contact details if you need help - Work with a tax practitioner if needed
Especially useful for cross-border situations
Confidence over confusion when it comes to contacting the South African revenue service
The rise of tools like the SARS app and SARS WhatsApp support reflects a clear shift: making tax compliance simpler, faster, and more accessible for South Africans everywhere.
Yes, awareness matters. But this isn’t something to fear; it’s something to use.
With the right approach, you’re not just staying compliant. You’re making the system work for you, wherever in the world you happen to be
FinGlobal: expat tax compliance specialists for South Africans
If you’re a South African expat and need help with your SARS tax number, eFiling profile, or tax obligations from abroad, FinGlobal can help you stay organised and compliant. From tax emigration to retirement annuity withdrawal and foreign exchange, FinGlobal’s specialists handle it all—securely and compliantly. Get expert help today and move forward with confidence.
To find out more about FinGlobal’s convenient cross-border financial services for expats, leave your contact details below, and we’ll be in touch.
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