To log into eFiling in South Africa, which is the South African Revenue Service (SARS) online tax filing system, follow these steps:

Access the SARS eFiling Website:
- Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
- Go to the SARS eFiling website: https://www.sarsefiling.co.za.
Log In to Your eFiling Account:
- On the eFiling homepage, you will see the login section. Enter your login credentials, which typically include your:
  - Taxpayer Reference Number (usually your South African ID number or your company’s registration number).
  - Password.
- If you’ve forgotten your password, you can click on the “Forgot Password” or “Reset Password” link provided on the login page. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
Enter the Verification Code:
- You will be prompted to enter a verification code. This code is usually sent to your registered mobile number or email address as part of the two-factor authentication process.
- Enter the verification code you received, and click “Submit” or “Login.”
Access Your eFiling Dashboard:
- Once you’ve successfully logged in, you’ll be taken to your eFiling dashboard.
- From here, you can access various eFiling services, including filing your tax returns, making payments, checking your tax status, and more.
Complete Your Tax Tasks:
- Depending on the time of year and your specific tax obligations, you can use eFiling to submit your annual tax returns, make payments, and manage your tax affairs online.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and instructions to complete your tax-related tasks.
Log Out Securely:
- After you’ve finished using eFiling, it’s important to log out of your account securely. Look for the “Log Out” or “Sign Out” option typically located in the top right corner of the eFiling dashboard.

Please note that if you are a first-time user of eFiling, you may need to register for an account before you can log in. To register, visit the eFiling website and follow the registration process. Additionally, always ensure that you are using the official SARS eFiling website (https://www.sarsefiling.co.za) and exercise caution to protect your login credentials and personal information.

Tax and Insurance in South Africa 2025

Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025

In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.

Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa

Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).

Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.

Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications

1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)

If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.

2. Life Insurance

While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.

3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)

Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.

4. Business Insurance

For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.

5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance

The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.

Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits

Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa

Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.

Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.

Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.

Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.

Final Thoughts

In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.

With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.