Updating your contact details with SARS (South African Revenue Service) is crucial to ensure that you receive important tax-related information and correspondence from them. You can update your contact details through the SARS eFiling system or by visiting a SARS branch office. Here’s how to do it:

Updating Contact Details via SARS eFiling:

Log into your eFiling Account: Visit the SARS eFiling website (https://www.sarsefiling.co.za/) and log in using your username and password.
Access Your Profile: Once logged in, look for a section that allows you to manage your profile or personal details. The specific location may vary, but it’s typically under a “Profile” or “My Details” tab.
Update Contact Details: In the profile or personal details section, you should find options to update your contact information, including your postal address, email address, and phone numbers. Make the necessary changes.
Verification: Depending on the changes you make, SARS may require you to verify the new information. This may involve receiving a verification code via email or SMS.
Save Changes: After making the updates and verifying as needed, save the changes to your contact details.
Confirmation: You should receive confirmation that your contact details have been updated successfully.

Updating Contact Details at a SARS Branch:

If you prefer to update your contact details in person, you can visit a SARS branch office. Here’s what to do:

Visit a SARS Branch: Locate the nearest SARS branch office to your location. You can find the address and contact details of SARS branches on the official SARS website.
Bring Identification: When visiting the branch, be sure to bring identification documents, such as your ID book or passport, to verify your identity.
Complete the Necessary Forms: SARS may provide you with forms to update your contact details. Fill out these forms with the updated information.
Submit the Forms: Hand in the completed forms and identification documents to a SARS representative at the branch office.
Confirmation: You should receive confirmation that your contact details have been updated. Be sure to keep any receipts or confirmation documents provided to you.

It’s essential to keep your contact details with SARS up to date, as this ensures you receive important tax-related notifications, assessment notices, and other correspondence. Failure to do so could result in missed deadlines or important information. If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to SARS for guidance or visit their website for additional 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.