If you’ve forgotten your South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax number and password, you can take the following steps to retrieve or reset them:
Forgotten Tax Number:
- Check Your Documents: Your tax number can often be found on various official documents, such as your:
- South African ID document or passport
- Previous tax returns or assessments
- Payslips
- SARS notices or correspondence
- Visit a SARS Branch: You can visit a SARS branch office in person and provide your identification documents to verify your identity. SARS officials should be able to assist you in retrieving your tax number.
- Call SARS: Contact the SARS call center at 0800 00 SARS (0800 00 7277) and request assistance in recovering your tax number. You will likely need to provide personal identification information to verify your identity.
Forgotten Password for SARS eFiling:
If you’ve forgotten your password for SARS eFiling, you can reset it using the following steps:
- Visit the SARS eFiling Website: Go to the SARS eFiling login page (https://www.sarsefiling.co.za/).
- Click on “Forgot Password?”: Look for the “Forgot Password?” link on the login page and click on it.
- Provide Your Tax Number: Enter your tax number and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to answer security questions or provide additional information to verify your identity.
- Reset Your Password: You will be guided through the process of resetting your password. Typically, this involves receiving a temporary password via email or SMS and then creating a new password.
- Log In: Once you’ve successfully reset your password, log in to your SARS eFiling account using your tax number and the new password.
If you encounter any difficulties during the process, or if your account is locked due to multiple unsuccessful login attempts, you may need to contact the SARS call center for further assistance. They can help you with the password reset process.
Remember to keep your tax number and password secure to prevent future issues with accessing your SARS eFiling account.
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.