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Get Compliant from Anywhere, Easy and Fast!

Table of Contents

  • Business Compliance

Tax Clearance Certificate Requirements in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025

  • Updated on 20 March, 2025
We will guide you with your tax clearance certificate online at SARS, saving you time

In the landscape of South African business, entrepreneurs frequently face the challenge of tax compliance.

Picture this: You are on the verge of securing a game-changing deal for your company, only to realise that progressing hinges on presenting a valid Tax Clearance Certificate. This scenario is all too common, highlighting the certificate’s critical role in business operations.

A Tax Clearance Certificate is more than just a digital breakdown of your compliance status; it provides a business opportunity by showcasing your financial trustworthiness. Issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), it serves as proof that a company is up to date with its tax obligations.

Whether it is for securing tenders, opening new bank accounts, or establishing credit, this online certificate is indispensable.

As of November 2019, a Tax Clearance Certificate was replaced with a Tax Compliance Status (TCS). We will refer to both terms in this article for convenience. 

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At Company Partners, we specialise in navigating the intricacies of Tax Compliance. With years of experience and a deep understanding of South African tax laws, we've assisted countless businesses in obtaining their Tax Clearance swiftly and efficiently.

Understanding Your Tax Compliance Status (TCS)

A Tax Clearance Certificate in South Africa, often referred to simply as “Tax Clearance,” is an official document from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) that validates the tax status of a business.

It proves that all tax affairs are in order, with no outstanding tax debt. This certificate, also known as a “SARS Clearance Certificate” or “Tax Clearance Cert”, is an crucial digital record in the financial and operational reputation of a business.

Situations Requiring a Tax Clearance Certificate

Tax Clearance Certificates are essential in various scenarios, highlighting the importance of tax compliance in business and personal finance management.

Key scenarios include:

  • Tender applications: To bid for government and private sector tenders, companies must demonstrate their tax compliance.
  • Loan applications: Financial institutions often require a tax clearance certificate to assess the fiscal health and reliability of a business or individual.
  • Business licensing and renewals: Certain industries require a Tax Clearance Certificate to obtain or renew operational licenses.
  • Foreign investment: Individuals looking to invest abroad need to prove their tax status in South Africa.
  • Emigration: South Africans emigrating must settle their tax affairs and obtain a clearance certificate.

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Types of Tax Clearance Certificates

SARS issues different types of Tax Clearance Certificates, depending on the reason for the application:

  1. Good Standing – Confirms that a taxpayer has met all SARS obligations.
  2. Tender – Required for bidding on government tenders and contracts.
  3. Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA) – Needed for individuals or businesses moving funds offshore.
  4. Emigration – Required when an individual is emigrating from South Africa.


As of 2025, SARS has moved away from physical TCCs and now provides tax compliance statuses online through the Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN system.

Benefits of Good Tax Compliance

Maintaining good tax compliance and obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate offers several benefits:

  • Enhanced Credibility: It demonstrates to partners, investors, and regulatory bodies that the business is financially responsible and trustworthy.
  • Market Access: A valid Tax Clearance Pin is often a prerequisite for tendering, partnering with other businesses, and expanding market access.
  • Financial Health: Regular tax compliance checks leading to obtaining clearance certificates help ensure that a business or individual is financially healthy and free from tax-related liabilities.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that tax affairs are in order reduces legal risks and potential conflicts with SARS, providing peace of mind to business owners and individuals.
What are the benefits of a tax clearance pin or tcs in South Africa, we explain

Here’s a table showcasing the benefits of having a valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS):

Benefit

Description

Enhanced Business Credibility

Demonstrates to clients, investors, and partners that the business is compliant with tax laws, enhancing trust and reliability.

Access to Tenders and Contracts

A valid TCS is often a prerequisite for bidding on government and private sector tenders, opening more business opportunities.

Facilitates Financial Transactions

Banks and financial institutions may require a TCS for loan approvals, overdraft facilities, and other financial services.

Ease of International Business

Essential for businesses looking to trade internationally or invest overseas, as it proves tax affairs are in order domestically.

Prevention of Legal Issues

Ensures compliance with tax laws, reducing the risk of legal penalties, fines, or sanctions due to non-compliance.

Improved Financial Planning

Regular assessment for TCS renewal helps in better financial and tax planning, ensuring all tax liabilities are managed proactively.

Streamlined Business Operations

Having a clear tax status simplifies various administrative processes, from licence renewals to supply chain certification.

Tax Clearance Certificate Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before your Tax Clearance Certificate application on E-Filling, it is imperative to gather all necessary information. This preparation is key to ensure a smooth application process. The essential documents include:

  • Company Registration Documents: Confirm your business’s legal registration and existence. You can use your Cor14.3 provided upon your company registration being completed at the CIPC.
  • Tax Registration Number: A unique number that identifies your business in the SARS database.
  • Identification Documents: Valid ID or Passport of the business owner or the SARS registered representative.
  • SARS Representative Details: Information about the individual authorised to act on behalf of the company in tax matters.At Company Partners, we stress the importance of having all tax returns filed and up to date. This not only ensures compliance but also speeds up the process of obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate, as SARS will verify this information.

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Tax Compliance Status (TCS) Application

In-Person at the SARS Branch

  1. Visit a SARS Branch: Locate the nearest branch and plan your visit. Take into account that it can either go very fast or you can be spending your entire day there.
  2. Submit the Application: Fill out the necessary forms provided by SARS and submit them along with your supporting documents.
  3. Additional Documents: Depending on your business’s specific circumstances, SARS may require additional supporting documentation, such as financial statements or proof of address.

Tax Clearance Certificate Online via eFiling

  1. Registration on eFiling: Ensure you are registered as an eFiler on www.sarsefiling.co.za. Your tax type must be activated to access the TCS functionality.
  2. Access Tax Compliance Status (TCS): Log in to your eFiling account, navigate to the ‘Tax Status’ section, and select ‘Tax Compliance Status’.
  3. Request TCS: Follow the on-screen instructions to request your tax compliance status. This process will involve confirming your details and submitting the request.
  4. TCS Results and PIN: Once SARS processes your request, you will receive an outcome. If compliant, you’ll be issued a TCS PIN, which can be used to prove your tax status to third parties.


If your profile says “Non-Compliant,” SARS will tell you exactly what problems you need to fix.

If you’d like to see if you have a tax backlog at SARS you can use our Free Tax Backlog Review Service to check.

What's New and Changed for 2025

In 2025, SARS made a number of changes to the ways that taxes are cleared:

1. Better digital verification: SARS has improved its TCS PIN verification system so that banks, tender officials, and business partners can use eFiling to check compliance directly.
2. Stricter fines for not following the rules: Businesses that don’t pay their taxes may have to deal with harsher punishments and fewer opportunities to run their operations.
3. Integration with CIPC: The process of getting tax clearance is now tied to CIPC Business Registration. This makes sure that companies stay in line with both tax and business rules.

What changed in 2025 relating to tax clearance certificate or tax compliance

4. Faster Processing Times: SARS has improved eFiling, which cuts down on the time it takes to approve tax clearance forms.
5. SARS Registered Representative: Businesses need to ensure they have a SARS Registered Representative to represent them at SARS either in person or online. Failing which, working with SARS will be significantly more frustrating. Alternatively, businesses can also acquire the services of SARS Registered Representative such a Professional Accountant.

Speak to a Business Consultant today for free regarding a tax clearance certificate.

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Additional Considerations

Potential Delays and Complications

During the application process for a Tax Compliance Status (TCS), various factors can lead to delays or complications:

  • Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate before submission to avoid delays.
  • Outstanding Tax Returns or Debts: Any outstanding returns or unpaid taxes will result in a non-compliant status, preventing the issuance of a certificate.
  • System Downtime or Delays at SARS: Occasionally, technical issues with the eFiling system or administrative delays at SARS branches may affect the processing time.
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we can help with you at SARS with your tax clearance certificate requirements

Validity Period of a Tax Clearance Certificate

A Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Clearance Pin typically has a validity period, often one year from the date of issue. It is crucial to renew your certificate before it expires, especially if your business continuously requires proof of tax compliance for operations like tender bidding or financial transactions.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate is a testament to your business’s adherence to South African tax laws, reflecting financial stability and reliability. The key takeaways for successfully acquiring this certificate include:

  • Thorough preparation;
  • Understanding the application process;
  • Being proactive in resolving any compliance issues.


Maintaining good tax compliance is not just about securing a Tax Clearance Certificate; it is about fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in your business operations. Regular monitoring and updating of your tax status can prevent compliance-related obstacles and support your business’s growth and success.

For comprehensive assistance with Tax Registrations, obtaining Tax Clearance Certificates, and managing other Compliance requirements, Company Partners is your ideal partner.

Speak to Experts for free

With our expertise and personalized support, we ensure that your business navigates the complexities of Tax Compliance with ease and confidence. Contact Company Partners today toll-free on 080 000 7269 to speak to one of our 50+ experts, anywhere in South Africa.
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