How to Get Your SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN

For years, the printed Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) was the gold standard for tender compliance. However, SARS has modernized the system. Today, you need a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN, which allows tender officials to verify your tax status in real-time. This guide explains how to get it, keep it, and fix issues if you lose it.

What is a TCS PIN?

The TCS PIN is a unique 10-digit number issued by SARS. When you provide this PIN along with your Tax Reference Number to a third party (like a government department), they can view your real-time tax compliance status online.

Why the Change?

• <strong>Fraud Prevention:</strong> Printed certificates were easily forged.
• <strong>Real-Time Accuracy:</strong> Your status reflects your current compliance, not just your status on the day a certificate was printed.
• <strong>Convenience:</strong> No need to visit a SARS branch; everything is done via eFiling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your TCS PIN

Step 1: Register for SARS eFiling

If you haven't already, register your company on www.sarsefiling.co.za

• Company registration number
• Tax reference number
• Representative's ID number

Step 2: Ensure Compliance

Before requesting a PIN, your tax affairs must be in order. This means:

• <strong>No Outstanding Returns:</strong> All Income Tax, VAT, and PAYE returns must be submitted.
• <strong>No Outstanding Debt:</strong> You must not owe SARS any money (unless a payment arrangement is in place).
• <strong>Correct Information:</strong> Your registered particulars (address, bank details) must be up to date.

Step 3: Activate Tax Compliance Status

1. Log in to eFiling.
2. Click on 'Tax Status' in the top menu.
3. Select 'Tax Compliance Status' from the side menu.
4. Click on 'Activation' to set up the TCS service.
5. Complete the 'Tax Compliance Status Request' form.

Step 4: Request Your PIN

Once your status shows as 'Compliant' (Green), you can request a PIN:

1. Select the 'My Compliance Profile' menu.
2. Select the 'Tender' option.
3. Click 'Request PIN'.
4. The system will generate a PIN which you can print or save as a PDF.

Common Rejection Reasons & Solutions

If your status is 'Non-Compliant' (Red), the system will tell you why. Common reasons include:

1. Outstanding Returns

<strong>Solution:</strong> Submit the missing returns immediately via eFiling. Your status should update to compliant within 24-48 hours after submission.

2. Outstanding Debt

<strong>Solution:</strong> Pay the outstanding amount. It may take 2-3 days for the payment to reflect. If you cannot pay the full amount, apply for a deferment of payment arrangement via eFiling.

3. Administrative Non-Compliance

<strong>Solution:</strong> This usually means your registered details are incomplete or incorrect. Update your banking details or registered representative information.

Maintaining Your Tax Compliance

Compliance is not a one-time event. To stay tender ready:

• <strong>Submit on Time:</strong> Set reminders for VAT (every 2 months), PAYE (monthly), and Provisional Tax (August & February).
• <strong>Check Monthly:</strong> Log in to eFiling once a month to verify your status is still green.
• <strong>Communicate:</strong> If you can't pay, talk to SARS immediately. Ignoring debt leads to non-compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TCS PIN expire?

The PIN itself doesn't expire, but the status it reveals changes in real-time. If you become non-compliant today, the PIN will show 'Non-Compliant' to anyone who checks it tomorrow.

Can I use the same PIN for multiple tenders?

Yes. You can issue the same PIN to multiple government departments. You can also view an audit trail of who has verified your status.

How long does it take to get a PIN?

If you are compliant, it is instant. If you are non-compliant, it depends on how quickly you can fix the underlying issue (submit returns or pay debt).

What if I have a dispute with SARS?

If you have formally lodged a dispute or objection, you can request that your tax compliance status be treated as compliant while the dispute is being resolved. This is not automatic; you must apply for it.

Do I need a tax practitioner?

For simple tax affairs (e.g., a small consultancy), you can manage eFiling yourself. For complex businesses with VAT and payroll, a registered tax practitioner is highly recommended to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Conclusion

Your Tax Compliance Status is the heartbeat of your tender eligibility. Without a 'Green' status and a valid TCS PIN, the door to government business is firmly shut. By proactively managing your returns and payments via eFiling, you ensure that you are always ready to bid when the perfect opportunity arises.