Tax Reference Number

A Tax Reference Number is a unique 10-digit number issued by SARS when your company is registered for income tax.

It’s used to track your company’s tax obligations, including…

  1. Returns
  2. Payments
  3. Compliance status

This number is different from your Company Registration Number.

It’s issued by SARS (not CIPC) and is essential for staying tax compliant in South Africa.

"What does a Tax Reference Number look like?"

It’s a 10-digit number in this format: 9998 765 432

This number is assigned to your company not to you as an individual.

If you're a director, your personal tax number is separate.

"Why does my business need a Tax Reference Number?"

Every registered company in South Africa must have a Tax Reference Number to:

  • File company tax returns (ITR14)
  • Submit provisional tax (IRP6)
  • Apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate
  • Register for VAT, PAYE, or UIF
  • Open a business bank account (in many cases)
  • Stay compliant with SARS

Without a tax number, your company is considered non-compliant, even if it isn’t trading yet.

"Do I get a Tax Reference Number automatically when I register my company?"

Not always.

SARS will usually generate a tax number shortly after your company is registered with CIPC, but it doesn’t always arrive automatically.

In some cases, you’ll need to follow up or complete your registration manually.

Govchain monitors the process and can help retrieve your tax number if needed.

"Is my company’s Tax Reference Number the same as mine?"

No.

Your company has its own tax number, separate from your personal one, even if you’re the only director or shareholder.

"Where can I find my company’s Tax Reference Number?"

You can…

  • Check your SARS eFiling business profile
  • Look for a letter from SARS (called the IT77C confirmation)
  • Ask Govchain, we’ll provide it once it’s been issued if we registered your company

"How do I get a Tax Reference Number?"

Govchain handles the tax registration process on your behalf.

We’ll make sure your company is registered with SARS and send your Tax Reference Number directly to you once it’s ready.


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