SARS now offers several Personal Income Tax services through WhatsApp. You can check your auto-assessment status, request a tax reference number, view a refund status, receive a Notice of Assessment and upload supporting documents without opening eFiling.
Save the correct SARS number
Save 0800 11 7277 in your phone. Start the conversation by sending “Hi” or “Hello”. On your first visit, read and accept the terms and conditions. SARS will then show the available service menu.
Use only the number published on the SARS Mobile Tax Services page. A WhatsApp message from a different number is not made genuine by using the SARS logo.
Check your auto-assessment or refund
- Send a greeting to SARS.
- Select the relevant option, such as Auto Assess Status or Refund Status.
- Enter the identity details requested for authentication.
- Enter your tax reference number if prompted.
- Read the result and save the confirmation.
The service also includes Statement of Account, Audit Status, Notice of Assessment, Register for Tax and Tax Reference Number. Your cellphone number must be registered with SARS and you must be registered as a personal income taxpayer.
Upload supporting documents
If SARS gives you a case number and asks for documents, select Upload Documents and follow the prompts. The 2026 guide allows common formats such as PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, JPG, JPEG, PNG and TIFF. WhatsApp documents must not be password protected or encrypted, must be no larger than 5MB, and no more than 10 documents may accompany one submission.
Use the correct case number and tax number. Keep document names simple. SARS says a supporting-document submission can fail if the case details do not match or the file cannot be processed.
What WhatsApp cannot replace
WhatsApp is useful for status checks and selected services, but it does not remove your responsibility to submit a complete return by the deadline. For a full return, use eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. Start with CodeCash’s SARS eFiling filing guide, then use WhatsApp for status and documents.