SARS Registration

This article provides the guidelines on the SARS Registration process and the required documents which are needed for SARS Registration.

You must register as a taxpayer with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) if you earn more than a specific amount, which is determined every year. You must register within 60 days of first receiving an income.

SARS registration process

Below are three ways to register for tax in South Africa:

Auto registration for Personal Income Tax: When you register for SARS eFiling for the first time and you do not have a tax reference number, SARS will automatically register you and issue a tax reference number. Note that you must have a valid South African ID. You can also register for SARS eFiling on the SARS MobiApp.

Register through your Employer via SARS eFiling: SARS eFiling offers the SARS registration function which allows employers to submit employee income tax registrations to SARS.

Register at a SARS branch office: You can request a service consultant to assist you in registering for tax at your nearest SARS branch office. Remember to bring the relevant supporting documents.

If you are unsure whether you are registered or not, you can ask your Employer, use the SARS online Query function, or call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. SARS won’t provide your tax number to another person unless the person is your tax practitioner or has Power of Attorney (POA) to conduct your tax affairs.

You can request a Notice of Registration (IT150) which will reflect your tax reference number through several channels. For example, you can send a query to SARS, request your notice of registration via MobiApp if you are a registered eFiler, or use the SARS SMS Channel by sending an SMS to SARS on 47277 from your mobile device.

Documents are needed for SARS supporting registration

To register for SARS (South African Revenue Service) in South Africa, you will need the following documents:

  • Proof of Identity: A copy of a valid identity document, driving license, passport, temporary identity document, asylum seeker certificate or permit together with the original identification. If you are a minor, a copy of your birth certificate together with a copy of one of the parent’s/guardian’s identity documents is required. If there is no surviving parent, the death certificate of one parent must be provided by the appointed guardian.
  • Proof of Address: This could be a utility account (e.g., rates and taxes, water or electricity account), educational institution account, co-op statement (for farmers), medical aid statement, mortgage statement from mortgage lender, telephone account (all networks), e-Toll account, SABC television license, retail accounts (e.g., Woolworths, Edgars, etc.), motor vehicle license documents, court order, subpoena, traffic fine, documentation relating to UIF or pension pay-out, life assurance document, short-term insurance document, health insurance document, funeral policy document, investment statement from share, portfolio or unit trust, or a current and valid lease/franchise agreement.
  • Bank Account Details: For proof of banking details for new taxpayers or changes in banking details for existing taxpayers, see the list of required supporting documents.
  • Contact Information: Including email address and telephone number.

Please note that if you’re an eFiler, you will be able to change some of your details via eFiling. If you want to apply for registration of Payroll taxes, you need to complete the EMP101e Payroll taxes – Application for Registration taxes form.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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