In accordance with its Vision and Strategic Objectives, which include modernising its systems to provide Digital and Streamlined online services, SARS is hard at work ensuring that its digital platforms and technology infrastructure are available, robust and secure, by performing regular upgrades, enhancements and maintenance.
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Considering the above, SARS Digital platform maintenance is scheduled for:
Friday, 6 December from 18:00 to 23:00
Saturday, 7 December from 05:00 to 09:00
SARS warned that during this period users may experience intermittent service interruption on its eFiling, Tax and Customs Digital Platforms.
Responses (CUSRES messages) to transactions submitted during this time will be delayed, however, arrival and exit management functions are available at land border posts for all released declarations and manifests.
Stakeholders are therefore urged to submit all Goods Declarations (bills of entry) and Road Manifest, especially those deemed priority, by Friday, 6 December at 16:00.
In a statement on it’s website, SARS added: Achieving our Vision 2024 of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired is of paramount importance. Pivotal to the delivery of our vision are our digital platforms and technology infrastructure. To provide clarity and certainty, make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations and building public trust and confidence, our technology assets must demonstrate the highest levels of availability, robustness and security.
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New-look SARS eFiling page
Meanwhile, have you tried to access your SARS eFiling page recently and noticed things look a little different?
Here’s why.
To safeguard taxpayers’ information and prevent malicious attacks on SARS data, SARS has initiated various initiatives to combat fraudulent activities.
One such measure is the Two-Factor Authentication method, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to input two different authentication methods to login to eFiling.
The first layer of authentication requires users to enter their username and password.
Once validated as correct, the second layer requires users to input a One-Time-Pin (OTP) sent to their preferred security contact details.
Upon successful validation of the OTP, as correct, users are granted access to their eFiling profile.
The enhancements to the Two-Factor authentication method includes the following:
- Enforcing Two-Factor authentication on all Individual profiles
- Confirming and updating of the security contact details
The eFiling password requirements have also been enhanced. All new and changed passwords must meet the following criteria:
- Contain a minimum of 8 characters
- Include at least one uppercase, lowercase, numeric and special character
- Exclude personal information (like name / surname / email address / username)
- Exclude repetitive or sequential characters (like “aaaaa” or “12345” etc)
Furthermore, a password meter has been added to give eFilers a visual indication of the strength of the password.
For more information, see the updated guides:
How to register for the use of the SARS MobiApp
How to Register for eFiling and Manage Your User Profile
Rate your experience using the SARS website
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