The Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN replaced the old paper-based Tax Clearance Certificate in 2016. It's a digital verification system that allows third parties to verify your tax compliance status in real-time. For government tenders and many private contracts, a valid TCS-PIN is mandatory.
Who This Is For
- Businesses bidding for government or private sector tenders
- Companies applying for licenses or permits
- Businesses entering into contracts requiring tax verification
- Individuals applying for foreign tax credits or emigration
What You'll Learn
- What TCS-PIN is and why it replaced paper certificates
- Step-by-step process to obtain your PIN
- How third-party verification works
- How to maintain tax compliance status
- Troubleshooting common issues
Section 1: Understanding TCS-PIN
1.1 What is a TCS-PIN?
The Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN is a unique identifier issued by SARS that allows authorized third parties to verify your tax compliance status electronically.
Key features:
- Digital: No paper certificate required
- Real-time: Status verified instantly
- Secure: Only authorized parties can verify
- Valid: As long as you remain tax compliant
1.2 Old Tax Clearance vs TCS-PIN
| Old System | TCS-PIN System |
|---|---|
| Paper certificate | Digital PIN |
| Valid for 12 months | Valid while compliant |
| Could be forged | Real-time verification |
| Manual process | Instant online |
| Point-in-time snapshot | Current status always |
1.3 Why You Need It
A TCS-PIN is required for:
- Government tenders: Mandatory for all public sector bids
- CSD registration: Links to your TCS for verification
- Large contracts: Many private companies require it
- License applications: Required by various regulatory bodies
- Emigration: Proof of tax compliance for SARS clearance
- Foreign tax credits: Required for tax treaty benefits
Prerequisites
- Active SARS eFiling profile
- All tax returns filed and up to date
- No outstanding tax debt (or payment arrangement in place)
- Registered for all applicable tax types
Section 2: Getting Your TCS-PIN
2.1 Access SARS eFiling
Log into eFiling
- Go to www.sarsefiling.co.za
- Enter your username and password
- Complete 2FA if enabled
- Select the correct taxpayer profile (if you have multiple)
2.3 Request Your PIN
Generate TCS-PIN
- Confirm your details are correct
- Click "Request PIN"
- If compliant, your PIN generates immediately
- Note down your PIN (10-digit number)
- Save/print the confirmation page
- ☐ Your tax reference number
- ☐ TCS-PIN (10 digits)
- ☐ Compliance status (Compliant/Non-Compliant)
- ☐ Date of request
- ☐ Verification URL
Section 3: Third-Party Verification
3.1 How Verification Works
When you provide your TCS-PIN to a third party (e.g., a government department):
- They enter your tax reference number and TCS-PIN
- SARS verifies in real-time
- They receive your current compliance status
- Status is valid at that moment (not historical)
3.2 Verification URL
Third parties can verify your status at:
SARS TCS Verification Portal
secure.sarsefiling.co.za/Tax_Compliance_Status_VerificationThey'll need:
- Your tax reference number
- Your TCS-PIN
Section 4: Maintaining Tax Compliance
Your TCS-PIN remains valid as long as you stay compliant. To maintain compliance:
- File all returns on time: VAT, PAYE, IT14, provisional tax
- Pay tax on time: Or set up a payment arrangement
- Register for all applicable taxes: Don't miss any registrations
- Respond to SARS queries: Don't ignore correspondence
| Tax Type | Filing Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| VAT | Monthly/Bi-monthly | 25th of following month |
| PAYE (EMP201) | Monthly | 7th of following month |
| Provisional Tax (IRP6) | Twice yearly | 6 months after year-end |
| Income Tax (IT14) | Annual | 12 months after year-end |
| EMP501 Reconciliation | Annual | May and October |
Section 5: Common Issues & Solutions
5.1 Non-Compliant Status
Causes:
- Outstanding tax returns
- Unpaid tax debt
- Missing tax registrations
- Unresolved queries or audits
Solutions:
- Check your eFiling dashboard for outstanding items
- File all pending returns immediately
- Pay outstanding debt or request a payment arrangement
- Register for any missing tax types
- Respond to any queries in your SARS inbox
- Wait 24-48 hours after resolving issues, then request PIN again
5.2 PIN Not Generating
Causes:
- System processing delay
- Profile not linked correctly
- Taxpayer status not active
Solutions:
- Wait and try again in 24 hours
- Verify your profile is correctly linked in eFiling
- Contact SARS call centre: 0800 00 7277
- Visit a SARS branch if issue persists
5.3 Third-Party Verification Fails
Causes:
- Incorrect tax reference number provided
- Incorrect PIN provided
- Compliance status changed after PIN was issued
Solutions:
- Double-check tax reference number (no spaces or special characters)
- Verify PIN is exactly 10 digits
- Request a new PIN if status may have changed
- Provide the third party with the verification URL
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a TCS-PIN last?
Your TCS-PIN remains valid as long as you stay tax compliant. There's no expiry date, but the status can change if you become non-compliant.
Can I have multiple TCS-PINs?
You can request different types (Tender, Good Standing, etc.), but typically one PIN per type is sufficient as they remain valid while you're compliant.
Is the TCS-PIN confidential?
The PIN itself can be shared with parties who need to verify your status. They cannot access your full tax records—only your compliance status.
What if I have a payment arrangement with SARS?
If you have an approved payment arrangement and are honouring it, you should still be able to obtain a "Compliant" status. Contact SARS if issues arise.
Can my accountant request a TCS-PIN on my behalf?
Yes, if they have registered user access to your eFiling profile with the appropriate permissions.
Next Steps
- Ensure all tax returns are filed and up to date
- Request your TCS-PIN via eFiling
- Save your PIN for tender applications
- Complete your CSD registration
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