A Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN is proof that your business has filed all required tax returns and is in good standing with SARS. Every funder in South Africa requires a valid TCS PIN before approving funding. This guide shows you exactly how to get yours and keep it valid.
What is Tax Compliance Status?
Tax Compliance Status (TCS) replaced the old Tax Clearance Certificate in 2016. Instead of a physical certificate, SARS now issues a PIN (Personal Identification Number) that funders use to verify your tax status directly on the SARS eFiling system.
What the TCS PIN Shows
- All required tax returns have been filed
- Tax debt is under the acceptable threshold
- No outstanding SARS queries or disputes
- Company is registered and active with SARS
Format
10-digit numeric PIN (e.g., 1234567890). Valid for approximately 1-2 weeks from date of issue.
Why Funders Require TCS
- Legal requirement: Public Funding Management Act (PFMA) mandates tax compliance for government-funded programmes
- Risk assessment: Tax compliance indicates responsible financial management
- Due diligence: Verifies business is legitimate and active
- Reputational protection: Funders cannot be seen supporting tax-avoidant businesses
No funder will approve your application without a valid TCS PIN, regardless of how strong your business case is.
Prerequisites for Tax Compliance
1. Tax Registration
Required Tax Registrations
- Income Tax: Mandatory for all companies, CCs, and trusts
- PAYE (Employer Tax): Required if you have employees (including yourself as director with salary)
- VAT: Mandatory if turnover exceeds R1 million per year (voluntary below that)
- UIF: Required if you have employees
- SDL (Skills Development Levy): Required if payroll exceeds R500,000 per year
How to Register
- Visit your nearest SARS branch with ID and CIPC documents
- Complete tax registration forms
- Receive Tax Reference Number
- Register for eFiling (online tax portal)
Processing Time
5-10 working days for tax number issuance
2. Returns Filing Requirements
What Must Be Filed
| Return Type | Frequency | Who Must File |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax (ITR14) | Annual | All companies |
| PAYE (EMP201) | Monthly | Employers |
| VAT (VAT201) | Monthly or bi-monthly | VAT vendors |
| Provisional Tax (IRP6) | Twice per year | Provisional taxpayers |
| Annual IRP5/IT3 | Annual | Employers (for employees) |
How to Get Your TCS PIN
Step 1: eFiling Setup
First-Time eFiling Registration
- Visit www.sarsefiling.co.za
- Click "Register" and complete the registration form
- You'll need your Tax Reference Number and ID number
- Create a username and password
- Answer security questions
- Verify your email address
If You Already Have eFiling Access
Log in with your existing credentials. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset.
Step 2: Request TCS PIN
Detailed Instructions
- Log in to eFiling: Use your username and password
- Navigate to SARS Correspondence: Click on "SARS Correspondence" in the left menu
- Select "Tax Compliance Status": Choose "Request Tax Compliance Status" from the options
- Choose request type: Select "Tax Compliance Status Request"
- Select entity: Choose your company from the dropdown (if you manage multiple entities)
- Specify purpose: Select "Good standing for tender purposes" or "Funding application"
- Submit request: Click "Submit"
What Happens Next
SARS processes your request and sends the TCS PIN to your registered email address within 24-48 hours (usually same day if submitted in the morning).
TCS PIN Validity and Renewal
How Long is a TCS PIN Valid?
TCS PINs are typically valid for 1-2 weeks from date of issue. The exact validity period is not published by SARS and can vary.
When to Request a New PIN
- Just before application deadline: Request a fresh PIN 2-3 days before submitting your funding application
- If PIN expires: If your application process takes longer than expected and the PIN expires, request a new one
- For multiple applications: If applying to multiple funders, request a new PIN for each application if they're weeks apart
No Limit on Requests
You can request as many TCS PINs as you need. There's no limit or fee. Each new request generates a fresh PIN.
Common TCS Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Outstanding returns" message | File all outstanding tax returns via eFiling. Allow 5-10 working days for SARS to process before requesting TCS again. |
| "Tax debt" preventing compliance | Pay outstanding tax debt or arrange payment plan with SARS. Small debts under R100 may be waived. |
| Can't access eFiling account | Reset password via "Forgot Password" link. If still blocked, visit SARS branch with ID to reset account. |
| TCS PIN not received | Check spam folder. Verify email address is correct on eFiling profile. Try requesting again after 24 hours. |
| Wrong entity selected | Request a new TCS PIN and ensure you select the correct company from the dropdown. |
What If You're Not Tax Compliant?
If SARS indicates you're not tax compliant, here's how to fix it:
Step 1: Identify Outstanding Items
Log in to eFiling and check:
- Work Items: Shows outstanding returns or queries from SARS
- Statement of Account: Shows any tax debt
- Returns History: Shows which returns have been filed
Step 2: File Outstanding Returns
- Use eFiling to file any outstanding returns
- File "nil returns" if you had no activity
- Processing time: 5-10 working days
Step 3: Resolve Tax Debt
If you have outstanding tax debt:
- Small amounts (under R100): Contact SARS to request waiver
- Larger amounts: Pay in full or arrange payment plan
- Disputed amounts: Submit objection via eFiling
Step 4: Wait for SARS Processing
After filing/paying, allow 10-15 working days for SARS systems to update before requesting TCS PIN again.
Maintaining Tax Compliance
- File returns on time: Set reminders for monthly/annual deadlines
- File nil returns: Even if no activity, file returns to avoid "outstanding" status
- Keep eFiling profile updated: Ensure contact details are current
- Pay tax debts promptly: Don't let small amounts accumulate
- Respond to SARS queries quickly: Ignore at your peril - affects compliance status
Tips for Success
- Request PIN just before applying: Don't get it months in advance - it expires
- Keep eFiling login details safe: You'll need them repeatedly
- Check compliance before big deadlines: Don't discover issues at the last minute
- Use a tax practitioner: If you're not confident with eFiling, hire an accountant
- Screenshot or print TCS email: Keep a copy for your records
Next Steps
- Register or log in to SARS eFiling
- Check all required returns are filed
- Resolve any outstanding tax debt or queries
- Request your TCS PIN 2-3 days before submitting funding application
- Ensure CIPC documentation is ready
- Review the Master Compliance Checklist
Need Help With SARS Tax Compliance?
Our network of registered tax practitioners and accountants can help you get tax compliant and obtain your TCS PIN for funding applications.
- Business plan development
- Financial projections
- Funding application support
- Pitch deck preparation