Do I Need a Tax Clearance / TCS PIN?
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SARS replaced paper Tax Clearance Certificates with the TCS PIN system in 2016. Searchers still type "tax clearance certificate" but the modern artefact is a PIN. There are several types of PIN for different use-cases. Pick your situation below.
Pick your situation
How to get a TCS PIN
- Make sure all SARS returns (income tax, VAT if registered, PAYE if registered) are filed.
- Make sure no SARS debts are outstanding.
- Log in to SARS eFiling.
- Go to "Tax Status" → "Tax Compliance Status".
- Select the type (Good Standing or Approval International Transfer (AIT)), choose the PIN's expiry date, and request the PIN. SARS used to issue Tender and Emigration PINs; these were replaced.
- If you're compliant, the PIN is issued instantly. If you're not, SARS shows what's outstanding.
You choose the PIN's expiry date when you request it on eFiling. Whoever you give it to (e.g. a tender board) verifies your status in real-time at tools.sars.gov.za.
What "compliant" means
- All required tax returns submitted (ITR12 / ITR14, VAT201, EMP201).
- No outstanding tax debts (or all debts under approved payment arrangement).
- No outstanding SARS information requests.
- No directors flagged for personal non-compliance (yes, SARS does check this for company applications).
Related
General guidance, not tax advice. SARS rules change. For high-stakes situations (tender disputes, offshore transfer applications) talk to a tax practitioner.