New Biometric Facial Recognition for eFiling Registrations
SARS has updated its eFiling registration process for Personal Income Tax to include facial recognition using biometric technology.
This applies to anyone registering for eFiling using a valid South African ID via the SARS website, the SARS MobiApp, or Self Service Kiosks.
Here's how it works:
The system will guide users with specific instructions, like setting the right background, removing headgear or glasses, and ensuring the correct facial position and distance from the camera to capture a clear photo for verification.
When you register via the eFiling website or SARS MobiApp, a camera-enabled device will be required, such as a laptop, desktop with a webcam, or a smartphone.
If a taxpayer doesn’t have access to a camera-enabled device, they will need to book an appointment with a SARS official for assistance.
The current registration processes will still apply for non-South African citizens, including manual verifications.
Impact on Tax Practitioners
As a tax practitioner, your existing eFiling profile and processes remain unchanged. The biometric authentication requirement applies specifically to individual taxpayers during their registration for eFiling. Therefore, when acting on behalf of clients, your access and functionality within the eFiling system continue as before.
Preventing Unauthorised Tax Practitioners
While the biometric system enhances security for individual taxpayer registrations, it does not directly address the issue of unauthorized tax practitioners accessing the system. However, SARS maintains stringent requirements for tax practitioners, including registration with a recognized controlling body and adherence to professional standards. These measures, combined with existing verification processes, help ensure that only qualified and authorized practitioners operate within the eFiling system.
For more detailed information, check the updated SARS guides:
Read more on the SARS communication received on 6 November 2024.
For a detailed walkthrough of the SARS eFiling biometric registration process, you may find the following video helpful:
