SARS Enhances Tax Directive Process – Trade Testing Begins 24 March 2025
To prepare for upcoming system changes, SARS is upgrading its Tax Directives process as outlined in the newly released IBIR-006 Tax Directives Interface Specification Version 6.802. These changes are part of SARS’s drive to improve efficiency and enhance automation in directive applications.
Trade testing period: 24 March – 7 April 2025
Who is this for: Employers, retirement fund administrators, and any institution submitting tax directive files to SARS.
Before You Test – Two Easy Steps
Step 1: Email SARS
Send an email to ncts@sars.gov.za with a list of 10 taxpayer reference numbers to verify that they are active. Use the subject line:
📩 “Tax reference numbers for Trade Testing”
Note: Only 10 reference numbers allowed.
Step 2: Wait for Confirmation
SARS will reply to confirm when you may begin submitting test files.
Direct all trade testing questions to ncts@sars.gov.za.
This is a great opportunity to ensure your systems are aligned with SARS’s updated requirements and avoid submission delays. For more details, refer to the official specification document IBIR-006 Rev 6.802.
