On 22 October 2026, SARS announced scheduled upgrades to its digital platforms, including eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, the Online Query System (SOQS), and the e@syFile employer portal, to take place on 24 October 2026. The upgrades are part of SARS’s strategic vision to become a “smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity.” The maintenance window is planned from 06:00 to 14:00 SAST, during which all digital services will be unavailable. Taxpayers, practitioners, and customs clients are advised to complete time-sensitive transactions before the outage.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of Enhancements: The upgrades include infrastructure modernization, enhanced cybersecurity measures, improved user interface for mobile responsiveness, and backend system integration to support the upcoming 2027 filing season. Notably, the eFiling dashboard will feature a redesigned “My Compliance” view consolidating tax compliance status, outstanding returns, and debt balances.
- Contingency for Filing Season: While the outage is outside peak filing periods, SARS has established a contingency protocol for urgent tax directive applications and customs clearance emergencies. Affected users should contact the SARS Contact Centre (0800 00 7277) for manual intervention during the maintenance window.
- Post-Upgrade Verification: After the upgrade, users are encouraged to verify their profile information, banking details, and registered tax types. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately via the “Report a Problem” function on eFiling. SARS will monitor system performance closely for the first 72 hours post-upgrade.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement