Last checked: 26 June 2026
Quick Answer
SARS mobile tax services are official, but users should only use the channels published by SARS. The verified SARS USSD code is *134*7277#. SARS says this USSD channel gives users a menu of tax services, including Personal Income Tax registration, the Two-Pot calculator, tax reference number requests, account balance checks, filing requirement checks, and Two-Pot application status checks. (South African Revenue Service)
For users looking for SARS without internet, the USSD option does not require mobile data. SARS also lists selected SMS services on 47277, and states that these SMS services can be accessed with or without data or airtime. (South African Revenue Service)
Do not use SARS codes, WhatsApp numbers, links, or support numbers from forwarded messages unless you have checked them against an official SARS source first.
Current Verified Status
The verified SARS mobile tax services route is *134*7277# for USSD. SARS states that users dial this code, select the service they require from the menu, complete taxpayer verification, and then receive the tax resolution on their mobile device if verification is successful. (South African Revenue Service)
| Channel | Verified status | Data needed? | What it is used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARS USSD | Verified: *134*7277# | No mobile data needed | Selected Personal Income Tax services |
| SARS SMS | Verified: 47277 | SARS says selected services work with or without data/airtime | Tax number, filing confirmation, appointment and statement-related requests |
| SARS WhatsApp | Verified: 0800 11 7277 | Yes | Menu-based SARS assistance |
| SARS MobiApp | Official SARS digital channel | Yes | Filing, tax calculator, documents, payments, assessments and return status |
| SARS eFiling / SOQS | Official online alternatives | Yes | Wider online tax services and queries |
SARS states that mobile tax services are for registered personal income taxpayers and are not available for tax practitioners. The cellphone number used to contact SARS through these mobile services should match the registered contact details on the taxpayer’s SARS profile. (South African Revenue Service)
This page can help you confirm the official mobile options, understand what to prepare, and avoid fake public-service codes. It cannot complete a tax return, replace SARS guidance, or guarantee that SARS menus will stay the same after the last-checked date.
For the code-specific guide, see SARS USSD code. For scam warnings, see SARS scam SMS. For broader no-data options, see government services without data South Africa.
How to Use the Service
Official SARS USSD channel
To use SARS mobile tax services through USSD:
- Dial *134*7277# from your cellphone.
- Wait for the SARS menu to appear.
- Select the tax service you need.
- Follow the prompts shown on your screen.
- Complete the verification step when SARS asks for your ID, passport, or asylum number.
- Wait for the result to display on your phone.
SARS says that after successful verification, the tax resolution will be displayed on the mobile device. (South African Revenue Service)
Verified SARS USSD menu status
SARS lists these six USSD services:
| SARS USSD service | What it helps with |
|---|---|
| Register for Personal Income Tax | Registering for PIT through the USSD channel |
| Two-Pot calculator | Estimating a possible Two-Pot tax outcome |
| I want my Tax Reference Number | Requesting or checking your TRN |
| What is my account balance? | Checking your SARS account balance |
| Must I file a Personal Income Tax return? | Checking whether you need to submit a PIT return |
| Check your Two-Pot Application status | Checking the status of a Two-Pot application |
SARS confirms that the USSD channel was updated to include the Two-Pot tax calculator and Personal Income Tax registration. (South African Revenue Service)
What to confirm before continuing
Before entering personal information, check that:
- You dialled *134*7277# exactly.
- The menu shown is a SARS tax-services menu.
- You are using a cellphone number linked to your SARS profile.
- The menu only asks for information relevant to taxpayer verification.
- The menu does not send you to a suspicious link or private support number.
Stop if the menu asks for a bank card PIN, eFiling password, online banking password, OTP, payment to a private person, or copies of documents sent through an unofficial WhatsApp number.
Documents, Eligibility, or Reference Numbers Needed
Who can use SARS mobile tax services?
SARS says the mobile tax service platform is for registered personal income taxpayers. It is not available for tax practitioners. (South African Revenue Service)
You may need:
| Detail | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|
| South African ID number | To verify your taxpayer profile |
| Passport number | To verify eligible non-SA ID users |
| Asylum number | To verify eligible users where applicable |
| SARS-registered cellphone number | SARS uses this to match your request to its records |
| Tax reference number | May be needed for account, statement, return or assessment queries |
| Email address and physical address | May be needed when registering for Personal Income Tax |
For USSD verification, SARS says it may request an ID, passport, or asylum number before displaying the result. (South African Revenue Service)
SARS SMS information
SARS lists 47277 as the SMS number for selected Personal Income Tax services. These include tax reference number requests, checking whether a PIT return is due, requesting an appointment with a SARS service consultant, and requesting a statement of account. (South African Revenue Service)
Examples of SARS SMS requests include:
| Request | SMS format guidance |
|---|---|
| Tax reference number | Use the SARS TRN format with your ID, passport, or asylum number |
| Filing confirmation | Use the SARS filing-check format with your ID, passport, or asylum number |
| Appointment request | Use the booking format with your ID, passport, or asylum number |
| Statement or balance request | Use the SARS balance or statement format with your ID, passport, or asylum number |
Only use SMS formats published by SARS. Do not send your ID number, tax number, bank details, or documents to a random cellphone number claiming to offer SARS help.
Official Alternatives if USSD Is Not Available
If *134*7277# does not work, use another official SARS channel instead of searching social media or replying to a forwarded message.
SARS SMS
Use 47277 for selected SARS SMS services. SARS says SMS can be used for certain Personal Income Tax services and can be accessed with or without data or airtime. (South African Revenue Service)
SARS WhatsApp
SARS lists 0800 11 7277 as its WhatsApp number. Users can save the number and send “Hi” or “Hello” to start the SARS WhatsApp menu. SARS states that WhatsApp requires data or internet access. (South African Revenue Service)
SARS MobiApp
The SARS MobiApp is an official SARS mobile channel. SARS says the app can be used to complete and submit an Income Tax Return, register for eFiling, reset username and password, update registered details, file a return, upload supporting documents, make payments, view a Notice of Assessment, request a statement of account, check return status, and use the tax calculator. (South African Revenue Service)
SARS eFiling and SOQS
SARS also lists eFiling and the SARS Online Query System as official digital channels. In its June 2026 tax digest, SARS listed SARS MobiApp, eFiling, SOQS, WhatsApp, USSD, SMS, and the SARS AI Assistant as digital channels that can help taxpayers avoid unnecessary branch visits. (South African Revenue Service)
SARS Contact Centre and branch appointment
If you cannot resolve the issue through mobile or online channels, SARS lists 0800 00 7277 as its Contact Centre number. SARS also says taxpayers can book branch appointments through the Contact Centre, SMS booking route, or online booking form. (South African Revenue Service)
Public-Service Safety and Scam Warnings
SARS mobile tax services involve personal and tax information, so treat every unexpected message with caution. Scammers often copy the look and language of official public-service messages to make users click fake links or share private details.
SARS warns that fake SARS messages may ask for personal, tax, banking, or eFiling details. SARS also says it will never request banking details in communications sent by post, email, or SMS, will not send hyperlinks to other websites, and will never ask for credit card details. (South African Revenue Service)
Never share these through unsafe channels
Do not share:
- eFiling username or password
- Online banking password
- Bank card PIN
- OTPs
- Credit or debit card details
- Full banking details through a suspicious message
- ID documents through an unofficial WhatsApp number
- Proof of address through a private “agent”
- Tax reference number in a social media inbox
Signs a SARS mobile tax services message may be fake
Be careful if a message:
- Promises an urgent SARS refund.
- Says your refund will expire unless you click a link.
- Sends you to a website that is not an official SARS service.
- Asks you to pay a release fee.
- Comes from a private WhatsApp number claiming to be a SARS consultant.
- Asks for your bank card PIN, OTP, or eFiling password.
- Uses threats to pressure you into acting immediately.
- Offers to “fix” your SARS profile for a fee through an unofficial channel.
If a menu or message looks suspicious, stop and confirm through SARS directly before continuing.
Related Guides
- SARS USSD code
- SARS scam SMS
- Government services without data South Africa
FAQs
Is there a verified USSD option for SARS mobile tax services?
Yes. SARS lists *134*7277# as the official USSD code for SARS mobile tax services. The SARS USSD menu includes selected Personal Income Tax services such as PIT registration, the Two-Pot calculator, tax reference number requests, account balance checks, filing requirement checks, and Two-Pot application status checks. (South African Revenue Service)
Is SARS mobile tax services free to use?
SARS states that the SMS channel is free and that selected SMS services can be accessed with or without data or airtime. SARS also describes the USSD route as a mobile channel for accessing SARS services through *134*7277#. (South African Revenue Service)
What should I do if the SARS USSD option does not work?
First check that you dialled *134*7277# correctly and that you are using the cellphone number registered on your SARS profile. If it still does not work, use another official SARS route such as SMS on 47277, WhatsApp on 0800 11 7277, the SARS MobiApp, eFiling, SOQS, the SARS Contact Centre, or a booked SARS appointment. (South African Revenue Service)
What information should users never share when checking SARS mobile tax services?
Never share your eFiling password, online banking password, card PIN, credit card details, debit card details, OTPs, or copies of ID documents through unsafe links, private WhatsApp numbers, social media inboxes, or unofficial support channels. SARS warns users to beware of messages asking for personal, tax, banking, or eFiling details. (South African Revenue Service)
How can users tell whether a SARS mobile tax services message is fake?
A message may be fake if it asks you to click an unknown link, claims you must urgently verify banking details, asks for your eFiling login details, offers to release a refund for a fee, or directs you to a private support number. SARS warns that false emails and fake websites may be made to look like SARS in order to steal personal information such as bank account details. (South African Revenue Service)
Where should users confirm the latest SARS mobile tax services details?
Users should confirm the latest code, menu, SMS format, WhatsApp number, support route, and service availability through official SARS channels before using them. SARS menus and filing-season processes can change, so always check the current SARS source before entering personal information.