The South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Monday, 13 February 2023, issued an update regarding the previous communication to notify all stakeholders of the technical infrastructure changes and upgrades planned for the SARS eFiling platform during February and March 2023.
The first of a planned series of upgrades was originally scheduled to take place on Friday, 10 February 2023, but has subsequently been rescheduled.
Here is the latest communication from SARS:
Rescheduled: Upgrade of the SARS eFiling Technical Platform
Dear Colleagues,
Due to operational reasons, the SARS eFiling and SARS MobiApp maintenance that was planned and communicated to run this weekend will be rescheduled to a later date.
We will keep you posted.
Original Article:
Today (09 February 2023), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) released a notice to all stakeholders to notify them of various technical infrastructure changes and upgrades planned for the SARS eFiling platform during February and March 2023. These upgrades and enhancements are in support of their Vision 2024 strategy and ambition to be the “smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired”.
The notice outlines some of what is referred to as 9 strategic objectives.
Please note: The first system/platform upgrade is scheduled for Friday, 10 February 2023, from 20:00 until 06:00 on Saturday, 11 February 2023. The SARS eFiling platform and the SARS MobiApp will not be available during this time.
The full SARS notice is detailed below, or click here to download it:
Dear Valued Stakeholder
NOTICE: UPGRADE OF THE SARS EFILING TECHNICAL PLATFORM
In our pursuit of achieving Vision 2024 of a smart, modern SARS with unquestionable integrity that is trusted and admired. Our vision is underpinned by 9 strategic objectives, and of importance in this regard is Strategic Objective 9, which deals with building public trust and confidence.
Pursuant to these strategic objectives, and generally delivering on our important service, we are working hard to ensuring that our digital platforms and technology infrastructure are secure and free of known vulnerabilities by performing regular maintenance. In addition, enhancements are made to improve taxpayer experience while also demonstrating the highest levels of robustness and risk reduction.
Various technical infrastructure changes and upgrades are planned to support these efforts during the months of February and March 2023.
These migrations are aligned with several of SARS’ Strategic Objectives, including:
- Strategic Objective 1: Provide clarity and certainty for taxpayers and traders about their obligations,
- Strategic Objective 2: Make it easy for taxpayers and traders to comply with their obligations,
- Strategic Objective 5: Increase and expand the use of Data within a comprehensive knowledge management framework to ensure integrity, drive insight and improve outcomes, and
- Strategic Objective 6: Modernise our systems to provide Digital & Streamlined services.
In the light of the above, system upgrades are scheduled for Friday, 10 February from 20:00 until 06:00 Saturday, 11 February 2023. During this time, the eFiling website and the SARS MobiApp will not be available.
The mainframe upgrade will take place on Saturday, 11 February between 20:00 and 22:00. During this time, eFilers will experience intermittent response.
The migration to rearchitected technical platforms will provide an effective environment that allows for technical operational efficiencies and ensure ongoing support from the technology supplier.
Contact Us
For all eFiling issues encountered after implementation, please contact our Contact Centre at 0800 00 7277 during these operating hours: weekdays 08:00–16:30, except Wednesday, 09:00–16:30. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Digital Platforms
To book a SARS branch virtual appointment, click here. You can also our online digital channels by using the SARS Online Query System.
International callers:
+27 11 602 2093
Kindly note that international time difference will apply when making use of our SARS services, including:
- Calling the Contact Centre
- eBooking appointments
- Call back requests
- HYEF call back requests and assistance
We apologise for any inconvenience.
The South African Revenue Service
08 February 2023