How to Update Your Contact Details on SARS eFiling

SARS communicates almost everything through your registered contact details - verification notices, OTPs, refund confirmations, and audit letters. Outdated details cause OTP failures, missed deadlines, and delayed refunds. Keeping them current is a basic compliance step that takes only a few minutes.

Why your contact details matter

OTP delivery: Every eFiling login requires a one-time PIN sent to your registered cell number or email. If that number or email is wrong, you cannot log in.
SARS notices: Verification requests, audit notifications, and debt letters are sent to your registered address. A notice you do not receive still has a response deadline.
Refunds: SARS pays refunds into your registered banking details. If those are wrong, your refund is delayed or returned to SARS.
IT registration: SARS uses your registered details to confirm your identity when you call the SARS Contact Centre.

What you can update on eFiling

Cell phone number (used for OTPs and SMS notifications).
Email address (used for electronic correspondence).
Postal and physical address.
Banking details for refunds.

How to update your cell number and email

Log in to eFiling at sars.gov.za.
Go to My Profile in the top navigation.
Select Profile and Preference Setup.
Navigate to the User Profile section.
Update your cell number and/or email address.
SARS will send an OTP to verify the change - this goes to your old contact details, so complete this step while you still have access to them.
Enter the OTP to confirm the update.

If you have completely lost access to your registered number (e.g. SIM swap, lost phone), you will need to visit a SARS branch in person to update your details with identity verification.

How to update your banking details

SARS treats banking detail changes with extra care because of fraud risk. The process requires:

Log in to eFiling.
Go to My Profile, then Bank Account Details.
Enter your new bank account details.
SARS will initiate a verification process - this may involve an OTP or a call from SARS to confirm the change is legitimate.
Allow one to two business days for the update to take effect before expecting a refund to be processed.

Some changes may require you to visit a SARS branch with original identity documents and a bank statement (not older than three months) to verify the new account.

If you have forgotten your eFiling username or password

Use the Forgot Username or Forgot Password links on the eFiling login page.
SARS will send a reset link or OTP to your registered contact details.
If you cannot receive the OTP (because the registered number is wrong), visit a SARS branch with your identity document.

Keeping details current throughout the year

Make it a habit to check your eFiling profile once a year - for example, at the start of filing season (July). Confirm your cell number, email, and banking details before you file, not after you notice a problem.

Common problems caused by outdated details

Cannot receive the eFiling OTP and therefore cannot log in.
SARS issues a verification notice that you never see - the deadline passes and your return is assessed without your response.
A refund is paid into a closed account and takes weeks to be recalled and reprocessed.
SARS sends audit correspondence to an old postal address.

Key points

Update your cell number and email before any issue arises - the OTP process requires access to your current registered number.
Banking detail changes are subject to additional security verification to prevent fraud.
If you have completely lost access to your registered contact details, a branch visit with your identity document is the fastest resolution.
Check eFiling contact details at least once a year, ideally before filing season opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my SARS eFiling contact details entirely online?

Yes, if you still have access to your currently registered cell number or email. Log in to eFiling, go to My Profile, and update your details. SARS will send an OTP to your existing registered contact to verify the change - so you must still have access to the old number or email to complete the process online. If you have lost access completely, a branch visit is required.

Why does SARS require extra verification when I change my banking details?

Banking detail changes are a common fraud vector - criminals attempt to redirect refunds to accounts they control. SARS applies enhanced security checks for banking changes, which may include an OTP, a call from SARS to confirm the change, or a branch visit with your identity document and a bank statement. Allow one to two business days for a verified banking change to take effect before expecting a refund.

What happens if SARS sends a verification notice to an outdated contact address?

A verification notice sent to your registered address - even if it is wrong - still has a response deadline. SARS’s position is that it is your responsibility to keep contact details current. If you miss a deadline because you did not receive a notice at an outdated address, recovering from the lapsed deadline is more difficult than simply keeping your details up to date.

How often should I check my SARS eFiling contact details?

At minimum, check once a year before filing season opens. Confirm your cell number, email address, and banking details before you file your return - not after you notice a problem. If you change your mobile provider or phone number at any point during the year, update eFiling immediately rather than waiting for filing season.

Sources

SARS: How do I update my details? - official route for updating registered details.
SARS eFiling - portal for profile, contact, and banking detail updates.
SARS: Contact Us - official support channels when you cannot access the profile.
SARS: Make an Appointment - branch and virtual appointment booking.

This guide is for general educational purposes. SARS eFiling processes and contact update procedures can change - verify the current process at sars.gov.za or call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277.