How the new biometric verification process for SARS eFiling will operate

In line with the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring taxpayer security, SARS has implemented biometric verification for eFiling. For non-provisional taxpayers, their 2024 tax commitments are already over. The deadline came and went on Monday 21 October 2024. However, it’s still two-and-a-half months to go for provisional taxpayers to submit their particulars (Monday 20 January 2025).

Nevertheless, the South African Revenue Service will now require SARS eFiling biometric verification to do so, reports Business Tech. This will apply to anyone registering for Personal Income Tax eFiling with a South African identification document on the SARS website, MobiApp or at a self-service kiosk.

SARS EFILING BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION

Following a successful roll out through the South African Social Security Agency to curb fraudulent Social Relief of Distress (SRD) claims, the technology is now being put to good use at the revenue service. Earlier this year, Tax Consulting SA’s Sidney Fletcher sounded the alarm bell over brazen online eFiling hackers and scammers.

The recommendation was to handle your own tax affairs and if a third party is doing your tax for you, meet them in person and avoid doing any business over the phone or email in which data can be hijacked. Fraudsters are gaining unauthorised access to taxpayer and tax practitioner profiles, changing banking details and directing refunds back to themselves.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

The service says the SARS eFiling biometric verification system provides all step-by-step instructions. You will need to take a digital picture to confirm it is you accessing your profile. However, your picture requires you to clear your background and remove head gear and glasses. Likewise, facial position and distance from the camera are important, too. Of course, you will need an internet-enable device with a camera – like a laptop with a webcam or smartphone with a camera.

Unfortunately, if you do not have access to such a device, SARS insists you must book an appointment for at SARS self-service kiosk for in-person assistance. The existing eFiling registration, authentication and manual verification process will still apply as before. Earlier this year the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) announced that it would launch a review into what it called ‘systemic eFiling profile hijacking issues at SARS’.

Likewise, taxpayers awaiting refunds are also prime targets for scammers. These people will receive a legitimate-looking communique from the scammer asking for login/password details to gain profile access. SARS reiterates it will never ask for such personal details from taxpayers. Therefore, SARS eFiling biometric verification is the next proactive steps to protect tax data.