How to Get a Tax Clearance Certificate from SARS in South Africa
Last Updated: 23 June 2026
A Tax Clearance Certificate in South Africa (now called Tax Compliance Status or TCS PIN) is issued by SARS when your tax affairs are fully compliant. Need a tax clearance certificate from SARS? Whether you're applying for a tender, seeking funding, completing a business transaction, or simply need to prove your tax compliance status, understanding the process can help you avoid delays and frustration. While many South Africans still refer to a "Tax Clearance Certificate", SARS now uses a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) system that allows compliant taxpayers to obtain a TCS PIN that can be shared with third parties for verification purposes. If you're unsure where to start or are experiencing difficulties with your SARS profile, we can assist you throughout the process. What is a Tax Clearance Certificate in South Africa?A Tax Clearance Certificate (TCS PIN) is proof that your tax affairs with SARS are up to date and compliant.How We Help You Get a Tax Clearance Certificate in South Africa (SARS TCS PIN Assistance)At Tax Clearance Certificate SA, we specialise in helping individuals, sole proprietors, companies, and contractors in South Africa obtain their SARS Tax Clearance Certificate (Tax Compliance Status / TCS PIN) quickly, correctly, and without delays. If you are struggling with SARS eFiling, compliance errors, or outstanding tax returns, we provide full assistance to help you become compliant and successfully obtain your Tax Clearance Certificate for tenders, business funding, B-BBEE requirements, and financial applications. Our Tax Clearance Certificate assistance process in South Africa: Step 1: SARS Tax Compliance Assessment Step 2: SARS Compliance Review & Risk Identification Step 3: Tax Clearance Certificate Application Support Step 4: SARS Processing & Verification Step 5: Issuance of Your TCS PIN (Tax Clearance Certificate) How Do I Get a Tax Clearance Certificate from SARS?To obtain a tax clearance certificate (Tax Compliance Status PIN), you must first ensure that your tax affairs are fully up to date with SARS.This generally includes:
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we can help assess your tax compliance status and identify any issues that may prevent approval. How Can I Apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate Online?Applications are typically submitted through the SARS eFiling platform.The process generally involves:
Professional assistance can often help resolve these issues more quickly and efficiently. How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Clearance Certificate?Processing times can vary depending on your individual circumstances.If your tax affairs are fully compliant and your SARS records are up to date, approval may be relatively quick. However, delays can occur if there are:
What Documents Do I Need for a Tax Clearance Certificate?The documentation required may vary depending on whether you are applying as an individual, sole proprietor, company, trust, or other entity.Common supporting information may include:
Can I Get a Tax Clearance Certificate Urgently?In some cases, taxpayers require urgent assistance due to tender deadlines, funding applications, property transactions, or business requirements.While SARS processing times cannot be guaranteed, many delays are caused by outstanding compliance issues rather than the application itself. By identifying and resolving compliance problems as quickly as possible, it may be possible to speed up the overall process. If you have an urgent requirement, professional assistance can help ensure your application is submitted correctly and any outstanding issues are addressed promptly. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Tax Clearance Certificate?SARS does not generally charge a fee to issue a Tax Compliance Status PIN.However, costs may arise if professional assistance is required to:
Need Help with a Tax Clearance Certificate?Obtaining a Tax Compliance Status PIN can be straightforward when your tax affairs are fully compliant. However, outstanding returns, unresolved tax issues, and SARS compliance problems can often cause delays. We assist individuals, business owners, companies, and tender applicants with tax clearance certificate applications, compliance reviews, and SARS-related matters.Information provided is for general guidance only and may not always be fully accurate or up to date. Please confirm all details directly with the official SARS website or relevant authorities. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help simplify the process. 
Professional Memberships & Registrations We are proud members of the Institute of Accounting & Commerce (IAC) and the South African Institute of Tax Practitioners (SAITP). Our principal director, JN Basson, is registered with the Institute of Accounting & Commerce under practice number AO652993. Need Help with Your Tax Clearance Certificate?Have a question or need more information? We’re here to help! Fill out the form below and one of our friendly team members will get back to you as soon as possible.
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