Overview

SARS eFiling remained a critical platform for running a professional and efficient tax practice in 2026. With continuous enhancements, phased modernisation, and new digital compliance requirements, practitioners often faced system changes that disrupted existing workflows.

This practical, bi-monthly eFiling Clinic focused on the latest 2026 updates, enhancements, and common system-related challenges. The session provided real-time, practice-driven solutions to navigating eFiling’s evolving environment. It also created a forum where participant feedback, questions, and pain points were actively integrated into the discussion.

Current eFiling issues experienced by practitioners were unpacked, and step-by-step workarounds were provided to improve accuracy, efficiency, and client service.

Webinar Content

We will cover the following in the February update:

• Biometric Verification Failure: Users reported a specific error message: "unable to verify identity please try again" when attempting biometric verification for employees' tax.
• Dispute Button Malfunction: A practitioner reported a functional broken link where "clicking dispute doesn't work" on the penalty statement screen.
• Data Validation Glitch: The system correctly identified a person but erroneously flagged that the "ID/Passport doesn't match full names of director" during a registration or removal process.
• "AI" Document Glitches: eFiling users suspect an "AI glitch" was responsible for redundant or confusing requests for document uploads (specifically medical aid certificates) for previous tax years.
• Profile Visibiliy: A user reported that they "cannot see business returns on his own tax profile even though activated," indicating a failure in the system's linkage between users and their registered tax types.
• Login Failures: Explicit reports of users being unable to log in to eFiling ("I can’t log in to efiling").
• Password Reset Failure: Users experienced issues where password reset emails were not being sent. The workaround identified involved switching browsers, suggesting a browser compatibility issue with the eFiling reset function.
• International Access Lockout: Critical issues for taxpayers abroad who lose access to their registered contact methods (phone/email) and consequently cannot access their profiles to update them ("Urgently need profile access").
• "Provisional" System Status: eFiling system was reported to be in a "provisional" state during December, which disabled the Callback functionality ("Callbacks not offered when full allocation managed for the day"), leaving practitioners without support channels.
• General Offline Status: General complaints of the system being "not online" or down were noted, particularly coinciding with periods of high traffic or deadlines.
• SOQS (Support of Query System) Limitations: Uncertainty and potential system limitations regarding the uploading of partial documents versus full batches.
• Navigation Complexity: eFiling users struggled to locate specific functions, such as the "Financial Emigration" (now Ceasing of Tax Residency) options within the RAV01 forms, due to unintuitive menu structures.

Competencies Developed

After attending the 2026 eFiling Clinic, participants were:

• Up to date with the latest 2026 enhancements and system changes.
• Equipped to avoid recurring pitfalls, delays, and errors on eFiling.
• Confident in applying workarounds for current system issues.
• Able to train staff on new eFiling processes and updates.
• Prepared to guide clients on the latest eFiling features, requirements, and troubleshooting steps.

Presenter

Ayanda Takela SARS

Ayanda Takela is the National Consultant Manager at Interfront, a SARS subsidiary, with over a decade of experience in SARS eFiling and e@syFile support. Starting her career at SARS in 2007, Ayanda has developed deep expertise through her work with SAIPA and SAICA, helping practitioners and taxpayers stay compliant. Passionate about education, technology, and service, she now leads a national support team, hosts webinars, and collaborates with SARS to enhance user experience.

CPD

Attending this webinar and the successful completion of the online assessment will secure a certificate of completion for 1 hours of Tax CPD.

Event Investment

Complimentary access.