SARS Compliance
Got a Letter From SARS? Here’s What to Do
A letter from SARS can be worrying, but most can be resolved quickly when you respond correctly and on time. We read the letter with you, explain what SARS is asking for, and handle the response.
Updated 5 October 2026.
First, work out what kind of letter it is
Log in to SARS eFiling and find the letter on your profile, so you know it is genuine. SARS will not ask for your banking PIN or passwords by email or SMS. Most letters fall into one of these groups:
- Request for supporting documents (verification): SARS wants proof for specific items on your return, such as medical expenses, a retirement annuity or a travel logbook.
- Audit notification: a deeper review, often covering more than one tax year.
- Letter of findings or additional assessment: SARS has changed your assessment and may be asking for more tax.
- Penalty or final demand: a late return, late payment or an outstanding balance.
Don’t ignore it. Every one of these letters has a deadline, and missing it limits your options.
What is the difference between a verification and an audit?
A verification checks specific items on one return. You upload the documents listed in the letter, and SARS aims to finish within about 21 business days after it has received everything.
An audit is a detailed examination of your records and can cover several tax periods. It can take months, and SARS must send you a progress report at least every 90 days.
What if I disagree with SARS?
You can ask SARS for the reasons behind an assessment, and then lodge an objection. An objection must be lodged within 80 business days of the assessment, or of the date SARS gave you its reasons. A late objection is only considered if there were reasonable or exceptional grounds for the delay. If SARS disallows the objection, the next step is an appeal.
Lodging an objection does not by itself put the payment on hold. If you dispute the amount, you can ask SARS to suspend payment while the dispute runs.
How we help
- Read the letter and tell you plainly what SARS wants and by when.
- Gather, check and upload the right supporting documents.
- Correspond with SARS on your behalf as your registered tax practitioner.
- Prepare requests for reasons, objections and appeals, and ask for suspension of payment where it applies.
- Fix the cause, such as missing returns or wrong PAYE information, so it doesn’t happen again.
Common questions
How long do I have to respond to a SARS verification letter?
The deadline is stated in the letter itself, and it is usually short. If you can’t make it, ask SARS for an extension before the deadline passes rather than after.
How long does SARS take to finish a verification?
SARS aims to finalise a verification within about 21 business days after it has received all the documents it asked for. It can ask for more information during that time.
How long do I have to object to a SARS assessment?
80 business days from the date of the assessment, or from the date SARS provided reasons if you asked for them.
Can you deal with SARS for me?
Yes. As a SAIT registered tax practitioner we can be appointed to act on your behalf, upload documents and correspond with SARS for you.
Send us a photo or PDF of the letter
We’ll tell you what it means and what it will take to resolve it, before any work starts.