How to Add or Change a Bank Account on SARS eFiling: A 2026 Guide

To add or change a bank account on SARS eFiling, log in to your profile, navigate to 'SARS Registered Details' under the 'Maintenance' menu, and select 'Maintain eFiling Registered Details'. From there, edit your banking information in the Raven form, ensure your details match your bank statement, and submit the changes for verification. SARS typically confirms these updates via a one-time pin (OTP) or by requesting supporting documents to prevent fraud.

Why do you need to update your SARS eFiling bank account details?

Keeping your banking information current ensures that any tax refunds, such as VAT or Income Tax returns, are paid directly into the correct business account without delay. If your SARS eFiling bank account details are outdated, the South African Revenue Service will withhold payments to prevent funds from being sent to closed or incorrect accounts. For small business owners in South Africa, maintaining accurate records is a non-negotiable part of financial compliance and cash flow management.

How do you change your bank account on SARS eFiling step-by-step?

You can change your banking details by accessing the 'Maintain eFiling Registered Details' section on the SARS eFiling portal and updating the bank information fields. Once you submit the new details, SARS will perform a validation check against your bank's records to ensure the account holder's name and ID or CIPC number match.

Step 1: Log in to the SARS eFiling Portal

Start by visiting the official SARS eFiling website. Use your unique username and password to gain access to your dashboard. If you are managing a company, ensure you have the correct representative rights assigned to your profile. Since we are in the 2026 tax cycle, double-check that your digital certificate is active, as SARS has enhanced security protocols for high-value changes.

Step 2: Navigate to Registered Details

Once logged in, look for the 'Home' tab on the top menu. From the side menu, select 'SARS Registered Details'. This section handles all your core tax entity information, including your physical address, contact details, and most importantly, your banking information. Click on 'Maintain SARS Registered Details' to proceed.

Step 3: Access the Bank Details Section

A wizard or 'Raven' form will open. You will see a list of categories on the left-hand side. Select the 'Bank Accounts' tab. This will display your current active bank account linked to your tax profile. To make a change, you will often need to click on 'Edit' or 'Add New' depending on whether you are replacing an old account or adding a second one for a different tax type.

Step 4: Enter Your New Banking Information

You must enter the bank name, branch code, account number, and account type (e.g., Cheque or Savings). It is vital that the account name matches the name of the tax entity exactly. If you are a Sole Trader, the account should be in your personal name. If you are a PTY Ltd, the account must be in the name of the company as registered with the CIPC.

Step 5: Submit and Verify

After entering the details, click 'Done' and then 'File'. SARS will prompt you with a confirmation message. In 2026, most updates are verified in real-time through an interface with major South African banks like Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, and ABSA. However, if the automated check fails, you will be required to upload supporting documents.

What documents are required for SARS banking detail verification?

SARS requires a clear, scanned copy of your valid South African ID, a recent bank statement (not older than three months) showing the account holder's name and number, and a proof of residential or business address. For companies, you may also need a CIPC disclosure certificate and a resolution letter appointing the representative ratepayer.

The Importance of the Bank Statement

The bank statement you provide must clearly show the bank's logo. It does not need to show your transaction history; you can black out your spending for privacy. However, the header containing the account name, account number, branch code, and date must be visible and legible. SARS uses this as primary evidence to prevent identity theft and refund fraud.

Proof of Identity and Address

Ensure your ID copy is a high-resolution scan. If you are using the new Smart ID card, you must scan both the front and the back. For proof of address, a utility bill or a lease agreement is standard. As of the current 2026 regulations, SARS is increasingly using facial recognition through the SARS MobiApp for identity verification, which can speed up the process significantly.

Can you change your bank details via the SARS MobiApp?

Yes, you can update your banking details using the SARS MobiApp by selecting the 'Profile Management' option and following the prompts to edit your registered details. The MobiApp often uses biometric authentication, making it a more secure and faster alternative for individual taxpayers and small business owners who are on the go.

Using Biometrics for Security

In the 2026 tax year environment, SARS has prioritised mobile-first interactions. If you choose the MobiApp, you might be asked to take a 'liveness' selfie to prove you are the account holder. This adds an extra layer of protection to your SARS eFiling bank account settings, ensuring that unauthorized parties cannot redirect your tax refunds to their own accounts.

Limitations of the App for Companies

While individual sole traders find the MobiApp seamless, complex corporate structures with multiple directors may still find the desktop eFiling portal more robust for managing 'Maintain Registered Details' changes. If you are managing VAT and PAYE for a larger SME, the desktop version provides a better overview of which tax types are linked to which bank accounts.

How long does it take for SARS to verify new banking details?

Banking detail verification usually takes between 24 hours and 21 business days, depending on whether the system auto-verifies the data or if a manual review of uploaded documents is required. If your bank is part of the automated verification network, you might see the 'Validated' status almost immediately after submission.

Understanding the 'Invalid' or 'Pending' Status

If your status remains 'Pending' for more than 48 hours, it likely means SARS has flagged your profile for manual verification. This often happens if there is a slight discrepancy in the name—for example, if your eFiling profile says 'John Doe' but your bank account is 'JD Services'. Always ensure the naming conventions are identical across all platforms to avoid these delays.

Dealing with a SARS Appointment

In rare cases, SARS may request that you visit a branch in person to verify your bank account details. This usually occurs if there is a suspected security breach on your profile. You will need to book an appointment through the SARS website. During the appointment, bring original versions of all the documents you uploaded online. This is a final security measure to protect your business's financial integrity.

Why is my tax refund not reflecting?

The most common reason for a delayed refund is a mismatch in the SARS eFiling bank account information or an outstanding debt on another tax type. If your banking details are verified but you still haven't received your funds, check your 'Statement of Account' on eFiling to see if SARS has offset the refund against other liabilities like administrative penalties or overdue VAT.

Checking for 'Stops' on Your Refund

Sometimes SARS places a 'stop' on a refund if they have selected you for an audit or verification. This has nothing to do with your bank account but everything to do with the data on your return. However, if the audit is cleared and your bank details are incorrect, the refund will stay in the SARS system indefinitely until you update your profile.

The Role of Branch Codes

Many South African banks have moved to universal branch codes. When entering your SARS eFiling bank account details, use the universal code provided by your bank (e.g., 250655 for FNB or 051001 for Standard Bank). Using an old, specific branch code from a physical location that has since closed can cause the electronic fund transfer (EFT) to fail.

Best Practices for Small Business Financial Compliance

Managing your SARS profile is just one part of being a successful entrepreneur in South Africa. You should review your registered details at least once a year, preferably before the start of the primary tax season in July. This proactive approach ensures that when you file your ITR12 or ITR14, there are no administrative hurdles standing between you and your tax compliance status.

Separating Personal and Business Finances

As a growing small business, it is vital to have a dedicated business bank account. Linking a personal savings account to a company tax profile can trigger red flags during a SARS audit. In 2026, the distinction between personal and business assets is a key focus area for tax investigators. Ensure your SARS eFiling bank account is a legitimate business account to maintain professional standards and ease of accounting.

Digital Record Keeping

Keep a digital folder of all your verification documents. If you change your bank account on SARS eFiling today, save the confirmation PDF and the bank statement used for verification. Having these records organized in a platform like Smartbook makes it much easier to provide proof of compliance whenever it is requested by third parties or financial institutions.

Security Tips for SARS eFiling

Never share your eFiling login credentials with anyone who is not a registered tax practitioner. If you are using a bookkeeper or accountant, they should be added as a 'User' with specific permissions rather than using your primary login. This creates an audit trail of who changed your banking details and when.

Monitoring for Unauthorized Changes

Check your email and SMS notifications regularly. SARS sends alerts whenever sensitive information like your bank account is modified. If you receive a notification for a change you didn’t authorize, contact the SARS Fraud Hotline immediately. Protecting your SARS eFiling bank account is as important as protecting your actual bank account.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Ensure that Two-Factor Authentication is enabled on your eFiling profile. This typically involves a code sent to your registered mobile number. In 2026, this is a standard requirement for most changes on the portal. It prevents hackers from accessing your profile and changing your bank details to their own, which is a common form of cybercrime in the tax sector.

Managing your tax affairs shouldn't be a source of stress for South African business owners. By mastering the process of updating your SARS eFiling bank account, you take control of your relationship with the taxman. This ensures that you remain compliant and that your hard-earned refunds reach you as quickly as possible.

For many small business owners, the administrative burden of tax and bookkeeping can be overwhelming. This is where Smartbook comes in. Our platform is designed specifically for the South African market, helping you keep your records in perfect order so that VAT, PAYE, and Income Tax submissions are seamless. When your books are accurate and your SARS profile is up to date, you can focus on what really matters: growing your business. Smartbook integrates with your workflow to ensure that you are always ready for whatever the tax season brings, providing the clarity and support you need to thrive in the 2026 economy.