How to Register for Tax After CIPC Registration (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Johan De Wet
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Once you’ve registered your company with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), your next step is to register for tax with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Many business owners don’t realize that CIPC registration and tax registration are two separate processes — even though they’re linked.
In this Smartbook guide, we’ll explain how SARS tax registration works after CIPC, how to find your tax number, and how to activate your company’s tax profile properly.
Step 1: Understand What Happens After CIPC Registration
When you register your company on the CIPC or BizPortal website, your details are automatically sent to SARS.
Within a few days, SARS will:
✅ Create a tax reference number for your company.
✅ Link it to your CIPC registration number.
However, this does not mean your business is fully tax-active yet.You still need to activate your SARS profile, add your company, and register for specific tax types like VAT, PAYE, and UIF (if applicable).
Smartbook Tip: If you registered through Smartbook, we can automatically retrieve your new company’s SARS tax number and activate your profile for you.
Step 2: Find Your Company’s Tax Number
Email from SARS — Sent to the director’s email address used during CIPC registration.
SARS eFiling — Log in and check under “Organizations” → “Tax Types.
Call SARS — Contact the SARS call center at 0800 00 7277 and provide your CIPC registration number.
Through Smartbook, We can instantly verify your company’s tax number via the SARS database.
If you don’t see it yet, wait a few business days after CIPC registration — sometimes the sync between CIPC and SARS takes up to 7 working days.
Step 3: Activate Your SARS eFiling Profile
To manage your company taxes, you need an active SARS eFiling account.
Here’s how to activate it:
Click “Register” or log in if you already have an account.
Select “Organisation” and then “Register New.”
Enter your company registration number and tax reference number.
Follow the prompts to complete the linking process.
Once completed, your company will appear under your eFiling “Organisations” tab — ready for tax submissions.
Smartbook Tip: If your company doesn’t appear automatically, you may need to request a Tax Type Transfer — Smartbook can handle this for you in minutes.
Step 4: Register for Additional Tax Types (Optional)
Depending on your company’s activities and staff, you may also need to register for:
Tax Type | When to Register |
VAT | When annual turnover exceeds R1 million, or voluntarily after R50,000 turnover. |
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) | If you have employees earning over the tax threshold (R95,750 p.a. for 2025). |
UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) | If you employ any staff. |
SDL (Skills Development Levy) | If your total payroll exceeds R500,000 per year. |
You can register for all of these through your SARS eFiling profile or by letting Smartbook handle it for you.
Step 5: Submit Your First SARS Returns
Once your company is tax-registered and active, you’ll need to start filing regular returns:
Return Type | When Due | Submitted To |
Provisional Tax (IRP6) | Twice a year (Aug & Feb) | SARS |
Income Tax (ITR14) | Annually | SARS |
VAT201 | Monthly or bi-monthly | SARS |
EMP201 | Monthly (for PAYE/UIF) | SARS |
EMP501 | Twice yearly reconciliation | SARS |
Even if your company made no income, you still need to submit nil returns to remain compliant.
How Smartbook Can Help You Stay Compliant
Smartbook makes post-registration compliance simple.
Well:
Retrieve your company’s SARS tax number
Activate your eFiling profile
Register your company for VAT, PAYE, and UIF
Set up automated tax reminders
File your first returns correctly
Just send us your CIPC registration number, and we’ll check your SARS registration status instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does CIPC automatically register my company for tax?
Yes — SARS automatically generates a tax number once your company is registered with CIPC.
2. How long does it take to get my tax number after CIPC registration?
Usually 3–7 working days.
3. How do I find my tax number?
You can check your email, log into SARS eFiling, or contact SARS using your CIPC registration number.
4. Do I need to register for VAT immediately?
No — only once your company earns over R1 million per year (or voluntarily after R50,000).
5. Can Smartbook help activate my SARS eFiling and register for all taxes?
Absolutely! Smartbook can handle your entire tax setup — from activation to compliance — in one process.
Final Thoughts
Registering your company with CIPC is just the first step — activating your tax profile with SARS is what makes your business officially compliant.
You’ll need your SARS tax number for almost everything: opening a business bank account, applying for funding, or bidding for tenders.
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