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What is a credit-push payment on SARS eFiling?
What is a credit-push payment on SARS eFiling?
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Direct answer
A Credit Push is an eFiling payment method in which SARS sends a payment request to the taxpayer's bank and the taxpayer authorises the request in the relevant bank product. SARS says that authorisation forms the instruction to the bank to make the SARS payment. The transaction requires sufficient funds, can be cancelled before approval and is irrevocable once approved.
In plain language, eFiling starts the payment, but your bank approval completes the instruction. A request that is still waiting at the bank is not yet a completed SARS payment.
What this means in practice
Credit Push is designed to avoid entering a SARS payment manually in internet banking. The bank receives the payment request and shows it in its own secure service. You should sign in to that bank service directly, find the pending authorisation and compare it with the current SARS payment item before approving it.
Do not confuse a Credit Push request with a PAN or EFT. A PAN is a payment advice containing a reference used for a payment channel. EFT is a bank transfer process that uses the relevant beneficiary and reference. A Credit Push is an authorisation workflow between eFiling and the bank. Each may be suitable in different circumstances, but they should not be mixed casually.
The single most important control is the approval moment. Before approval, pause if the tax type, period, amount or selected bank account is wrong. Once approved, SARS says the payment is irrevocable. That is why creating a payment just before a deadline without reviewing the source assessment can be risky.
Step-by-step
- Check the SARS payment item.
Use the current assessment, Statement of Account or eFiling payment screen. Confirm the taxpayer, tax type, period, amount and due date.
- Choose the bank account carefully.
Select an account whose holder is permitted to authorise payment and that has sufficient funds. Do not use someone else's bank credentials or ask for an OTP.
- Create the eFiling request.
Follow the live eFiling payment prompts and save the reference or screen confirmation. Creating this request sends the payment instruction to the selected bank product.
- Open the bank directly.
Sign in through the bank's genuine app or website. Do not follow unexpected links claiming that they will release a SARS payment. Look for the pending authorisation.
- Approve or cancel before approval.
Check the amount and payment details. If correct, approve the request. If incorrect, cancel it before approval if the bank and eFiling flow permit. Do not approve merely to avoid a deadline.
- Retain proof and confirm the account.
Save both the bank authorisation and eFiling record. Review the SARS account later to confirm the payment has been reflected as intended.
Documents and records to keep
- Source assessment, statement or payment item.
- eFiling Credit Push request details.
- Bank approval or cancellation evidence.
- Payment amount, date, tax type and period.
- Later SARS account confirmation.
Important limits and exceptions
SARS says a Credit Push is irrevocable after approval. It is therefore not a suitable way to test an uncertain payment amount. First resolve an unclear assessment, payment allocation or taxpayer-profile question.
Bank approval screens and timing are controlled by the bank. If an eFiling request does not appear, do not give your credentials to a person claiming to help. Check the selected bank account and use the bank's trusted support channel if necessary.
When to get tailored advice
Get help before authorising a significant payment, a payment for several tax accounts or a payment while an objection is under consideration. TaxProof can help check the supporting SARS record, while SARS and your bank handle the actual payment process.
Related TaxProof guides
Sources
- SARS, Make a Payment