How do I fix outstanding returns that block my tax compliance status?

Direct answer

To fix outstanding returns that affect your SARS tax compliance status, open My Compliance Profile, expand the Returns Submission indicator and identify the tax type and period shown. SARS says taxpayers should ensure that no returns for which they are liable are outstanding after the applicable filing due dates. Match each profile item to correspondence and records, then take the correct action for that return before checking the profile again.

Do not file a return merely to make an indicator disappear when you do not know what the item represents. A period may require a return, a correction to registration details, or assistance from SARS if the profile is inaccurate.

What this means in practice

My Compliance Profile brings tax-compliance information together. SARS's TCS guide describes a Returns Submission requirement and says users can expand profile indicators to see detail, including an outstanding return or amount per period where available. That makes the profile a starting point for investigation, rather than a substitute for the actual tax return record.

First confirm that you are viewing the correct taxpayer. This is especially important in a practitioner or organisation portfolio. Then note the tax type, return period, reference number and status shown. Compare them to your own filing calendar, acknowledgements and SARS correspondence. If the return is genuinely outstanding, prepare it from the correct period's records and use the formal submission workflow for that tax type.

If you believe the profile item is wrong, do not quietly ignore it. An unrecognised tax product, duplicated reference number or unrelated entity may need a registered-details or entity-merge correction. If the issue is a previously submitted return that does not display as submitted, retain the original acknowledgement and ask SARS through an official support channel how it should be resolved.

Step-by-step

1. Select the correct taxpayer and open My Compliance Profile.

Ensure the profile belongs to the individual or legal entity that needs a TCS result. Save a screenshot or make a dated note of the indicator before changing anything.

1. Expand Returns Submission.

SARS says the profile can display detail for the actual outstanding return by period where available. Record the tax type, period, reference number and the wording used on screen.

1. Check correspondence and previous submissions.

Search the taxpayer's SARS correspondence, eFiling work area and internal records for a request, return, submission receipt or notice relating to that period. Do not use a return for a neighbouring period as evidence that the listed period is complete.

1. Decide the appropriate action.

If the return is genuinely due, collect the period-specific source documents and complete the correct return process. If the profile shows a tax type the taxpayer should not have, or a record that is not theirs, preserve the evidence and investigate the registration or profile issue instead.

1. Submit only accurate information.

A return is a formal declaration. Check income, payroll, VAT, customs or other source information against the relevant period before filing. If records are missing, seek help rather than filing an arbitrary estimate.

1. Retain the submission trail.

Save the acknowledgement, reference number, final return copy and any supporting schedule. Where the system gives a case number or requests documents, save those too.

1. Recheck My Compliance Profile.

Return to the profile after the relevant action is processed. If the indicator remains or the details are inconsistent, review the evidence and use an official SARS support route rather than repeatedly submitting a new return.

Documents and records to keep

• A dated My Compliance Profile record showing the return issue.
• SARS notices, filing reminders and profile correspondence.
• Source records for the exact tax type and period.
• Submitted returns, confirmation receipts and case references.
• Documents supporting any registration or profile correction.

Important limits and exceptions

Resolving an outstanding-return indicator does not automatically resolve a separate debt, registration or profile issue. My Compliance Profile has separate categories for these requirements. Check the full profile after the return matter is dealt with.

An outstanding item may arise because of an old registration, an unrecognised tax product or a status mismatch. Do not assume that every line calls for a new filing. If the taxpayer is not liable for the tax type or period, obtain evidence and use the correct SARS process to correct the record.

When to get tailored advice

Seek tailored advice for historical returns, several tax types, unpaid payroll or VAT matters, missing records, disputed liabilities or an imminent tender or banking deadline. TaxProof can help map the profile item to the right records and workflow. SARS decides the status and accepts or rejects a formal return.

Related TaxProof guides

• Why is my SARS tax compliance status not good standing? (B05-ADM-007)
• What is the SARS entity-merge process on eFiling? (B05-ADM-002)

Sources

• SARS, Guide to the Tax Compliance Status functionality on eFiling
• SARS, Manage your Tax Compliance Status