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What document formats and sizes does SARS accept for uploads?
What document formats and sizes does SARS accept for uploads?
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Direct answer
For eFiling supporting-document uploads, SARS lists PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, JPG and GIF. Each document may be no more than 5MB, and eFiling allows up to 20 files. SARS says not to upload password-protected, blank or empty documents, spreadsheets with multiple sheets or duplicate file names.
The limit is channel-specific. SOQS accepts additional listed formats and allows up to 10 documents per submission. Use the rules for the eFiling, MobiApp or SOQS route in your own SARS case.
What this means in practice
A successful upload starts before you open the upload screen. Check which channel SARS has told you to use, prepare only the requested records, scan or convert each one in an accepted format and check the file size.
Do not assume that a document accepted by one channel will have identical rules in another. SARS's eFiling guidance allows 20 files, while its MobiApp guidance has a 10-file maximum. The SOQS FAQ also has its own formats, 5MB limit and submission controls. The case instruction is still more important than a generic list because it tells you which evidence to provide.
Step-by-step
- Identify the upload channel.
Read the SARS request or work-page instruction. Confirm whether the documents belong in eFiling, MobiApp or SOQS. Do not use an alternative route simply because it has a more convenient file limit.
- Check the eFiling format and size rule.
For eFiling, SARS lists .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .jpg and .gif. Check that each file is no more than 5MB. eFiling allows a maximum of 20 uploaded files.
- Check the SOQS rule where SOQS applies.
The SARS SOQS FAQ lists pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, gif, jpg, jpeg, bmp and png. It says documents may not exceed 5MB per upload and a maximum of 10 documents may accompany a single submission. It also requires the case and taxpayer details to match.
- Remove technical problems before upload.
Do not use password-protected, encrypted, blank or empty documents. For eFiling, avoid spreadsheets with multiple sheets and duplicate file names. Give each file a clear, unique name that does not include the prohibited characters identified in the SOQS guidance.
- Upload and review the status.
Use the upload button in the correct SARS service. Check each file's status before final submission. If the system says it cannot convert a document, SARS advises printing, rescanning and uploading the new file.
- Submit only after the full requested set is ready.
The technical limit does not tell you what evidence to send. Confirm that every requested record is present, then submit according to the case instruction. Keep the upload confirmation and file list.
Documents and records to keep
- The official request identifying the upload route.
- Requested supporting documents in the correct channel format.
- Case number and tax reference number for SOQS.
- Upload confirmation, status messages and any email requesting resubmission.
Important limits and exceptions
Do not combine channel limits. eFiling allows up to 20 files, MobiApp up to 10 files, and SOQS states up to 10 documents per submission. All three are subject to the stated 5MB limit in the relevant SARS guidance.
A file that technically uploads is not necessarily accepted as evidence. SARS may still need to review whether it supports the return or case. Do not treat this article as a substitute for the document list in your official SARS request.
When to get tailored advice
Get help if you cannot tell which evidence the request requires, the file will not upload after checking format and size, the case number does not match, or the documents relate to a verification, audit, dispute or complex tax position.
TaxProof can help organise an evidence pack, name files clearly and identify the correct official upload route. SARS controls technical acceptance and decides whether evidence supports the case.
Related TaxProof guides
- How long must I keep South African tax records?
- How do I upload supporting documents requested by SARS? (B02-ADM-009)