Tax and SARS knowledge base
Why is my SARS eFiling payment waiting for bank authorisation?
Why is my SARS eFiling payment waiting for bank authorisation?
Last reviewed:
Direct answer
Your SARS eFiling payment is waiting because an eFiling Credit Push sends a payment request to the selected bank, and the taxpayer must authorise that request in the relevant bank product. SARS says the authorisation forms the instruction to the bank to make the payment. Until you approve it, treat it as pending rather than paid.
Sign in directly to the bank service you selected, find the pending request and confirm the payment is correct. SARS says a Credit Push can be cancelled before approval but is irrevocable after approval. Do not approve it if the taxpayer, amount, tax period or bank account is wrong.
What this means in practice
A pending bank authorisation is often a normal part of the payment flow, not proof that eFiling has failed. The payment request must move from eFiling to the bank environment and then be approved by the account holder. The bank can use a different label, such as a pending payment or authorisation request, so look at its current instructions.
Start by checking what you asked eFiling to pay. If you cannot explain the amount, do not authorise it just because it is near a deadline. Use the current SARS assessment, Statement of Account or return information to confirm the amount and the tax period. This is especially important where an eFiling user manages payments for a company or more than one taxpayer.
Do not chase the request through links in SMS messages. Go directly to your bank's genuine app or website. A fake message that refers to a pending SARS payment may try to obtain a password, card details or OTP. A genuine approval happens inside your normal banking service.
Step-by-step
- Review the eFiling payment request.
Check the taxpayer profile, tax type, period, amount and selected bank account. Save the payment reference or screen details for your records.
- Open the bank service directly.
Use the bank app or address you normally use. Avoid links in unexpected email, SMS or WhatsApp messages.
- Find the pending authorisation.
Search the bank's payment-authorisation or notification area. Compare the amount and SARS payment details with the eFiling request.
- Decide before approval.
If every detail is correct and funds are available, approve according to the bank's process. If anything is wrong, cancel before approval where the flow allows and correct the underlying eFiling payment item.
- Keep confirmation.
After approval, save the bank confirmation and eFiling record. SARS describes approved Credit Push payments as irrevocable, so retain proof of what you approved.
- Check the SARS account record.
Confirm later that the payment is reflected as expected. If it does not appear against the intended item, retain the documents and investigate the allocation rather than sending credentials to anyone.
Documents and records to keep
- eFiling payment request or reference.
- Current assessment, statement or return source.
- Bank pending-authorisation screen and final approval or cancellation record.
- The intended tax type, period and amount.
- Later SARS account evidence.
Important limits and exceptions
SARS says that a Credit Push needs sufficient funds and is irrevocable once approved. If the request is close to a due date but cannot be authorised because of bank access, insufficient funds or an uncertain amount, seek tailored assistance promptly. Do not assume a pending request automatically extends a SARS deadline.
This article addresses the bank-authorisation stage. It does not resolve a disputed assessment, an incorrectly referenced EFT, a payment allocation problem or a payment arrangement. Each needs its own process and evidence.
When to get tailored advice
Get help where payment authority belongs to another director or account holder, the bank request cannot be located, the amount is material, or the payment relates to payroll, VAT or a disputed account. TaxProof can help reconcile the payment record and source liability, while SARS and the bank control the transaction and account treatment.
Related TaxProof guides
Sources
- SARS, Make a Payment