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How do I upload supporting documents to SARS after filing?
How do I upload supporting documents to SARS after filing?
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Direct answer
Only submit supporting documents when SARS requests them through an official process, then respond with clear records that directly support the tax-year item under review. Read the request first, identify the return and figures concerned, upload through the specified official channel, and keep proof that the submission was completed. Do not send a large unstructured bundle simply because a verification message arrived.
For Filing Season 2026, SARS says that where the verification section on the ITA34 is marked “Yes”, supporting documents must be provided within the stated 21-day period. SARS also describes document upload through its WhatsApp channel. Always follow the specific notice, date and route shown in your own SARS communication.
What this means in practice
Start with the request, not the folder on your computer. Record the taxpayer reference, tax year, request date, case or correspondence reference, items requested and deadline. The request may relate to employment income, a medical expense, travel, business income, a donation, an investment, bank details or another amount. A document that proves a different item can create confusion rather than resolve the question.
Prepare readable copies. Scan all pages, preserve full statements rather than cropped snippets, and make sure names, dates, amounts and supplier details are legible. If a schedule is needed to link several invoices to one ITR12 amount, include a concise reconciliation. Keep the original documents unchanged. Do not alter an invoice, erase inconvenient information, or add a new date to make it look contemporaneous.
Use only an official SARS route. Log in directly to eFiling or use the official SARS MobiApp or the route identified in the notice. If SARS indicates its official WhatsApp channel for an upload, confirm you are using the genuine SARS number and preserve the upload confirmation. SARS warns that it will not ask for passwords, one-time pins or banking PINs through email, SMS, social media or telephone.
After uploading, confirm that every file is attached, the documents match the requested tax year, and a proof of submission is available. Save the confirmation, correspondence and a copy of what was sent. Monitor the official channel for an outcome or further request, but do not resend the same bundle repeatedly unless SARS asks.
Name files clearly by tax year and document type so the response can be checked efficiently. Retain the original filenames and documents as well as the uploaded copies.
Step-by-step
- Read and log the request.
Record the tax year, requested documents, reference number, channel and deadline exactly as shown on the official notice.
- Map records to return entries.
Build a short schedule showing the ITR12 amount, source document, date, payer or supplier and page reference.
- Check document quality.
Ensure scans are complete and readable. Include statements, certificates, invoices and proof of payment where the request requires them.
- Upload through the specified official route.
Use eFiling, MobiApp, official WhatsApp or another route named by SARS. Do not use a link from an unverified message.
- Save confirmation.
Keep the receipt, screenshot, correspondence reference and exact files submitted. Check the portal history if it is available.
- Retain and monitor.
Preserve the original file, submission evidence, resulting correspondence and assessment. Respond only to further official requests.
Documents and records to keep
- SARS request, ITA34 and reference details.
- A reconciliation from the ITR12 line to each source record.
- Full certificates, invoices, statements and proof of payment requested.
- Uploaded file copies, submission receipt and screenshots.
- Follow-up correspondence and final assessment.
Important limits and exceptions
This guide does not decide what each deduction or income item means. The request controls the scope. A medical claim, travel deduction, sole-proprietor expense or foreign-income amount can need different evidence. A file that is readable but unrelated to the declared figure is not an adequate response.
Do not send credentials, OTPs, banking PINs or unnecessary identity information to an unverified recipient. Do not assume that a previous-year document proves the current year. If you cannot obtain a requested document, keep evidence of attempts to obtain it and seek advice before the deadline rather than ignoring the request.
When to get tailored advice
Get help where the request involves complex business accounts, foreign income, capital gains, a large deduction, missing third-party documents or a proposed adjustment. TaxProof can prepare an indexed evidence pack for professional review.