Managing your taxes can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re unfamiliar with navigating the online systems. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. If you’re trying to figure out how to download and print your tax return via SARS eFiling, this guide will walk you through the steps, making it easy and stress-free.

Whether you need a printed copy for your personal records, to submit to a financial institution, or for any other reason, this guide will explain everything in simple terms, helping you download and print your eFiling tax return in just a few minutes.

What is SARS eFiling?

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) introduced eFiling as a free online platform where taxpayers, tax practitioners, and businesses can submit tax returns, make payments, and manage their tax affairs electronically. One of the most convenient features of the system is that you can easily access your filed tax returns, download them as PDF files, and print them at any time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download and Print Your eFiling Tax Return

Step 1: Log into Your SARS eFiling Account

To begin, head over to the SARS eFiling portal: www.sarsefiling.co.za. If you’ve used the platform before, simply enter your login credentials (your username and password). If you’re new to the system, you’ll need to register first, which is a straightforward process.

• Tip: Make sure you have your ID number and tax reference number handy when registering.

Step 2: Access Your Tax Returns

Once logged in, navigate to the “Returns Issued” or “Returns History” section. This is where SARS stores all the tax returns you’ve submitted in the past. If you’ve filed your tax return electronically, it should be listed here.

• If you’re looking for your most recent tax return, select the relevant tax year.
• You can also access older returns by specifying the year from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Open Your Tax Return

Click on the tax return you want to download and print. You’ll see an option to “View” or “Open” the return. When you click this, the tax return will open in a PDF viewer within your browser.

• Important Note: Make sure your browser supports PDF viewing, as this is essential for being able to view and download the file.

Step 4: Download Your Tax Return

Once the PDF document has loaded, look for the download icon (typically located in the upper right corner of the PDF viewer). Clicking this will allow you to save the file to your computer or mobile device.

• Pro Tip: Save the file in a folder where you can easily find it, and consider renaming the file with something descriptive like “TaxReturn2023” for easy access later.

Step 5: Print Your Tax Return

Now that you’ve downloaded your tax return, it’s time to print it out. Open the PDF from your downloads folder. Once the document is open, click the “Print” option, which can usually be found in the top menu of your PDF viewer or by pressing Ctrl + P (Cmd + P for Mac users) on your keyboard.

• Choose your printer and set the required print settings, such as number of copies or paper orientation.
• Finally, hit “Print,” and voilà—you’ve got a hard copy of your eFiling tax return.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even the simplest tasks can hit a snag. If you’re facing any difficulties while downloading or printing your tax return, here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Forgot your eFiling login details?
  If you’ve forgotten your username or password, click on the “Forgot Username/Password?” link on the eFiling login page. Follow the prompts to reset your details.
• Can’t view the PDF?
  Ensure that your web browser has an updated PDF viewer installed. If the PDF still won’t load, try switching to a different browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
• Printer issues?
  Double-check your printer settings and ensure your device is connected properly. Sometimes, restarting your printer can resolve connectivity issues.

Why Is It Important to Keep a Printed Copy?

Although you can always access your tax return digitally on the SARS eFiling platform, having a printed copy can be helpful in several situations:

• For Loan Applications: Banks and other financial institutions often require printed copies of tax returns for mortgage or loan approvals.
• For Audits or Disputes: If SARS ever reviews your tax return or if you need to dispute any tax assessments, having a hard copy at hand can speed up the process.
• For Personal Records: It’s always good practice to keep a physical record of your financial documents for easy reference, especially if you need to provide them to an accountant or financial advisor.

Additional Tips for eFiling Success

Here are a few handy tips to ensure you have a smooth experience with SARS eFiling:

1. File Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to file your tax return. The earlier you submit, the more time you have to resolve any issues that might pop up.
2. Double-Check Your Details: Before downloading and printing your return, make sure all your personal information and tax details are correct to avoid any potential problems.
3. Use Secure Wi-Fi: When accessing sensitive information like your tax return, ensure you’re using a secure internet connection, especially if you’re on a public network.

FAQs

1. Can I download my eFiling tax return from my mobile phone?
Yes, the SARS eFiling platform is mobile-friendly. You can log in via your smartphone’s browser and download your tax return as a PDF. Just ensure your phone has a PDF viewer and printing capabilities.

2. Is it safe to print my tax return from an internet café or public computer?
While it’s possible, it’s not advisable due to security concerns. Your tax return contains sensitive personal information. If you need to print in a public place, ensure you log out from the system afterward and don’t save any files on the public computer.

3. What if I can’t find my tax return in the eFiling system?
If your return isn’t showing up in your account, verify that you’ve selected the correct tax year. If it still doesn’t appear, you may need to contact SARS for further assistance.

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Wrapping It Up

Downloading and printing your eFiling tax return in South Africa doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can easily access your tax return, download it as a PDF, and print it for your records. Whether you need it for financial purposes or personal use, having a printed copy of your tax return on hand is always a good idea. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to SARS or check their official website for further assistance.

Got any more questions about eFiling? Feel free to ask! Stay proactive and take control of your tax journey with confidence.