Short answer
Tax compliance status (TCS) is SARS’s view of whether your tax affairs are in order — typically whether you are registered correctly, your returns are filed and any debt is paid or under arrangement. It matters because tenders, contracts and some registrations require proof of a compliant status.
What your compliance status shows
SARS’s tax compliance status system looks at key aspects of your tax profile, typically including:
- Whether you are registered for the relevant taxes.
- Whether required returns have been submitted.
- Whether there is outstanding debt without an agreed arrangement.
- Whether other compliance requirements are met.
Why it matters
Many organisations need proof that suppliers are tax compliant. A compliant status — shared through a TCS PIN — is commonly required for tenders, supplier databases and certain contracts.
Common reasons for a non-compliant status
- Outstanding income tax, VAT or payroll returns.
- Unpaid tax debt without an agreed payment arrangement.
- Registration details that need updating.
How to fix a non-compliant status
- Check your compliance profile on eFiling to see what is flagged.
- File all outstanding returns.
- Pay the debt or agree a payment arrangement.
- Update registration details where required.
- Confirm that your status reflects the changes.
Status updates can take time to reflect, so do not leave this until the week of a tender deadline.