Short answer
A TCS PIN is a PIN issued through SARS’s tax compliance status system that lets a third party, such as a tender panel or client, verify your tax compliance status directly with SARS. You request the PIN, share it, and the third party checks your status.
What a TCS PIN is
A TCS PIN is generated through SARS’s tax compliance status system. Instead of handing over a paper certificate, you share the PIN, and the third party uses it to verify your status with SARS.
How it is used
- Tenders: public and private tenders commonly require a TCS PIN.
- Supplier registration: organisations may ask for one when onboarding suppliers.
- Contracts: clients may verify your compliance before or during a contract.
How to get a TCS PIN
- Make sure your tax compliance status is compliant.
- Request a TCS PIN through SARS eFiling for the required purpose.
- Share the PIN with the organisation that needs to verify your status.
A PIN only helps if your underlying status is compliant — fix any issues first.
Validity and status changes
A PIN reflects your status when it is checked, and PINs have a validity period. If your compliance status changes, what the third party sees may change too, so keep your tax affairs up to date throughout a contract.