- Company registration documents (COR14.3)
- Proof of address of company
- Proof of address for Public Officer
- Certified ID for all Directors
- Directors Personal Income tax numbers
- Signed resolution letter (TTT will prepare)
- Photo of Public officer holding up ID and Note that reads "Update my Details"
SARS Public Officer Appointment
Every company needs a public officer
Every company that does business in South Africa must have a public officer registered with SARS. This is the person SARS deals with on all of the company’s tax matters. Without one, you can run into problems with eFiling access, tax registrations and tax clearance. We prepare the paperwork, submit it to SARS and make sure your company’s records are up to date
30 Business days
What is a public officer?
A public officer represents a company in its dealings with SARS. Under section 246 of the Tax Administration Act, every company carrying on business or with an office in South Africa must have a public officer who lives in South Africa and is approved by SARS. They make sure the company submits returns and responds to SARS.
When do you need to appoint or change one?
Changes must be reported to SARS within 21 business days.
New company starts trading
Public officer resigns or leaves
Directors change
SARS records are out of date
Who can be your public officer?
Usually a director or senior manager who lives in South Africa.
A director or senior manager
Usually a senior official of the company
Lives in South Africa
Must reside in South Africa
Approved by SARS
SARS may approve another person if needed
Why it matters
Without a public officer, your company may struggle to register for VAT or PAYE, manage tax types on eFiling, or get a tax compliance status PIN. SARS can also treat a director as the public officer by default.
How we do it
Three steps. We deal with SARS.
1. Complete the online application
2. Send us your documents
3. We submit to SARS and update you
Documents required
We prepare the signed resolution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a public officer compulsory?
Yes. Every company carrying on business in South Africa must have a public officer approved by SARS.
Can a director be the public officer?
Yes, and usually it is a director or senior manager who lives in South Africa.
What happens if we don’t appoint one?
SARS can treat a director as the public officer, and the company may struggle with eFiling, tax registrations and getting a tax compliance status PIN.
How long does it take?
Up to 30 business days, depending on SARS. We keep you updated throughout.
We changed directors. Do we need a new public officer?
If the current public officer is no longer involved in the company, yes. Changes must be reported to SARS within 21 business days.
Related services
CIPC director changes
CIPC director changes
Tax clearance
Tax clearance
PAYE registration
PAYE registration
VAT registration
VAT registration
Update SARS details