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Country guide

South Africa

South Africa uses the SARS Income Tax reference number as the CRS TIN for persons and entities registered for Income Tax. When no TIN is provided, official CRS guidance allows a South African identity number or a South African issued passport number as functional equivalents for account holders.

ZA ZAF 3 TIN types Last reviewed 2026-06-05

TIN types

3 published formats. Open a type to see examples, structure details, and official sources.

Validate South Africa TIN
South African Income Tax Reference Number (TRN)
Current Individuals Entities

South African Revenue Service (SARS)

SARS-issued Income Tax reference number used as South Africa's CRS TIN for registered persons and entities.

Details
Examples
0001/339/050
Where to find it

On SARS taxpayer-specific correspondence, returns, assessments, dispute correspondence, third-party information requests, and the Notice of Registration (IT150).

Common names
TRN Tax Reference Number Income Tax Reference Number
Structure
1-4 Leading digits First four digits of the 10-digit reference number.
6-8 Middle digits Middle three digits of the reference number.
10-12 Final digits Final three digits, ending with the check digit.
Official source
oecd.org sars.gov.za
South African Identity Number (ID)
Current Individuals

Department of Home Affairs (DHA)

South African identity number accepted as a functional equivalent when the South African TIN is not provided.

Details
Examples
800101 5009 087
Where to find it

On the South African identity document or smart ID card.

Common names
SA ID South African ID number Identity Number
Structure
1-6 Date of birth Birth date in YYMMDD form.
7-10 Sequence Four-digit sequence that includes the gender range.
11 Citizenship status Citizenship, permanent-resident, or refugee status digit.
13 Check digit Final digit used to verify the number.
Official source
oecd.org
South African Passport Number
Current Individuals

Department of Home Affairs (DHA)

South African issued passport number accepted as a functional equivalent when the South African TIN is not provided.

Details
Examples
A01234567
Where to find it

On the South African passport biodata page.

Common names
Passport Number South African Passport
Structure
1-2 Passport type prefix A0 for normal tourist passports, M0 for maxi normal tourist passports, or E0 for official passports.
3-9 Serial Seven-digit passport serial.
Official source
oecd.org