EFiling
eFiling Discussion Forum: Troubleshooting & Enhancing Your eFiling Skills - March 2025
Duration: 2 hours
Price: R195.00
Title / Topic
eFiling Discussion Forum: Troubleshooting & Enhancing Your eFiling Skills - March 2025
Presenters : Anton Krynauw
The session focused on troubleshooting and improving users’ skills in SARS EasyFile and eFiling. The presenter provided step-by-step instructions on downloading, installing, and using the new EasyFile Thin Client while also discussing key troubleshooting issues and solutions.
Key Topics Covered:
1. EasyFile Thin Client Installation
- Download EasyFile from www.sarsefiling.co.za or the SARS website under Business and Employers.
- Keep the old EasyFile Flex version (7.4.5) for record-keeping.
- System Requirements: At least 8GB RAM is needed.
- Windows security prompts may block installation—select “More Info” > “Run Anyway”.
2. Using EasyFile
- Importing Payroll Files: Payroll data can be imported to avoid manual certificate capture.
- Retrieving Certificate History: Previous records can be pulled into the new version.
- Restoring Databases: The Thin Client version cannot restore old Flex version databases.
- User Management: Assign users to correct groups to ensure access rights for submissions.
3. eFiling Troubleshooting
- Login Issues: Ensure the correct EasyFile login name matches eFiling records.
- Submitting EMP501 Returns: Check user rights—users must be in a submissions group.
- OTP Verification: Now mandatory for individual accounts; cannot be disabled.
- Managing Groups & Rights: Taxpayers must be in the same group as the user handling submissions.
4. Common Technical Issues & Fixes
- System Unavailable Error: Could be due to insufficient RAM or missing Windows components.
- Moving Taxpayers Between Groups: Possible in bulk under Manage Groups in eFiling.
- Deleting Users or Taxpayers: Some require manual deactivation before removal.
5. Q&A Highlights:
- Manual Certificates: Still allowed in the new EasyFile version.
- Trust Tax Returns: Some users faced errors due to missing beneficiary details.
- Banking Details for Multiple Entities: SARS should allow the same bank for different entities.
- Bulk Taxpayer Management: Taxpayers can be moved between groups in bulk but not between portfolios.
Conclusion:
The EasyFile Thin Client has a faster, more structured interface, but requires technical adjustments. Keeping both versions (Flex & Thin Client) ensures access to historical data. Common issues revolve around login mismatches, system requirements, and eFiling rights management.