Everything a school administrator needs to know about reaching SARS to cancel VAT registration under the 2026 law change
Introduction: You Know What Needs to Be Done — But How Do You Actually Reach SARS?
You have heard the news. From 1 January 2026, schools in South Africa are no longer required to charge VAT. That is great. But now comes the practical question that every school principal, finance officer, and governing body member is asking:
“How do I actually contact SARS to get this done?”
Dealing with a government tax authority can feel intimidating — especially if you have never done it before. Long queues, confusing forms, unanswered emails — these are fears many people have.
But here is the good news: SARS has made the process relatively straightforward, and this guide will walk you through every single contact option available to you, step by step, in plain language.
Whether you are tech-savvy or prefer a phone call, there is a way for you to reach SARS and get your school’s VAT deregistration done correctly.
Before You Contact SARS — Have These Ready
Think of contacting SARS like visiting a doctor. Before you walk in, you need to bring the right documents. Otherwise, you waste time going back and forth.
Before reaching out to SARS for VAT deregistration, make sure your school has the following ready:
✅ Your school’s VAT registration number
✅ Your school’s tax reference number
✅ The completed VAT123e form (Application for Cancellation of Registration)
✅ The correct reason for cancellation written on the form:
“All enterprise activities have ceased on 31 December 2025”
✅ Details of any exit VAT that may be owed (ask your accountant if unsure)
✅ A payment arrangement request letter — only if your school cannot pay exit VAT in one lump sum
✅ Proof of identity of the authorised school representative
Contact Method 1: Send an Email to SARS ✉️
This is the primary and most recommended method for schools applying for VAT deregistration. It is fast, leaves a written record, and can be done at any time of day.
How to Do It:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Complete the VAT123e form fully and accurately |
| Step 2 | Save it as a PDF or scanned document |
| Step 3 | Open your email and attach the completed form |
| Step 4 | Address the email to contactus@sars.gov.za |
| Step 5 | In the Subject Line, type exactly: VAT deregistration – Schools |
| Step 6 | In the body of the email, briefly state your school’s name, VAT number, and reason for contact |
| Step 7 | Click Send and keep a copy of the sent email for your records |
📧 Email Address:
contactus@sars.gov.za
✏️ Subject Line to Use:
VAT deregistration – Schools
⚠️ Important Tip: Do NOT change the subject line wording. SARS likely uses this exact phrase to sort and prioritise school-related VAT deregistration requests. Using a different subject line may cause delays.
What to Write in the Email Body:
Here is a simple template your school can use:
Dear SARS,
Please find attached our completed VAT123e form for the cancellation of our VAT registration.
School Name: [Insert Full School Name]
VAT Registration Number: [Insert Number]
Tax Reference Number: [Insert Number]
Reason for Cancellation: All enterprise activities have ceased on 31 December 2025
[If applicable: We are also attaching a payment arrangement request for exit VAT.]
Please confirm receipt of this application.
Yours sincerely,
[Name of Authorised Person]
[Designation — e.g., Principal / Finance Officer]
[Contact Number]
What Happens After You Send the Email?
✅ SARS will review your VAT123e form
✅ If exit VAT is owed, they will assess the amount
✅ Once exit VAT is paid — or a payment arrangement is agreed — SARS will formally cancel your VAT registration
✅ You should receive written confirmation of the cancellation
Contact Method 2: Book a Virtual Appointment via SARS eBooking 🖥️
If you prefer to speak directly with a SARS official — or if your situation is more complex — you can book a virtual appointment online through the SARS eBooking system.
A virtual appointment means you meet with a SARS representative online or by phone — you do not need to travel to a SARS branch. Think of it like a video or phone meeting, scheduled in advance.
How to Book a Virtual Appointment:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Go to the SARS official website: www.sars.gov.za |
| Step 2 | Navigate to the eBooking system (look for “Book an Appointment” on the site) |
| Step 3 | Select your preferred date and time for the appointment |
| Step 4 | When asked for the reason category, select: “Other” |
| Step 5 | When asked for the reason for appointment, select: “VAT and PAYE registration/deregistration” |
| Step 6 | Fill in your contact details and school information |
| Step 7 | Confirm the booking — you will receive a confirmation notification |
🌐 Website:
www.sars.gov.za
💡 Tip for First-Time Users: If you have never used the SARS eBooking system before, ask a younger colleague or your school’s IT administrator to help you navigate the website. The process is user-friendly but requires a stable internet connection.
What to Prepare Before Your Virtual Appointment:
✅ Have your completed VAT123e form open and ready to share or discuss
✅ Keep your school’s VAT and tax reference numbers on hand
✅ Have a pen and paper ready to note down any instructions given by the SARS official
✅ Ensure your internet connection or phone signal is stable before the appointment time
✅ Join or answer the call on time — missing a virtual appointment may require rebooking
Contact Method 3: Media and Official Enquiries 📰
If you are a journalist, media house, or communications officer writing about this topic or seeking official clarification from SARS, there is a dedicated contact for you:
📧 Media Enquiries Email:
SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
⚠️ Note: This email is intended for media and press enquiries only. Schools applying for deregistration should use contactus@sars.gov.za — not the media email.
What If You Need to Correct a VAT Return Already Submitted for 2026?
Some schools may have already submitted VAT returns for periods starting January 2026 — before they knew about the law change. These returns need to be corrected.
To correct a previously submitted VAT return:
✅ Contact SARS through the same email address: contactus@sars.gov.za
✅ Alternatively, use the SARS eFiling platform (online tax submission system) if your school is registered on it
✅ Clearly mention in your communication that you are correcting VAT returns for periods from 1 January 2026 in line with the new VAT exemption for schools
✅ Book a virtual appointment if the correction is complex or involves large amounts
What If Your School Runs Welfare Activities and Wants to Stay VAT Registered?
If your school conducts qualifying welfare activities — such as feeding schemes, support for vulnerable learners, or other recognised community services — and you want to remain in the VAT system for those activities, you need to follow a different process:
✅ You cannot simply choose to stay registered — you need official written approval
✅ This approval comes in the form of a ruling from the SARS Commissioner
✅ To request this ruling, contact SARS through:
| Contact Option | Details |
|---|---|
| contactus@sars.gov.za | |
| Virtual Appointment | Book via SARS eBooking system |
| SARS Website Guidance | Visit www.sars.gov.za for ruling application procedures |
💡 What is a ruling? A ruling is an official written decision from SARS that confirms how the tax law applies to your specific situation. Think of it as getting a written stamp of approval from the tax authority.
Where to Find More Help and Guidance Online 📚
SARS has published detailed resources to help schools understand and navigate this process. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.
| Resource | What It Covers | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| VAT Reference Guide – Schools Exiting the VAT System | Detailed legal and practical explanation of the VAT change | www.sars.gov.za |
| Schools Exiting the VAT System: FAQs | Answers to the most common questions schools are asking | www.sars.gov.za |
| VAT123e Form | The actual cancellation application form | www.sars.gov.za |
💡 Tip: Download and read the FAQs document first. It may answer your specific question without you needing to contact SARS at all — saving you time.
Quick Reference Contact Card — Save or Print This
Cut this out, save a screenshot, or pin it on your school’s notice board:
📌 SARS Contact Details for School VAT Deregistration
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Submit VAT123e Deregistration Form | contactus@sars.gov.za |
| Subject Line for Email | VAT deregistration – Schools |
| Book a Virtual Appointment | www.sars.gov.za (eBooking system) |
| Appointment Reason Category | Other |
| Appointment Reason | VAT and PAYE registration/deregistration |
| Media Enquiries Only | SARSMedia@sars.gov.za |
| General Guidance and Forms | www.sars.gov.za |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Contacting SARS
❌ Do not use the wrong subject line in your email — always write: VAT deregistration – Schools
❌ Do not send an incomplete VAT123e form — fill in every section before submitting
❌ Do not use the media email (SARSMedia@sars.gov.za) for deregistration applications
❌ Do not ignore exit VAT — if money is owed, address it upfront by requesting a payment arrangement
❌ Do not assume the process is automatic — VAT deregistration does not happen on its own; your school must apply
❌ Do not miss your virtual appointment — cancellations and no-shows waste time and delay the process
Conclusion: Contacting SARS Is Simpler Than You Think — Just Do It Today
The hardest part of any administrative task is often just getting started. But as you can see, SARS has provided clear, accessible, and multiple ways for schools to make contact and complete this VAT deregistration process.
You have two simple options:
- 📧 Send an email with your completed form to contactus@sars.gov.za
- 🖥️ Book a virtual appointment through the SARS eBooking system at www.sars.gov.za
That is it. No need to stand in long queues. No need to travel far. Just the right form, the right email address, and the right subject line.
Do not delay. The sooner your school completes its VAT deregistration, the sooner you are fully compliant with the new law — and free from unnecessary tax obligations.
📢 Share this guide with your school’s principal, finance officer, SGB chairperson, and fellow educators. The more schools that act promptly, the fewer complications there will be down the line.
Source: Official Media Release by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), dated 7 August 2026
Official Website: www.sars.gov.za
Deregistration Email: contactus@sars.gov.za
Media Enquiries: SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
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