SARS Launches Biometric Facial Recognition for eFiling

Published Date : 04/11/2024 

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has implemented a new biometric facial recognition system for secure eFiling, aligning with international standards and enhancing security measures to combat fraud. 

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a significant update to its eFiling registration process for personal income tax, now requiring biometric facial recognition for individuals using a valid South African ID.

This new security measure is applicable across the eFiling website, SARS MobiApp, and SARS Self-Service Kiosks.

According to SARS technical specifications, the system implements ISO/IEC 30107-3 compliant presentation attack detection (PAD) and follows the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) guidelines for facial recognition deployment.

Users will need a device equipped with a camera, such as a desktop with a webcam, laptop, or smartphone.

For those without camera-enabled devices, appointments can be booked for in-person assistance by a SARS official.

The implementation of this system follows similar successful deployments in South Africa’s public sector, including the Airports Company South Africa’s recent R100-million biometric upgrade project.

The existing registration and authentication process will continue to apply for non-South African citizens, ensuring compliance with international taxation agreements.

The enhanced security measures are a response to a significant increase in eFiling fraud reported earlier in 2024.

Criminals employed vishing and social engineering tactics to hijack taxpayer profiles, which prompted the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) to launch a comprehensive review in August 2024.

The review is focusing on systemic vulnerabilities, particularly in authentication protocols that criminals had successfully bypassed.

The ongoing investigation has already identified several critical security gaps in the previous system.

While SARS maintains there is no evidence of internal involvement in fraudulent activities, the organization has expressed full support for the OTO’s review and is committed to implementing all recommended security enhancements.

The introduction of biometric facial recognition is a significant step forward, aligning with broader African initiatives toward secure digital identity systems.

Similar programs are being implemented across neighboring countries, reinforcing the region's commitment to advanced security measures.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the national tax collection agency of South Africa, responsible for the administration and enforcement of tax laws.

SARS operates to ensure that all taxpayers comply with their tax obligations, contributing to the economic stability and development of the country.

The introduction of biometric facial recognition is a testament to SARS's dedication to enhancing the security and integrity of its systems.

In summary, the new biometric facial recognition system for eFiling is a critical step in safeguarding taxpayer information and reducing fraud.

It not only aligns with international standards but also supports broader regional efforts to enhance digital identity security. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: Why is SARS implementing biometric facial recognition for eFiling?

A: SARS is implementing biometric facial recognition to enhance security measures and combat a surge in eFiling fraud, where criminals have used vishing and social engineering tactics to hijack taxpayer profiles.

Q: What devices can be used for biometric facial recognition with SARS eFiling?

A: Users can use devices equipped with a camera, such as desktops with webcams, laptops, or smartphones, for biometric facial recognition with SARS eFiling.

Q: What if I don't have a camera-enabled device?

A: If you don't have a camera-enabled device, you can book an appointment for in-person assistance with a SARS official to complete the biometric facial recognition process.

Q: How does this new system align with international standards?

A: The new system implements ISO/IEC 30107-3 compliant presentation attack detection (PAD) and follows the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) guidelines for facial recognition deployment.

Q: Will non-South African citizens also need to use biometric facial recognition?

A: The existing registration and authentication process will continue to apply for non-South African citizens, ensuring compliance with international taxation agreements. 

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