SARS AIT for Transfers Over R1 Million - A Simple Guide for South Africans
Secure and Compliant International Transfers
If you’re transferring more than R1 million abroad from South Africa, you’ll need SARS approval to ensure tax compliance and SARB approval for funds leaving the country.
Merchant West Treasury Solutions makes this process simple, providing free assistance with the SARS Application for International Transfer (AIT) and guiding you every step of the way.
Secure and Compliant International Transfers
If you’re transferring more than R1 million abroad from South Africa, you’ll need SARS approval to ensure tax compliance and SARB approval for funds leaving the country.
Merchant West Treasury Solutions makes this process simple, providing free assistance with the SARS Application for International Transfer (AIT) and guiding you every step of the way.
What Is the SARS AIT and Why Does It Matter?
The Application for International Transfer (AIT) is a SARS process to confirm that your tax affairs are in order before you transfer more than R1 million offshore.
- For transfers under R1 million – use your Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA), no AIT required.
- For transfers between R1 million and R10 million – an AIT Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN is required.
- For transfers over R10 million – a Manual Letter of Compliance from SARS and SARB approval are needed.
Transfer Limits for South Africans over the age of 18
Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA)
- Up to R1 million per year.
- No AIT required.
- Requires South African ID.
Foreign Investment Allowance (FIA)
- R1 million – R10 million per year.
- Requires SARS AIT TCS PIN (valid for 12 months).
- Merchant West provides free AIT assistance.
Transfers Above R10 Million
- Require a Manual Letter of Compliance from SARS.
- SARB must approve the transfer.
- More documentation and time needed.
Documents Required for an AIT
To apply for an AIT, SARS typically requires:
- Proof of the source of funds (bank statements, investment records).
- Statement of local and foreign assets & liabilities.
- A valid South African tax number, with all tax returns up to date.
Merchant West Treasury assists in preparing and submitting these documents so your application runs smoothly.
How the AIT Process Works
- Ensure compliance – All tax returns must be up to date, with no outstanding debts.
- Submit via SARS eFiling – Application filed with supporting documentation.
- Receive TCS PIN – For transfers up to R10m, SARS issues a PIN valid for 12 months.
- Large transfers – Over R10m require additional reviews by SARS and SARB.
Why Use Merchant West for Your AIT?
Choose Merchant West Treasury Solutions for trusted expertise, compliance, and value in every transaction.
Free SARS AIT support
we apply for your TCS PIN at no cost as part of our transfer service (we need to state somehow that you need to do the transfer via us in order to get your AIT for free)
Expert guidance
avoid delays by ensuring documents and compliance are correct.
Large transfer expertise
help with Manual Letters of Compliance and SARB approvals.
Trusted partner since 2003
backed by the Merchant West Group.
Frequently Asked Questions - SARS AIT
It’s a Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN required for transfers over R1m under the Foreign Investment Allowance. Valid for 12 months, it confirms tax compliance.
SARS typically processes AIT applications within 21 working days. Transfers above R10m may take longer due to SARB approval.
Proof of source of funds, asset/liability statement, and compliant tax records. Merchant West helps you prepare these.
Yes, but it requires a SARS Manual Letter of Compliance and SARB approval. Merchant West assists with this process.
SARS will reject the AIT application. Merchant West can guide you on bringing tax records up to date before applying. We are not?
Yes. It is valid for 12 months and can be used for multiple transfers, up to the amount you have applied for and got approved
SDA allows transfers up to R1m per year without AIT; FIA covers R1m – R10m transfers, requiring an AIT
Secure, Compliant & Competitive Treasury Solutions
Ready to Transfer Funds Abroad?
Don’t let compliance delays hold you back. Merchant West Treasury helps South Africans apply for SARS AIT, stay SARB-compliant, and transfer funds abroad securely.