CantOpenPDF

Can't open your SARS document?

Letters and forms from SARS eFiling, including assessments (ITA34), verification requests, audit letters and IRP5s, are often sent as XFA forms. Chrome, Edge, Safari and phone PDF apps can't display them. Drop your SARS PDF below to read it and save a normal copy you can share with your accountant.

Why SARS PDFs show a blank page or “Please wait…”

SARS generates many eFiling documents as dynamic XFA forms. Only Adobe Acrobat or Reader on a desktop computer can display that format. If you open the letter in your browser, on your phone, or on a Mac with Preview, you'll see a blank page or a “Please wait…” message instead of the letter.

You don't need to install anything. This page reads the document in your browser and turns it into normal pages you can read, print, or save as a standard PDF.

How to open a SARS letter

  1. Download the PDF from eFiling or your email to your device.
  2. Drop it in the box above, or tap “choose a file”.
  3. Read it on screen, or click “Save as PDF / Print” and choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy that opens anywhere.

Received a verification or audit letter?

Verification requests and audit letters have deadlines, often 21 business days. They ask for specific supporting documents. If you're not sure what SARS wants, a registered tax practitioner can help you respond correctly and on time.

Questions

Is it safe to open my SARS documents here?

Your document is processed in your browser, and our code doesn't upload it. We record only the type of document (for example “SARS audit letter”) and whether it opened, never its contents, so we never see your tax number, income or ID number. You can test it by turning on airplane mode after the page loads. Details are on our security page.

Is this an official SARS service?

No. CantOpenPDF is an independent tool and is not affiliated with SARS. To submit returns or documents to SARS, always use the official eFiling website or the SARS MobiApp.

Why won't my SARS letter open on my phone?

Phone PDF viewers, including Adobe Acrobat's mobile app, don't support the XFA format SARS uses for many letters. This page works in your phone's browser instead.

My SARS PDF asks for a password. What is it?

Some SARS documents sent by email are password-protected. The password is set by SARS. Check the email or SMS that came with it. You can type the password into this tool, and it's checked on your device only.

Can I send the converted PDF to my accountant?

Yes. After you choose “Save as PDF”, the result is a standard PDF that opens on any device.