Download the certificate from your medical scheme and check whether SARS needs only the tax certificate or also proof of qualifying medical expenses. Keep the original file, then prepare a clean upload copy if eFiling rejects it.
Medical aid upload checklist
- Use the certificate for the correct tax year.
- Make sure the member name, scheme name, and certificate number are readable.
- Keep the file under 5MB.
- Rename it with a simple filename, such as
medical-aid-certificate-2026.pdf. - If the PDF is encrypted, scan a fresh copy before uploading.
If the certificate PDF fails: Open it, print it or display it clearly, then scan it as a new PDF. This often avoids encrypted PDF upload errors.
Do not compress until the text is unclear
SARS still needs to read names, dates, amounts, and certificate details. If the file is too large, make a better scan instead of repeatedly lowering quality until the certificate becomes hard to read.
Check before opening eFiling
Use the SARS Document Compliance Checker to check size, format, filename, and encrypted PDF markers. Fix those issues first, then upload the document to SARS eFiling.
Related guides
See also encrypted PDF upload error, supporting documents checklist, and make a SARS PDF under 5MB.