Filename fix

SARS filename not accepted?

A document can be the right format and still fail because the filename contains spaces, punctuation, symbols, or duplicate names. Rename the file before uploading again.

Export with cleaner tax document names. TaxScanZA helps prepare files for upload instead of leaving you to guess what eFiling will accept.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Updated 11 July 2026. General information, not tax advice.

Filename errors are frustrating because the document itself may be fine. Before changing the PDF, try renaming the file with plain letters, numbers, hyphens, or underscores.

Safe example: Use names like medical-aid-certificate-2026.pdf, irp5-2026.pdf, or bank-statement-june-2026.pdf.

Characters to avoid

  • Spaces in long filenames.
  • Symbols such as #, *, &, ?, and /.
  • Quotation marks, apostrophes, and brackets.
  • Very long filenames copied from bank or email downloads.
  • Duplicate names for different supporting documents.

Rename before uploading

  1. Keep the name short and descriptive.
  2. Use lowercase letters where possible.
  3. Replace spaces with hyphens.
  4. Keep the original file extension, such as .pdf.
  5. Upload again after checking the file size.

Check the file too

If renaming does not fix the upload, the file may also be too large, encrypted, or in an unsupported format. Use the SARS Document Compliance Checker before trying again.

Related guides

See also SARS upload rejected, encrypted PDF upload error, and supporting documents checklist.