IT3(d) submission file headers (Test/Live, channel, source identifier)¶
In short: The Submission File Header sets whether the IT3(d) file is a Test (T) or Live (L) submission, how it's delivered (HTTPS or CD), and a unique Source Identifier that must be exactly 144 characters. Set it under IT3(d) Settings, and switch to Live (L) before your real submission.
Overview¶
The Submission File Header is the technical header at the top of every IT3(d) file you send to SARS. (The IT3(d) is the data file declaring the Section 18A certificates you've issued.) The header tells SARS whether this is a test or a real submission, how the file is delivered, and a unique source identifier. You set it once in the IT3(d) Settings; it then applies to the files you generate.
You reach it from certificate settings on the IT3(d) Settings tab, in the Submission File Header panel (see IT3(d) settings: Submitting Entity vs Reporting Entity).
Test Data Indicator (Test vs Live)¶
The Test Data Indicator tells SARS whether the file is a test or a real submission:
| Option | Value | What SARS does |
|---|---|---|
| Test (T) | T |
Treats the file as a test; nothing is recorded against donors. Use this to validate your file and settings before going live. |
| Live (L) | L |
Treats the file as a real submission and records the certificates against the donors. |
⚠️ Important: Always confirm you're on Live (L) before making your real year-end submission. ActiveDonor's IT3(d) Management page also shows a LIVE, TEST or MAINTENANCE label so you can see the current mode.
Channel Identifier¶
The Channel Identifier tells SARS how the file reaches it:
| Option | Value | Use |
|---|---|---|
| HTTPS | HTTPS |
Delivered over a secure web channel — used for ActiveDonor's direct submission and for manual HTTPS upload. |
| CD | CD |
A legacy channel for files delivered on disc. |
For ActiveDonor's one-click submission and for manual upload to SARS eFiling, use HTTPS.
Source Identifier¶
The Source Identifier is a unique text identifier for the source of the file. It's required and must be exactly 144 characters long — no more, no fewer. If it's the wrong length you can't save the header. SARS uses it to identify where the file came from.
Setting the header¶
Step 1: Open the panel¶
Open the IT3(d) Settings tab and expand the Submission File Header panel.
Step 2: Set Test or Live¶
Set the Test Data Indicator to Test (T) while you're validating, or Live (L) for a real submission.
Step 3: Set the channel¶
Set the Channel Identifier to HTTPS (or CD only if you're using the legacy disc channel).
Step 4: Enter the source identifier¶
Enter the Source Identifier — exactly 144 characters.
Step 5: Save¶
Save the header.
Field reference¶
| Field | Required? | Allowed values / rule |
|---|---|---|
| Test Data Indicator | Yes | Test (T) → T, or Live (L) → L |
| Channel Identifier | Yes | HTTPS → HTTPS, or CD → CD |
| Source Identifier | Yes | Exactly 144 characters |
Common issues & solutions¶
| What you see | What it means | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| I can't save the header. | The Source Identifier almost certainly isn't exactly 144 characters. | Adjust it to exactly 144 characters. |
| My real submission was treated as a test. | The Test Data Indicator was on Test (T). | Switch it to Live (L) and resubmit. |
| My test submission recorded against donors. | It was on Live (L). | Use Test (T) for trial runs. |
| Which channel do I use? | HTTPS vs CD. | Use HTTPS for ActiveDonor's direct submission and for manual upload to SARS. Only use CD if SARS specifically requires the disc channel. |
FAQ¶
How do I run a test submission first? Set the Test Data Indicator to Test (T), submit, then switch back to Live (L) for the real one.
Why won't the header save? The Source Identifier must be exactly 144 characters. Any other length blocks saving.
Which channel should I choose? HTTPS for both ActiveDonor's one-click submission and manual eFiling upload. CD is legacy disc-based and rarely used.
How do I know if I'm in Test or Live mode? The IT3(d) Management page shows a LIVE / TEST / MAINTENANCE label.
Related¶
- IT3(d) settings: Submitting Entity vs Reporting Entity
- Generating the IT3(d) file for SARS
- Tracking IT3(d) submissions
- Fixing IT3(d) submission errors