Mexico’s SAT Faces System Failure, Revokes E-signatures

The Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) recently reported significant technical issues that unexpectedly led to the revocation of thousands of valid electronic signatures (e.signatures) for businesses and individual taxpayers. This incident has sparked concerns, with some experts speculating whether it may be due to a system error or a possible hack.

While SAT has acknowledged the issue, it has yet to specify the cause, adding to the uncertainty. “If it’s a technical glitch, it may not be alarming, but if a hack is involved, it could be serious due to the sensitive taxpayer data SAT holds,” commented Edilberto Castro, a tax specialist. This is the first time SAT’s systems have encountered such a failure affecting e.signature functionality, noted Castro, who emphasized the need for SAT to clarify the situation.

“The e.signatures of thousands of businesses and individuals in Mexico are showing as revoked on SAT’s platform, with an October 23 timestamp at 12:00:00,” said Rafael Lores, President, CPA Visión, a tax tech firm. While some e.signatures have started to reactivate, Lores cautioned that the disruption could affect tax filing and invoicing, advising taxpayers to proceed carefully.

In a statement, SAT assured that e.signatures related to foreign trade remain operational and noted that the remaining e.signatures should be restored later in the day. Once the issue is fully resolved, no further action will be required from taxpayers.

In Mexico’s tax system, the e.signature is required for a wide range of transactions, from updating addresses to handling bank account changes for tax refunds.