1. When will the SARS Annual Employer Reconciliation Submission (EMP501) filing season for the 2024/2025 tax year start? Filing season is set to begin on April 1, 2025, though it could change depending on SARS. Confirm the submission dates on the SARS website (https://www.sars.https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/completing-and-submitting-employer-declarations/gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/).  CAUTION: if you submit your EMP501 reconciliation before filing season starts, your need to resubmit you declaration and certificates.
2. When is the deadline to submit my EMP501 reconciliation to SARS? The deadline is 31 May 2025. Confirm the submission dates on the SARS website (https://www.sars.https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/completing-and-submitting-employer-declarations/gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/). CAUTION: Submit before the deadline to avoid administrative penalties charged by SARS.
3. Is it mandatory to submit my SARS Annual Employer Reconciliation Submission (EMP501)? Yes, all employers need to submit reconciliation and submission of the EMP501 return and tax certificates to SARS. Submit your reconciliation during the filing season dates to avoid administrative penalties and interest.
4. How can I submit my SARS Annual Employer Reconciliation Submission (EMP501)? The following channels are available for submission: - Employers with 50 or less employees: submit on either SARS eFiling or e@syFile™ Employer
- Employers that file EMP501s for more than 50 employees must use e@syFile™ Employer
 NOTE: Employers with 5 or less tax certificates can visit SARS to assist with capturing their EMP201 and certificates. Remember to book and appointment before visiting a SARS branch (https://www.sars.gov.za/gen-bo-09-g01-book-an-appointment-at-sars-external-guide/)
5. What is the version of the Sage software I need to be on to submit my SARS Annual Employer Reconciliation Submission (EMP501)? View the article: Compatible software release version for Tax Year-end
6. Where can I find the specifications of the IRP5 submission file? The 2024/2025 Business Requirement Specification is available on the SARS website (https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/)
7. Where can I find more information on how to complete my declaration? A step-by-step guide to the Employer Reconciliation Process is available on the SARS website (https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/).
8. When do I need to give my employees their tax certificates? Once SARS accepts your reconciliation and certificates submission, you can distribute the certificates to your employees.  TIP: Keep copies of the tax certificates on file and record that your employees have received their certificates from the Employer.
Related article: How do I upload my employee Tax Certificates to InfoSlips? NOTE: Currently there is no functionality to upload tax certificates to Sage Self Service.
9. How long do I need to keep my employees' documentation? Employers must keep records of their employees' remuneration, tax-deductible deductions and Income Tax reference numbers for 5 years from the date they submit the returns. (https://www.gov.za/documents/tax-administration-act) NOTE: Employers audited by SARS need to keep records for even longer periods.
10. Where can I find more information regarding the Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) refund process? Details on the refund process are available on the SARS website (https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/employment-taxes-validation-etv/)
11. What can the support desk assist with during the SARS Annual Employer Reconciliation Submission (EMP501) process? Click here to read more who assist with the different sections of the submission process.
12. Where can I search for self-help documentation to assist me with the reconciliation and submission process? Visit the Community Hub Year-end Centre for all the documentation to assist you with the reconciliation and submission process. Click here to access the page.
13. How do I make a copy instance for Tax Year-end? The system automatically creates a Tax Year End Instance for the specific month and year when you start a new tax year. This allows you to extract your tax certificates for the 2024/2025 tax year. Click here to read more information on Tax Year End Management from our Sage Knowledgebase.
14. If there are differences on the EMP501 Reconciliation report comparing the payroll values and declared EMP501 values, how do I resolve or review the differences? If you notice discrepancies between your payroll monthly declared EMP201 and your EMP501 Reconciliation report, investigate the cause of the differences before submitting. Use the following reports to investigate the differences: TIP: The detailed monthly EMP201 reports allow you to compare PAYE, SDL, UIF and ETI values with the EMP501 report.
15. If I need assistance with my EMP501 Reconciliation, what options does Sage offer? You have the following options to assist you:
16. I have generated and completed my EMP501 reconciliation history report and I have differences every month, how is that possible? A few possible causes for differences: - Transfers of employees between payroll companies with different PAYE numbers
- History Screen changes
- Changes made to company setup or employee payslips after payroll closed
- Recalculations activated after the payroll was closed
When you establish the cause, correct your declarations or the payroll amounts, to correct the issue. Take note of the impact of the changes. Contact your Business Partner for assistance with the investigation and applying the corrections. Click here to book a consultation.
17. I receive a Payroll Taxes Validation Failure letter - what are the next steps? SARS issues this notification when they find calculation errors on some certificates included in your submission. Review the details of the errors in SARS e@syFile™ Employer. CAUTION: SARS performs a back-end test on the certificate submissions to validate the statutory liabilities based on the income declared. Tax adjustments on your payroll result in validation failure. - Log into e@syFile™ Employer
- Select Reconciliations
- Click the ... in the Actions column, then select ETV Report
For more details, visit the SARS website (https://www.sars.gov.za/types-of-tax/pay-as-you-earn/employment-taxes-validation-etv/) NOTE: For any tax advice or compliance-related questions/queries, contact SARS or your tax practitioner.
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