Software issue on Release 5.4c related to ETI for April 2020: Option 1 - Restoring a backup

Sage Classic, Sage Premier, Sage 200c VIP: This article addresses the option to retrieve and restore a backup prior to Release 5.4c, for users who updated between 29 May 2020 and 1 June 2020.

An issue was identified on the initial release of the Release 5.4c update, which was released on 29 May 2020 (Sage Classic and Sage Premier) and 1 June 2020 (Sage 200c VIP). 

The Release 5.4c update included a backdated recalculation of ETI values for the month of April in line with the revised draft bills published on 19 May 2020.

Issue:

When you update your companies to release 5.4c, the incorrect ETI was calculate on employees who received  R6500 or more as ETI remuneration, instead of zero. 

The issue has been resolved on the software for all users who update to Release 5.4c as from 2 June 2020, however if you updated prior to this date, 

This article will discuss the option to restore the Full System Backup made prior to updating to Release 5.4c.

Identify if your company is affected by the issues. Take note, if you have multiple companies in your payroll, the steps will need to be repeated for each company.

 

Step 1

Generate the ETI History Extract for the 2020 year.

• Click here for a guide create the extract in Excel.

 

Step 2

Create heading filters for Excel report:

• Select the 1st row of the worksheet which includes the column headings
• Click on Data
• Select Filter
• Each column will display an triangle, which will allow you to select specific criteria

 

Step 3

Select filters:

• In the Month column, select 4 (for April)
• In the ETI Remuneration, select all values which is equal to 6500 or more.

This will provide you a list of all employees who fulfill the criteria of the issue. 

• If any of the employees on your list have a value on Tax Incentive, or have a negative value, the ETI values are incorrect, and will need to be resolved.
• If all the employees have on your list selection has zero as tax incentive, no changes are required and you can continue with finalising your May 2020 payroll, to start June 2020.

 

Step 4

Option 1: Restore a backup prior to updating to Release 5.4c:

• Only select this option if you are willing to revert back to the point where your last backup was made before updating to Release 5.4c.
• Make a backup of your company/companies.
• Access the Custoemr Zone, and download the latest version of you payroll software (Release 5.4c, but the installer file will contain a +)
• Close your payroll application, and ensure not other users are accessing the payroll
• If you are an integrated user of Premier ESS please ensure the site is offline.
• Locate the Full System Backup made prior to the update to Release 5.4c, overwriting the existing files and folders
• Install the new Release 5.4c software

 TIP: If you rather prefer not to restore you backup, refer to Option 2: ETI corrections for April 2020.

 

Step 5

Launch the application

• You will be prompted to update all your companies to Release 5.4c, when you access the company the first time after the installation.
• Update all the companies
• Once the conversion is completed, access the companies, and print the ETI COVID Report. This report will display the April corrections for ETI.

 

Step 6

Reconcile your ETI values and generate your May EMP201

• Include the calculated differences with your May EMP201, if you can claim more ETI for April (which is expected).
• If ETI calculated was less for April, you will be required to revise the April 2020 EMP201 (Which is not expected).

 

NOTE: If none of your employees who previously qualified for ETI, have any Tax Incentive value for May 2020, you will be required to link employees to the correct Minimum Wage Code and, flag all employees for Wage Regulating Measure. This is in line with the ETI changes as from May to July 2020.