Interim Reconciliation Frequently Asked Questions

Interim Reconciliation Frequently Asked Questions.

1. When will the Employer Interim Reconciliation for the filing season commence?

You can confirm the Interim Reconciliation submission dates on the SARS website under the 'Business Requirement Specifications (BRS) and timelines' section.

 

2. Is it mandatory to submit my Interim Reconciliation to SARS?

Yes, not submitting your reconciliation results in interest and penalties.

 

3. How can I submit my Interim EMP501 Reconciliation to SARS?

These submissions can be made via one of the following channels:

• Manual – complete the relevant tax certificates (50 certificates) and return on the specified forms on eFiling, and submit electronically to SARS or visit a SARS Branch for assistance.
• Electronic – Export the tax certificate file from payroll and import it into e@syFile™ Employer. Use e@syFile™ Employer to manage certificates, complete EMP501, and submit via eFiling.

 NOTE: Sage CSV files are created per the latest BRS and tested only in e@syFile.

 

4. What is the version of the Sage software I need to be on to submit my reconciliation to SARS?

Install payroll version 24.3.3.4 before generating the IRP5 file for SARS submission. Click here for more details on how to validate the Sage 300 People version.

 

5. Where can I find the specifications of the IRP5 submission file?

Access the latest BRS on the SARS website by clicking here.

 

6. Where can I find more information on how to complete my declaration?

Click here to access the step-by-step guide to the Employer Reconciliation Process is available on the SARS website.

7. When should I provide my employees with their tax certificates?

The Interim Reconciliation submission isn't final, so no certificates must be given to employees. Neither the Sage nor the SARS software will generate any tax certificates.

 

8. How long should I be required to keep the documentation for my employees?

Employers must keep records of remuneration, tax-deductible deductions, and employees' Income Tax reference numbers for five years after submitting returns, as required by the Tax Administration Act.

 

 NOTE: If SARS audits you, they may instruct you to keep records for longer periods.

 

9. 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 by clicking here.

 

10. What can the support desk assist with during the Interim Reconciliation process?

Click here for more information how Sage can provide you with assistance. It's recommended to contact your Sage accredited Business Partner consultant for assistance.

 

11. Where can I search for self-help documentation to assist me with the reconciliation and submission process?

Find all reconciliation and submission resources on our Midyear Centre page on Community Hub.

 

12. If there are differences on the EMP501 reconciliation report, how do I reconcile the differences?

Differences in the EMP501 Reconciliation report, you'll need to investigate the reasons for the differences before submitting.

Click here to read more information from our Sage Knowledgebase.

 

13. If I need assistance with my Interim Reconciliation, what options does Sage offer?

You have the following options to assist you:

• Community Hub Mid-year Centre
• Sage Knowledgebase
• Request Assistance via a Webform

 

15. I have generated my EMP501 recon report, and I have differences in every month, how is that possible?

Various reasons cause this issue:

• Transfers of employees between companies with different PAYE numbers.
• History Screen changes.
• Changes made after payroll closed.
• Recalculations done after payroll closed.
  Once you've established the cause, changes should be made to declarations or to the payroll to correct the issue. We recommend booking a consultant to assist with the investigation and apply corrections.

 

16. Which reports should I print when doing a live or test run?

The following reports can be printed:

• Summary Report 
• EMP501 Report 
• Recon Report