Starting February 2026, SARS will require Income Tax Numbers for all employees included in payroll reconciliations. Any EMP501 submissions made without these numbers will not be accepted and may result in penalties.

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As the May EasyFile season is already a high-pressure period, this additional requirement could significantly increase stress and administrative burden. We therefore strongly recommend that you begin gathering and capturing all employee income tax numbers on your payroll as soon as possible. Acting now will save time, reduce risk, and help avoid unnecessary complications later.

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If you need to obtain income tax numbers for your employees, please visit the SARS website using the link below and follow the prompts:
https://www.sars.gov.za/individuals/i-need-help-with-my-tax/i-need-my-tax-number/

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If we are responsible for your EMP501 submissions, we will apply for these tax numbers on your behalf, update your payroll information, and communicate any challenges that may arise. Please ensure that employee ID or passport numbers are accurately captured, as this is essential for a successful application process. Kindly note that this is a chargeable service.

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Should you require any assistance, please contact our offices as soon as possible to request a quotation to outsource this process. We are happy to support you in ensuring compliance ahead of the deadline.