Registering as an Employer

According to law, an employer must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) within 21 business days after becoming an employer, unless none of the employees are liable for normal tax.

For Employers – if you want to apply for registration of Payroll taxes:

Registering as a branch

Where an employer has, for registration purposes, applied for separate registration of branches of the enterprise, each branch is considered to be a separate employer.
 
To register as a branch separately from the main branch, an EMP102e form – Payroll Taxes – Application for Branch Registration must be filled in and sent to SARS.

Change of registered details

An employer must let SARS know within 21 business days of any changes in registered particulars (e.g. change of name, address or when no longer operating as an employer, etc.).

Registration for SDL and UIF

An employer, who needs to register with SARS, for PAYE and/or SDL, also needs to register to pay UIF contributions.
 
Registering for SDL purposes
Where an employer is liable to pay SDL, the employer must register with SARS and show the jurisdiction of the Skills Education and Training Authority in South Africa (SETA) within which they must be classified.
 
Although some employers are exempt from paying SDL, all employers must be registered.
 
 
Registering for UIF Contribution purposes
 
Where an employer is liable to pay UIF contribution, the employer must register with either SARS or the UIF office (whichever is applicable) for the payment of the contributions.

 Need help?

  • Call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 SARS (7277)

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Frequently Asked Questions