February
Important dates/deadlines
- 19 February 2026: Budget Speech for 2026/2027tax year
- 28 February 2026: End of tax year 2025/2026
Task to complete
- Print the IRP5/IT3a Validation report to identify possible error or outstanding information
- Reconcile your payroll values (EMP501 History Report) with your monthly EMP201 declarations and payment for PAYE, SDL, UIF and ETI
- Complete your final payroll for 2025/2026 tax year
March
Important dates/deadlines
- 1 March 2026: Start of 2026/2027 tax year
- 7 March 2026: Deadline to submit your EMP201 for February 2026
- 21 March 2026: Public holiday - Human Rights Day
- 31 March 2026: Deadline for submission of 2025 Return of Earnings
Task to complete
- Attend the 2026 Annual Payroll Tax Update webinar presented by Rob Cooper (click here to book your seat)
- Review all payroll records and print the IRP5/IT3a Validation report to identify possible errors or outstanding information
- Reconcile your payroll values (EMP501 History Report)with your monthly EMP201 declarations and payment for PAYE, SDL, UIF and ETI
April
Important dates/deadlines
- 1 April 2026: Employer Annual Reconciliation submission opens **
- 3 April 2026: Public holiday - Good Friday Day
- 6 April 2026: Public holiday - Family Day
- 7 April 2026: Submit your EMP201 for March 2026
- 27 April 2026: Public holiday - Freedom Day
Task to complete
- Review all payroll records and print the IRP5/IT3a Validation report to identify possible errors or outstanding information
- Reconcile your payroll values with your monthly EMP201 declarations and payment for PAYE, SDL, UIF and ETI
- Submit Employer Annual Reconciliation (EMP501 and tax certificates) to SARS through SARS e@syFile once filing season opens for employers
May
Important dates/deadlines
- 1 May 2026: Public holiday - Workers' Day
- 7 May 2026: Submit your EMP201 for April 2026
- 31 May 2026: Deadline for submission of Annual Employer Reconciliation
Task to complete
- If you still have not completed the preparation for submission:
- Review all payroll records and print the IRP5/IT3a Validation report to identify possible errors or outstanding information
- Reconcile your payroll values with your monthly EMP201 declarations and payment for PAYE, SDL, UIF and ETI
- Submit Employer Annual Reconciliation (EMP501 and tax certificates) to SARS through SARS e@syFile before Friday 31 May 2026 *
* Avoid the rush and long queues for assistance by submitting as soon as possible.