Our latest update, Release 6.5b for Sage VIP Classic and Sage VIP Premier, is now available to download from the Sage Portal. 

This is a mandatory software update release for the following users: 

• Angola
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Ghana
• Malawi
• Nigeria

We recommend that Namibia users update their systems for the updated ETX Return changes. 

What is included in this update?

• Angola: Tax changes
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Tax changes
• Ghana: SSNIT changes
• Malawi: Tax changes
• Nigeria: Tax changes
• New reports:
  • Kenya: P9 Tax Deduction Cards
  • Malawi: Oracle Banking Digital Experience (OBDX) Bank File
• Changes to existing reports:
  • Namibia: ETX Return
  • Rwanda: Unified Declaration
  • Issues resolved on existing reports
• System modifications and issues resolved

Take note: For users of Total Solutions, it's important to install Premier ESS 12.16.10.2 and Premier HR 26.1.0.001 to ensure compatibility with Sage VIP Premier Release 6.5b.

Download the Release Notes.

How do I download and install the update

The following articles will assist you to download and install the new software: 

• How to download a software update from the Sage Portal
• How to make a full system backup
• How to locate your payroll directory/folder
• Solutions to common update errors

Actions required by users after installation:

• Review the Release Notes to familiarise yourself with the changes included in this update
• Angola
  • To apply the new law that repeals Casual Workers (15%) and Termination Payments (10%), go to Main Menu > Employee > Change Employee > Statutory Details Tab – Tax Status and change
    all employees set to “Secondary/Temp” to “Statutory Tables.
• Kenya:
  • Review P9 Tax Deductions Card setup (if you haven't before)
• Namibia: 
  • To ensure that the correct information exports you must capture the correct Housing Type Indicator as well as the Housing Reference Number to be used, for every employee. Refer to the release note for more details.
  • Review your ETX report setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I download and install the 32-bit or 64-bit installation file?

The software download page on the Sage Portal has two installation download options:

Download and install the 64-bit installation files when:

• You have a 64-bit operating system where the payroll application is installed
• All workstations connecting to the payroll application must have a 64-bit operating system installed

Download and install the 32-bit installation files when:

• You have a 32-bit operating system where the payroll application is installed
• Any workstations connecting to the payroll application has a 32-bit operating system installed

 For a visual guide, refer to the article: Should I download and install the 32-bit or 64-bit installation file

Q: Why did Sage decide to raise the operating system requirement to run the payroll application?

• The terms "32-bit" and "64-bit" refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system
• The basic difference between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems is the number of calculations per second they can perform, which affects the speed at which they can complete tasks
• The majority of personal computers now use 64-bit, and 64-bit processors are likely to become common in mobile devices
• Take note that Windows Home editions are not supported

Q. Why did Sage increase the Random Access Memory (RAM) requirement to run the payroll application?

• The decision is linked to the operating system requirements:
  • Windows 8, installed on a 64bit requires 2Gb of RAM
  • Windows 10 needs 2Gb RAM
  • Windows 11 needs 4Gb RAM
• If the computer does not have sufficient RAM available, your applications will be slow or not work as expected
• To align our product requirements, taking into account the current operating system requirements/demands, the requirement for Sage VIP has been updated.

Q. What must I do if I still have a 32-bit operating system and require the update to Release 6.5b for my payroll?

• Update to Release 6.4a by download and installing the 32-bit installation file (via Sage Portal)
• We strongly recommend to upgrade your operating system to the 64-bit version for better performance

Q. What must I do if my server is running on a 64-bit operating system and can run the installation, but the workstation that I use to process on is running on a 32-bit Windows operating system?

• You'll not be able to run your payroll using this configuration, where the operating system versions differ between the server and workstations
• Update to Release 6.5b by download and installing the 32-bit installation file (via Sage Portal)
• We strongly recommend to upgrade your operating system to the 64-bit version for better performance