A new patch file now available for Sage VIP Classic and Premier Release 6.5a and 6.5b on the Sage Portal, released 16 March 2026.

The patch addresses the following:

• IRP5/IT3(a) validation - Income tax number validation changes
• Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) - Correction on ETI table on ETI Validation Utility
• OID report - changes to wording

Please note:

• The patch file is for payroll system on Release 6.5a or Release 6.5b only 
• The changes in the patch is applicable to South Africa tax county only
• This changes of the patch file is included with Release 6.6a - don't extract the contents of the file to your live payroll system

How to download and install the patch file:

Important: It’s always recommended to perform a full system backup before extracting any new program files to your application.

1. Access the Sage Portal. 
2. Select Product Updates.
3. Select your payroll product.
4. Select Release 6.5a or Release 6.5b.
5. Scroll down and locate Patch File 26.03.16 in the Additional Downloads section:

6. Download the patch file for either 32-bit or 64-bit systems.
7. Extract the contents of the .ZIP file to your Release 6.5a or Release 6.5b system.
8. Overwrite existing files