How to Get EMP201 On eFiling

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

EMP201 is a monthly business declaration paperwork that must be forwarded to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) by companies that cut payroll tariffs from their workers’ wages. Payroll tariffs include Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Skills Development Levy (SDL), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and Employment Tax Incentive (ETI). EMP201 shows the total amount of payroll taxes deducted or withheld by the employer and the allocation for each tax type. EMP201 also shows the penalty and interest amounts that the employer must pay to SARS for late or incorrect submissions or payments. EMP201 must be submitted and paid by the 7th of each month or the last business day before the 7th if it falls on a weekend or public holiday. EMP201 can be submitted and paid electronically via eFiling, a free, convenient, and secure online service SARS provides.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How do I get EMP201 on eFiling?

To get EMP201 on eFiling, you need to follow these steps:

What is SARS EMP201?

SARS EMP201 is a monthly company proclamation record that must be forwarded to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) by businesses that cut payroll tariffs from their workers’ earnings. Payroll tariffs include Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Skills Development Levy (SDL), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and Employment Tax Incentive (ETI). SARS EMP201 shows the total amount of payroll taxes deducted or withheld by the employer and the allocation for each tax type.

In addition, SARS EMP201 shows the penalty and interest amounts the employer must pay SARS for late or incorrect submissions or payments. SARS EMP201 must be submitted and paid by the 7th of each month or the last business day before the 7th if it falls on a weekend or public holiday. SARS EMP201 can be submitted and paid electronically via eFiling, a free, convenient, and secure online service provided by SARS.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Generally, SARS EMP201 is an important document that ensures employers’ compliance with tax laws and regulations and the government’s revenue collection. SARS EMP201 also enables SARS to monitor and verify employers’ and employees’ payroll tax obligations and contributions and issue tax certificates and reconciliations accordingly. SARS EMP201 also facilitates the administration and implementation of the ETI, a tax incentive encouraging employers to hire young and low-income workers.

What is the penalty for EMP201?

The penalty for EMP201 is a fine that the employer must pay to SARS for failing to submit or pay the EMP201 on time or correctly. The penalty for EMP201 is calculated as follows:

This penalty for EMP201 is automatically imposed by SARS and reflected on the EMP201 form. The penalty for EMP201 can be disputed or waived by the employer if there are valid reasons or circumstances that justify the non-compliance. The employer can submit a request for remission of penalty to SARS via eFiling or at a SARS branch and provide supporting documents and evidence to substantiate the request.

What is the difference between EMP201 and EMP501?

EMP201 and EMP501 are both employer declaration forms that must be submitted to SARS by employers who deduct payroll taxes from their employee’s salaries. However, there are some differences between EMP201 and EMP501, such as:

EMP201 and EMP501 are important documents ensuring employers’ compliance with the tax laws and regulations and the government’s revenue collection. EMP201 and EMP501 also enable SARS to monitor and verify employers’ and employees’ payroll tax obligations and contributions and issue tax certificates and reconciliations accordingly. EMP201 and EMP501 also facilitate the administration and implementation of the ETI, a tax incentive encouraging employers to hire young and low-income workers.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Happens After Submitting Your Tax Return?

What Happens After Submitting Your Tax Return?

Today, we'll explore what happens to your tax return after you click ‘submit’,  and what you can expect to hear from SARS.

How to Make SARS payments Manually

How to Make SARS payments Manually

In this post, you'll find detailed instructions on paying your SARS balance, using the mobile app to pay, or using Standard Bank, ABSA, or FNB.

How to Get Tax Rebate

How to Get Tax Rebate

How to Get Tax Rebate. This article explains everything you want to know about the concept of tax rebates. 

How To Pay WTI on SARS eFiling

How To Pay WTI on SARS eFiling

But what exactly is withholding tax on interest(WTI), and how do we pay it? Here's what you need to know.

How to Submit EMP501 on SARS Efiling

How to Submit EMP501 on SARS Efiling

Submit EMP501 on SARS Efiling. This article explains how you can submit EMP501 on SARS eFiling. 

How to File a 2026 Tax Return on eFiling

How to File a 2026 Tax Return on eFiling

This post will walk you through the procedures needed to file your tax return for 2024 electronically. Let's dive in!

Do You Get Taxed on Lotto Winnings?

Do You Get Taxed on Lotto Winnings?

Do You Get Taxed on Lotto Winnings? Today we look at some common questions around Lotto winnings and what you should know about them.

How to Check Tax Refund Status 

How to Check Tax Refund Status 

This guide will tell you how to monitor the refund status with SARS, when to expect your refund, and what to do if you encounter any difficulties

How to Change SARS eFiling Default Primary User

How to Change SARS eFiling Default Primary User

How To Become Tax Compliant in South Africa

How To Become Tax Compliant in South Africa

Today, we have a brief guide to tax compliance in South Africa to help you get your tax affairs in order.

How to Declare Foreign Income On Tax Return in South Africa

How to Declare Foreign Income On Tax Return in South Africa

How to Declare Foreign Income On Tax Return. Read on to learn how you declare foreign income from the SARS tax return. 

How to Avoid Donations Tax In South Africa

How to Avoid Donations Tax In South Africa

By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with valuable knowledge to navigate the South African donations tax landscape effectively.

How to Activate Personal Income Tax

How to Activate Personal Income Tax

This tutorial will walk you through activating your personal income tax and submitting your tax return using SARS eFiling.

How to Check If SARS Owes You Money

How to Check If SARS Owes You Money

If you believe that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) owes you money, there are a few steps you can take to check

What Does a Negative Amount on a Tax Return Mean?

What Does a Negative Amount on a Tax Return Mean?

What Does a Negative Amount on a Tax Return Mean? This post explains everything you want to know about negative and positive tax returns.