How to Register An Employee For PAYE

By Mav OT •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

As a citizen, your contribution comes in the form of tax. Once you are eligible to work, there is a minor deduction on your gross salary to contribute to the government coffers. 

Registering with SARS

- ADVERTISEMENT -
is more than just a legal requirement; it symbolises a dedication to advancing society. When employees diligently pay their taxes, they play a crucial role in supporting infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The government’s ability to address societal needs is fueled by this financial synergy. In addition to financial transactions, this engagement helps to cultivate a sense of responsibility and citizenship. The relationship between employees and their professional growth is symbiotic, as they actively contribute to the collective effort of building a stronger and more resilient nation.

Nobody smiles to pay taxes, but when you find yourself in a country where taxes are being used well, you feel obligated to pay your taxes on time.
While we talk about taxes, we will be taking you through how one can register as an employee for PAYE. we will also take you through certain details about PAYE in South Africa. 

How do you register an employee for PAYE?

Employees’ tax is the term used to describe the tax that employers are required to deduct or withhold from the salary or wages they pay to their employees. The employer is required to make monthly payments to SARS for those amounts.

It is the duty of the employer to register the employee for taxes. Since the taxes are deducted from the salary, the employer must ensure that is done diligently.

Follow these steps to register an employee for PAYE. 

When must an employee be registered for PAYE?

The question “When must an employee be registered for PAYE” is always asked. Even among employers and employees, the response does not sit right.
Registering for PAYE means you are ready to contribute your quota to the government revenue through taxes. 

You can register your employee once he or she is employed and earning the threshold that requires him or her to pay tax. Once the employee has signed a contract to work, he or she must have the deductions towards PAYE.
It is needed for every employer to register the employee for PAYE as soon as the employment agreement has been reached and the contract signed. 

What documents do you need to register for PAYE?

To register for PAYE in South Africa, you will need to submit specific documents to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The specific documents needed may differ depending on the individual’s taxpayer status and the type of business they are involved in.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Employees must also have the following documents to be registered for PAYE by their employees. 

Do I need to register my domestic worker for PAYE?

Before we dive into whether a domestic worker must be registered for PAYE let us look into who actually is a domestic worker.
In South Africa, a domestic worker is someone who is hired to take care of household chores like cleaning, cooking, and looking after children in a private home. 

According to Jose Jorge, a director in Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s Employment practice, there are new regulations in place that require all employers of domestic workers, regardless of whether they are part-time or full-time, to register themselves and their employees with the Compensation Commissioner.

If there is already an employment contract in place, it is important for the employer to register a domestic worker as soon as they can.

Although there is currently no specific deadline in place, employers are strongly urged to register at their earliest convenience.  He mentioned that it appears probable that penalties for not registering will take effect after March 2022.

Where do I get a PAYE number?

In South Africa, the South African Revenue Service is the organisation in charge of providing tax numbers to individuals and businesses. The tax number, also known as the PAYE number, is a special identification given to individuals by tax authorities. The purpose of this tool is to help individuals keep track of and effectively manage their tax obligations, with a specific focus on 

To obtain a tax number, the first step is to register with SARS. The registration process is important because it helps establish your status as a taxpayer and enables you to meet your tax responsibilities. 

Once you have registered with SARS, an automatic creation of a PAYE number will be generated for you as an individual. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Does Your PAYE Contribution Change Each Month?

Does Your PAYE Contribution Change Each Month?

Today we’re looking a little deeper into PAYE, including why the amount you see deducted on your payslip may not be the same every month.

What Documents Are Required For Business PAYE Registration

What Documents Are Required For Business PAYE Registration

As part of the requirements, documentation is required hence we will be sharing with you the documents that are required for business PAYE registration in South Africa. 

How to Request PAYE SDL Transfers On SARS eFiling

How to Request PAYE SDL Transfers On SARS eFiling

In this blog post, we will share with you how to request a PAYE SDL transfer on the popular SARS eFiling system. 

How Do Employees Benefit From PAYE Deductions?

How Do Employees Benefit From PAYE Deductions?

How Do Employees Benefit From PAYE Deductions? Today we look at these benefits in greater depth.

How Do I Apply For A PAYE Reference Number?

How Do I Apply For A PAYE Reference Number?

How Do I Apply For A PAYE Reference Number? Not sure how to do this? Then this is the article for you!

Requirements for Applying for a PAYE Certificate

Requirements for Applying for a PAYE Certificate

What are the requirements for applying for a PAYE certificate. This blog post will answer the common queries on PAYE certificates and registration. 

How to Pay PAYE Online

How to Pay PAYE Online

While this blog post may address PAYE in South Africa, the focus will be on how to pay PAYE online.

How Much Interest & Penalties Do You Pay For Late Payment Of PAYE?

How Much Interest & Penalties Do You Pay For Late Payment Of PAYE?

In this blog post, we will discuss the penalties, fines, and consequences that can be imposed on individuals who fail to comply with certain rules or regulations. 

How Do I Find My PAYE Reference Number

How Do I Find My PAYE Reference Number

The reference number is extremely important for a variety of tax-related tasks, including filing tax returns, making payments, etc

Does PAYE Get Deducted On Leave Payout?

Does PAYE Get Deducted On Leave Payout?

Today we’re unpacking the basics of how PAYE and leave payouts intersect, so you always feel confident about what your employer

How to Capture PAYE Submissions on Pastel Partner

How to Capture PAYE Submissions on Pastel Partner

With this program, you can accurately process your payroll and manage your tax affairs efficiently. Read on to learn how to capture PAYE submissions on Pastel Partner. 

How TO Register For PAYE on SARS eFiling

How TO Register For PAYE on SARS eFiling

While we have seen the importance of taxes and the SARS efiling system we will be taking you through how you can register for PAYE on SARS efiling. C

How to Claim Back Your SARS PAYE As A Student

How to Claim Back Your SARS PAYE As A Student

How to Claim Back Your SARS PAYE As A Student. This guide explains how to reclaim your SARS PAYE as a student. 

What Percentage Is PAYE In South Africa?

What Percentage Is PAYE In South Africa?

What Percentage Is PAYE. In this blog post, we will focus more on the percentage bracket for PAYE in South Africa.

The Difference Between Income TAX And PAYE Reference Number

The Difference Between Income TAX And PAYE Reference Number

The Difference Between Income TAX And PAYE Reference Number. In this section, we will highlight what distinguishes the various terms mentioned above.