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The Daily Insight

When must an employer deduct PAYE?

Author

James Williams

Published Feb 10, 2026

As soon as an employee is working for more than 22 hours in a week or states that he or she has no other employment, tax must be deducted according to the PAYE tables issued by SARS from time to time.

When should PAYE be paid to SARS?

How and when should it be paid? It must be paid within seven days after the end of the month during which the amount was deducted. If the last day for payment falls on a public holiday or weekend, the payment must be made on the last business day before the public holiday or weekend.

What is the tax year in South Africa?

For an individual, the tax year runs from 1 March until 28/29 February of the following year. The tax year is different from a normal calendar year, which runs from 1 January to end December. The tax year is named by the year in which it ends e.g. the 2022 tax year runs from 1 March 2021 to end February 2022.

Does your employer have to deduct income tax?

By law, an employer must deduct the following amounts from your employment earnings: Income tax.

What percentage is PAYE tax?

Above the personal allowance, you’ll be charged at either 20%, 40% or 45% depending on whether you’re a basic rate, higher rate or additional rate tax payer. The rate you pay will be determined by your income.

Does everyone pay PAYE?

Everyone, with the exception of the self-employed, is required to pay PAYE tax. Before you receive your wages, your employer tallies up how much tax, USC and PRSI you should contribute and deducts it before giving you your pay cheque.

How is the earnings record used by an employer?

Fill out tax information: The employee earning record is used for a variety of tax purposes. For instance, you can use it to prepare each employee’s W-2 form at the end of the year. This information is also tracked on Form 941, an important quarterly payroll tax form all employers must fill out.

What are the tax rates for new employers in 2019?

2019 Payroll Tax Rates, Taxable Wage Limits, and Maximum Benefit Amounts Unemployment Insurance (UI) ● The 2019 taxable wage limit is $7,000 per employee. ● The UI maximum weekly benefit amount is $450. ● The UI tax rate for new employers is 3.4 percent (.034) for a period of two to three years. ● The employer rates are available online at

How can I check my lifetime earnings record?

You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. So, what’s the easiest and most efficient way to validate your earnings record? Under the “My Home” tab, click on “Earnings Record” to view your online Social Security Statement and taxed Social Security earnings;

What kind of taxes do I have to pay as an employee?

Employers are required to match their employee’s FICA taxes throughout the year and send both sides’ contributions to the IRS. Social security contributions are another FICA tax recorded throughout the year on an employee earnings record.