|
The new EMP201 is compulsory and must accompany future payments
Over the past two months, SARS has been helping employers familiarise themselves with the new EMP201 form. Employers received the new form in February.
The old EMP201 form is defunct and will no longer be accepted by SARS. With effect from 1 July 2010 employers would not have fulfilled their PAYE responsibilities if the defunct EMP201 declaration form is used. SARS will return any defunct EMP201, and penalties and interest will be strictly applied on employers that do not make submissions on time using the newly prescribed EMP201 form and requisite payment reference number.
The new EMP201 will result in a far more efficient filing and payment process. Employers are now able to manage their SARS accounts, receive regular statements of account, and correct any errors, while having to make fewer payments with less complex referencing. Using the pre-populated unique payment reference number issued by SARS, errors in submitting the EMP201 and the associated administrative hassle will be significantly reduced.
The three different banking accounts for PAYE, SDL and UIF will, with effect from 1 July 2010, be consolidated into the PAYE account (Predefined Beneficiary: SARS-PAYE).
This change does not impact employers that make payments using eFiling. However, eFilers who choose to make payments at any ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank or First National Bank branch must use the SARS-PAYE bank account, along with the Payment Reference Number. When making an electronic payment using Internet banking, the SARS-PAYE account must be selected from the list of pre-defined beneficiaries.
SARS would also like to take this opportunity to remind employers that they are legally obliged to deduct the correct amount of tax from employees, and declare and pay those amounts using the prescribed EMP201 form by the 7th of each month.
A detailed step-by-step guide has been issued to employers to help them understand the new monthly declaration process, and to get to grips with the new form and payment requirements. This guide is also available on the SARS website.
For further information or assistance, please visit your nearest SARS branch, call the SARS Contact Centre on 0800 00 SARS (7277) or visit www.sars.gov.za.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE.
|
