What is the EMP501?
The EMP501 is the employer reconciliation return. It reconciles the amounts declared on monthly EMP201 returns against the actual payroll data. SARS uses this to generate employee tax certificates (IRP5 and IT3(a)) which employees use when filing their personal income tax returns.
When is the EMP501 Due?
| Period |
Covers |
Typical Deadline |
|---|
| Interim reconciliation | 1 March – 31 August | October (SARS announces) |
| Annual reconciliation | 1 September – 28/29 February | May/June (SARS announces) |
Check the SARS website for the exact dates each year — they are communicated via the Employer Reconciliation Communication.
Step-by-Step EMP501 Process
- 1
Verify payroll data: Ensure all monthly payslips are captured accurately in your payroll system. Check for any corrections or retroactive adjustments.
- 2
Generate tax certificates: Use your payroll system (or TSS Payroll) to generate IRP5 / IT3(a) files in the SARS e@syFile format.
- 3
Import into e@syFile Employer: Download and install the SARS e@syFile Employer application. Import the certificate file and validate it.
- 4
Reconcile: Compare the EMP201 totals with the certificate totals. Any difference must be explained or corrected.
- 5
Submit and pay any balance: Submit the EMP501 via eFiling or e@syFile. Pay any outstanding PAYE balance immediately to avoid penalties.
- 6
Distribute IRP5s: Issue tax certificates to all employees. Employees need these to complete their personal tax returns (ITR12).
Common EMP501 Errors
- Mismatched PAYE: Monthly EMP201 totals don't match the certificate totals. Often caused by corrections not reflected on EMP201.
- Incorrect tax certificate codes: Each income type (e.g., salary, bonus, travel allowance) has a specific SARS source code. Using the wrong code causes reconciliation failures.
- Missing certificates: Forgetting to include employees who resigned or joined mid-year.
- ID / Passport numbers: SARS rejects certificates with incorrect ID numbers. Verify employee details before submission.
