What is Pay As You Earn Tax?

Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) is a tax system used in South Africa to collect income tax from employees. If you are an employee, this means that your employer will deduct a portion of your salary each month to cover your income tax liability. This system is designed to make it easier for you to pay your taxes throughout the year, rather than having to pay a lump sum at the end of the year.

Your employer is responsible for calculating the amount of PAYE you owe based on your salary and other factors. This amount will be deducted from your salary each month and paid over to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on your behalf. The amount of PAYE you pay depends on your income, as well as any deductions or credits you may be eligible for.

In addition to PAYE, your employer may also deduct other taxes from your salary, such as Skills Development Levy (SDL) and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) contributions. SDL is a tax paid by employers to fund skills development programs, while UIF is a fund that provides financial support to employees who have lost their jobs.

It's important to note that if you are self-employed, you will be responsible for calculating and paying your own income tax to SARS. However, if you are an employee, your employer will handle this for you through the PAYE system. If you have any questions about how PAYE works, you can speak to your employer or contact SARS directly.

Read more on SARS's Website

Must I really pay PAYE tax?

As an employee in South Africa, it is mandatory to pay income tax through the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system. This system is designed to make it easier for employees to meet their tax obligations by deducting a portion of their monthly salary to cover their income tax liability. The amount of PAYE you owe depends on your income, as well as any eligible deductions or credits.

Your employer is responsible for calculating the amount of PAYE you owe and deducting it from your salary each month. This amount is then paid over to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on your behalf. It's important to note that PAYE is not the only tax deducted from your salary. Your employer may also deduct other taxes, such as Skills Development Levy (SDL) and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) contributions.

Failing to pay PAYE can result in penalties and legal action by SARS. Therefore, it's crucial to pay your taxes on time to avoid any unnecessary fines. It's recommended that you keep track of your income and deductions throughout the year to ensure that the amount of PAYE deducted from your salary is accurate.

If you have any questions or concerns about PAYE, you can speak to your employer or contact SARS directly. Remember, paying your taxes is not only a legal obligation but also an important way to contribute to the development of your country.

What to do if I owe SARS?