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SARS IRP5 Explained Simply

Simple guide to understanding your IRP5 certificate from SARS in South Africa. Learn what IRP5 is, what information it contains, how to use it for your tax return, and what to do if you have issues.

Tax Expert
February 26, 2026
11 min read
SARS IRP5 Explained Simply

SARS IRP5 Explained Simply

Your IRP5 certificate is a crucial document for filing your tax return. Understanding what it is, what information it contains, and how to use it helps you file your return accurately. This simple guide explains everything you need to know about your IRP5 certificate.

What Is an IRP5?

Simple Explanation

Definition:

  • Tax certificate from your employer
  • Shows income and tax deducted
  • Required for tax return
  • Summary of employment income

Purpose:

  • Report employment income
  • Show PAYE deducted
  • Support tax return
  • Verify tax payments

Key Point:

  • You receive one from each employer
  • Covers tax year (March to February)
  • Issued annually
  • Essential for tax return

What Information Is on IRP5?

Key Details

Personal Information:

  • Your name
  • ID number
  • Tax reference number
  • Employer details

Income Information:

  • Gross salary
  • Bonuses
  • Allowances
  • Other income
  • Total income

Tax Information:

  • PAYE deducted
  • UIF contributions
  • Other deductions
  • Net pay

Other Information:

  • Employment period
  • Employer details
  • Certificate number
  • Issue date

How to Use Your IRP5

For Tax Return

Step-by-Step:

  1. Receive IRP5

    • From employer
    • Usually by May/June
    • After tax year ends
    • Keep safely
  2. Review Information

    • Check all details
    • Verify amounts
    • Ensure accuracy
    • Note any issues
  3. Use for Return

    • Enter income from IRP5
    • Enter PAYE deducted
    • Include all employers
    • Complete return
  4. Submit Return

    • Include IRP5 information
    • Verify accuracy
    • Submit return
    • Keep IRP5 for records

Understanding the Numbers

Income Section

Gross Income:

  • Total before deductions
  • Salary, bonuses, allowances
  • All employment income
  • Before tax

Net Income:

  • After deductions
  • Take-home pay
  • What you actually received
  • After tax and deductions

Tax Section

PAYE:

  • Tax deducted by employer
  • Paid to SARS on your behalf
  • Shown on IRP5
  • Used in tax return

UIF:

  • Unemployment Insurance Fund
  • 1% of salary
  • Shown on IRP5
  • Separate from tax

Common Questions

When Do I Get My IRP5?

Usually by end of May or early June, after the tax year ends (28 February).

What If I Don't Receive My IRP5?

Contact your employer. They're required to provide it. You can also access it via eFiling if your employer submitted it.

What If I Have Multiple IRP5s?

You need to include all of them in your tax return. Add up income from all employers.

What If My IRP5 Is Wrong?

Contact your employer to correct it. Don't file your return with incorrect information.

Do I Need the Physical IRP5?

Not necessarily. You can use the information from it, and it's often available on eFiling.

Using IRP5 on eFiling

Pre-Populated Information

On eFiling:

  • IRP5 information often pre-populated
  • Based on employer submissions
  • Verify accuracy
  • Correct if needed

Benefits:

  • Less manual entry
  • Faster filing
  • Reduced errors
  • Convenient

Troubleshooting

Missing IRP5

If Not Received:

  • Contact employer
  • Check eFiling
  • Request from employer
  • Don't delay filing

Incorrect Information

If Wrong:

  • Contact employer
  • Request correction
  • Get corrected IRP5
  • Use correct information

Multiple Employers

If You Have Multiple:

  • Get IRP5 from each
  • Include all in return
  • Add up all income
  • Include all PAYE

Best Practices

Keep IRP5 Safe

Storage:

  • Keep for 5 years
  • File with tax records
  • Easy to access
  • Maintain records

Review Carefully

Before Using:

  • Check all information
  • Verify amounts
  • Ensure accuracy
  • Note any issues

Use for Return

When Filing:

  • Enter accurately
  • Include all employers
  • Verify calculations
  • Submit correctly

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IRP5 and payslip?

IRP5 is annual summary, payslip is monthly. IRP5 shows full year, payslip shows monthly.

Can I file without IRP5?

You can file using the information, but IRP5 is the official document. It's best to have it.

What if my employer didn't issue IRP5?

Contact your employer. They're legally required to provide it. You can also check eFiling.

Do I need to submit IRP5 with my return?

Usually not required to submit, but keep it for your records and use the information for your return.

What if I lost my IRP5?

Request a copy from your employer or access it via eFiling if available.

Conclusion

Your IRP5 certificate is essential for filing your tax return accurately. By understanding what it contains, how to use it, and keeping it safe, you can file your return correctly. Remember to review it carefully, use the information accurately, and keep it for your records.

For assistance with IRP5 or tax return filing, contact SARS or consult a qualified tax practitioner.


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About the Author
Tax Expert

Tax Expert

Specializing in South African tax law, SARS eFiling, and tax compliance with extensive knowledge of the South African Revenue Service.