How To Get An IRP5

An IRP5 is an important tax document in South Africa. It shows how much income you earned during a tax year and how much tax was deducted by your employer. The IRP5 is issued by employers and is required when submitting your tax return to SARS. Without it, completing your tax filing can be difficult or delayed. This article explains how to get an IRP5, who qualifies for it, and what to do if you cannot access yours.

1. Understand What an IRP5 Is

Knowing what the IRP5 represents is essential.

• It is an employee tax certificate
• Issued for each tax year
• Shows salary, PAYE, UIF, and SDL
• Used when filing a SARS tax return

The IRP5 is linked to your tax number.

2. Know Who Issues an IRP5

Only specific parties can issue it.

• Your employer issues the IRP5
• Payroll or HR departments handle it
• SARS does not issue IRP5s directly
• Each employer issues their own certificate

If you had multiple employers, you will receive more than one IRP5.

3. When IRP5s Are Usually Issued

Timing matters when requesting it.

• Issued after the tax year ends
• Usually available between May and June
• Given before SARS tax season opens
• Sometimes issued earlier by employers

The tax year runs from 1 March to 28 or 29 February.

4. Get Your IRP5 From Your Employer

This is the most common method.

• Contact your HR or payroll office
• Request your IRP5 for the specific tax year
• Provide your employee number if asked
• Ask for a digital or printed copy

Most employers provide it via email or employee portals.

5. Check Your Employee Self-Service Portal

Many companies use online systems.

• Log in to your company payroll system
• Look for tax documents or certificates
• Download the IRP5 PDF
• Save a copy for your records

Examples include Sage, PaySpace, or other payroll platforms.

6. Access Your IRP5 on SARS eFiling

SARS often preloads IRP5 information.

• Log in to your SARS eFiling account
• Go to Returns
• Select Income Tax Return
• Check pre-populated IRP5 details

You may not see the full certificate, but the data is usually there.

7. Register for SARS eFiling if You Are Not Registered

Registration makes tax easier.

• Visit the SARS eFiling website
• Create an account using your ID number
• Link your tax number
• Activate your profile

Once registered, managing tax documents becomes simpler.

8. What to Do if Your Employer Has Closed

This situation can be stressful.

• Try contacting former managers or payroll staff
• Check old emails or payslips
• Look on SARS eFiling for preloaded data
• Contact SARS for guidance if necessary

SARS may assist if records were submitted.

9. What to Do if You Lost Your IRP5

Losing it is common and fixable.

• Request a reissue from your employer
• Download again from the payroll portal
• Check your email history
• Use SARS eFiling as backup

Employers can reissue IRP5s.

10. Difference Between IRP5 and IT3(a)

Not everyone receives an IRP5.

• IRP5 is for employees with PAYE
• IT3(a) is for income without PAYE
• Freelancers often receive IT3(a)
• Both are used for tax returns

Always submit the correct certificate.

11. Check That Your IRP5 Details Are Correct

Errors can cause tax problems.

• Confirm your ID number
• Check income amounts
• Verify PAYE deductions
• Ensure employer details are accurate

Incorrect details should be reported immediately.

12. How to Use an IRP5 When Filing Tax

The IRP5 supports your tax return.

• Upload details on eFiling
• Confirm pre-populated information
• Declare additional income if any
• Submit your return once complete

Accurate IRP5 data speeds up assessments.

13. Can You File Tax Without an IRP5

It is possible but not ideal.

• You may use payslips as estimates
• SARS may request supporting documents
• Processing may take longer
• Errors increase the risk of penalties

Always try to obtain the IRP5 first.

14. Keep Your IRP5 Safe

Good record-keeping is important.

• Save digital copies securely
• Print a backup copy
• Keep records for at least five years
• Organize documents by tax year

SARS may request past records.

15. Common Problems When Getting an IRP5

Some challenges may arise.

• Employer delays
• Incorrect personal details
• Payroll system errors
• Employer did not submit to SARS

Early follow-up reduces stress.

16. When to Contact SARS for Help

SARS can assist in some cases.

• If employer refuses to issue IRP5
• If details are missing on eFiling
• If employer no longer exists
• If discrepancies cannot be resolved

Always keep proof of communication.

17. Important Tips to Remember

A few final reminders.

• IRP5s are issued annually
• One employer equals one IRP5
• Always verify accuracy
• Do not ignore missing certificates

Proper preparation saves time.

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