How To Get An IRP5 From A Previous Employer

An IRP5 is an essential tax document used when submitting your income tax return to SARS. It shows how much income you earned during a specific tax year and how much PAYE tax was deducted by your employer. If you no longer work for the company that employed you during the tax year, you may still need to obtain your IRP5 from that previous employer. This article explains how to get an IRP5 from a previous employer, what to do if they are unresponsive, and how to handle common challenges.

1. Understand Why You Still Need the IRP5

Leaving a job does not remove tax obligations.

• SARS requires income records for each tax year
• Every employer issues their own IRP5
• Past employment must still be declared
• Missing IRP5s can delay tax assessments

The document remains valid even after employment ends.

2. Know When IRP5s Are Issued

Timing is important.

• Issued after the tax year ends
• Usually available from May or June
• Provided before SARS tax season
• Reissued on request if lost

You can request it at any time.

3. Contact the Previous Employer’s HR Department

HR is the first point of contact.

• Call or email the HR or payroll office
• Request your IRP5 for the relevant tax year
• Provide your full name and ID number
• Include your employee number if available

Most companies keep payroll records for years.

4. Reach Out to Payroll or Finance Directly

Sometimes payroll responds faster.

• Ask for the payroll officer
• Confirm the correct email address
• Be polite and professional
• Follow up if there is no response

Clear communication speeds up the process.

5. Check Your Old Employee Self-Service Portal

Access may still be available.

• Try logging into the company payroll system
• Look under tax certificates or documents
• Download the IRP5 if available
• Save a copy immediately

Some systems remain active after resignation.

6. Search Your Email and Old Records

You may already have it.

• Search your email for IRP5 attachments
• Check old payslip emails
• Review cloud storage or USB backups
• Look through printed files

Many employers send IRP5s automatically.

7. Use SARS eFiling to Check Preloaded Information

SARS often receives employer submissions.

• Log in to SARS eFiling
• Open your income tax return
• Check pre-populated IRP5 details
• Confirm employer information

This can help if you cannot reach the employer.

8. What to Do if the Employer Has Closed

Closed businesses complicate matters.

• Try contacting former managers or directors
• Use payslips as supporting evidence
• Check eFiling for submitted records
• Contact SARS for further assistance

SARS may already have the information.

9. What to Do if the Employer Is Unresponsive

Do not ignore the situation.

• Send a formal written request
• Keep proof of emails or messages
• Allow reasonable response time
• Escalate if necessary

Written records protect you.

10. Ask SARS for Help if Necessary

SARS can intervene in some cases.

• Visit a SARS branch or contact support
• Explain that the employer is unreachable
• Provide payslips or bank statements
• Request guidance on next steps

SARS may advise alternative reporting.

11. Difference Between IRP5 and IT3(a)

Know which document applies.

• IRP5 applies to salaried employees
• IT3(a) applies to income without PAYE
• Some contract roles issue IT3(a)
• Both must be declared

Using the correct certificate avoids errors.

12. Check That Your IRP5 Details Are Correct

Accuracy matters.

• Verify your ID number
• Check income and PAYE amounts
• Confirm employment period
• Review employer details

Request corrections if there are mistakes.

13. Can You Submit Tax Without the IRP5

It is possible but risky.

• Use payslips as estimates
• SARS may request verification
• Delays in processing are common
• Penalties may apply if incorrect

Always try to obtain the IRP5 first.

14. Keep Copies of All Communication

Documentation is important.

• Save emails and messages
• Note dates of contact
• Keep call logs if possible
• Store all tax documents together

This helps if disputes arise.

15. How Long Employers Must Keep Records

Employers retain payroll data.

• Records kept for at least five years
• IRP5s can be reissued
• Legal obligations apply
• Employees have the right to request

This works in your favor.

16. Tips to Speed Up the Process

A few helpful practices.

• Be polite and clear
• Provide complete information
• Follow up respectfully
• Avoid last-minute requests

Early action reduces stress.

17. Common Challenges and Solutions

Problems can be resolved.

• Lost contact details, search online or LinkedIn
• Delayed replies, follow up formally
• Incorrect data, request correction
• Employer closure, work with SARS

Persistence is often necessary.

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