// TOOL

EMP201 Due Date

Short answer: The EMP201 declaration and its payment (PAYE, UIF and SDL) are due by the 7th of the month after the pay month. When the 7th falls on a weekend or public holiday, the due date is the last business day before it.

Try it

Pay month

An estimate, worked out in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere or saved.

How it works

Pick the pay month below to see its EMP201 due date.
On OptiTax for business, your month's payslips are added up into the EMP201 figures.
You capture and pay the EMP201 on eFiling; SARS generates the payment reference there.

Do it on WhatsApp

Once you are set up, just say: "payroll"

Start OptiTax for business OptiTax, from R99 a month

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I pay the EMP201 late?

SARS charges a 10% late payment penalty on PAYE and interest on the late amount. Pay by the due date even if the declaration is still being checked.

Do I need an EMP201 if I paid no salaries?

A registered employer files an EMP201 every month, a nil one if there was no payroll, unless SARS has suspended the PAYE registration.

Does OptiTax submit it?

No. It prepares the figures as a working page and PDF. You or your accountant capture and pay it on eFiling.

Payslip Generator South Africa (PAYE, UIF and Net Pay)Work out a South African payslip: PAYE from the SARS tables, UIF at 1% each side, and net pay. OptiTax business accounts get the PDF payslip.PAYE Calculator South AfricaMonthly PAYE and UIF on a salary, from the SARS tax tables for 2026/27 and 2025/26, with age rebates and the medical scheme credit.VAT201: How to Complete ItWhat goes on a VAT201: output VAT on your sales, input VAT on valid tax invoices, and the difference you pay or claim back. With a VAT calculator.

All tools and answers

General information and estimates, not tax advice. OptiTax prepares and organises; you or your registered tax practitioner submit to SARS. Last checked 19/10/2026.