Blog - openHR

🕒 Deadline Drama: Why Late Submissions Cost More Than Just Penalties

In the world of payroll compliance, deadlines aren’t just dates - they’re dominoes. Miss one, and the ripple effect can hit your finances, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Let’s unpack the real cost of missing key submissions like EMP201, ROE, and PAIA, and how openHR helps you stay ahead - not by nagging, but by making oversight harder to miss. read more

July 28, 2025

I Received My SARS Auto Assessment - What Now?

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially kicked off the 2025 tax season early with a streamlined auto assessment process, now extended to include some provisional taxpayers. If you’ve received an SMS or email from SARS, it means your tax return has been pre-populated using third-party data - saving you time and effort. But what happens next depends on your situation. read more

July 5, 2025

Unlimited Leave Isn’t Always a Win: Lessons from Bolt’s Pivot

In a bold move that’s sparking HR conversations across industries, Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow recently ended the company’s unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy. What many hailed as a progressive benefit now finds itself under scrutiny - not because it lacked generosity, but because it lacked accountability. read more

July 3, 2025

Post Jobs for Free - openHR's Onboarding Module

At openHR, we believe employment should be affordable, accessible, and inclusive - especially in South Africa, where every new job created can change a life. That’s why our HR and payroll platform has always been 100% free. No trials. No limits. No catches. Today, we’re thrilled to take that mission even further with the launch of our Onboarding Module, featuring one of our most exciting updates yet: The ability to post job ads publicly on openHR - completely free. Yes, you read that right. You can now advertise job openings across South Africa with zero cost, zero paperwork, and zero... read more

June 28, 2025

What Every South African Employee Should Know About UIF and How Employers Can Help

Understanding the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) can be empowering, especially during uncertain times. Whether you're an employer guiding your team or an employee seeking clarity, knowing how UIF works - and what your rights and responsibilities are - can make all the difference. read more

June 23, 2025

June 2025 EMP201/PAYE Return Due Date

EMP201/PAYE Return Submission & Payment Deadline for June 2025 The deadline to submit and pay your EMP201/PAYE return for June 2025 is Monday, the 7th of July 2025. This aligns with SARS’s standard rule: the due date is the 7th of the following month—unless that day falls on a weekend or public holiday, in which case it rolls to the last business day before the 7th. To avoid any penalties or interest (which can include a 10% late payment penalty and additional monthly interest charges), be sure to file and pay on time. read more

June 19, 2025

How Skills Development Levy (SDL) Is Calculated

The Skills Development Levy (SDL) is a mandatory contribution by employers in South Africa, aimed at funding education and training initiatives to enhance workforce skills. It is governed by the Skills Development Levies Act No. 9 of 1999 and administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). read more

June 17, 2025

When is my 2025 tax return due?

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially announced the filing dates for the 2025 tax season, and it’s essential for taxpayers to stay ahead of these deadlines. Understanding these dates will help ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties. read more

June 4, 2025

When is the EMP201/PAYE Return Deadline for May 2025?

EMP201/PAYE Return Submission & Payment Deadline for May 2025 The deadline to submit and pay your EMP201/PAYE return for May 2025 is Friday, the 6th of June 2025. Usually, the 7th of each following month, however, if the 7th falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline moves to the last business day before the 7th. Late submissions can result in 10% penalties and interest, so it's best to file early. read more

May 29, 2025

SARS Strengthens PAYE Compliance with 500 New Hires

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is making bold moves to tighten PAYE compliance, hiring 500 new staff members as part of a broader effort to recover billions in unpaid taxes. This initiative is not just about revenue collection—it’s about reinforcing accountability and ensuring businesses meet their tax obligations. read more

May 27, 2025

CIPC - PAIA and POPIA Submissions

Navigating the New PAIA Compliance Requirements in South Africa In an effort to streamline compliance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), South African businesses must now adhere to updated regulations regarding PAIA report submissions and Information Officer registrations. These changes, facilitated through the BizPortal platform, aim to simplify administrative processes while ensuring transparency and accountability. read more

May 19, 2025

COIDA or Compensation Fund - Confirmation of Employer Form

Return of Earnings Submission: What Employers Need to Know The Compensation Fund has officially opened the Return of Earnings (ROE) submission period, and employers must act swiftly to ensure compliance. This year, a new requirement has been introduced—the Confirmation of Employer Form—which plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate employer records. GET UNLIMITED COMPANIES, EMPLOYEES AND PAYSLIPS NOW FOR FREE - with openHR you can generate your COIDA/Compensation Fund reports for free, just like your payslips and any other HR document or payroll report you can think of. Why the ROE Submission Matters The Return of Earnings is a mandatory... read more

May 4, 2025

Minimum Requirements of a Payslip

Why Payslips Matter Payslips are far more than just a piece of paper detailing your pay. They are a record of your hard work and a transparent breakdown of how your earnings are calculated. In South Africa, these documents ensure that employees are well-informed about what they earn and any deductions made—providing a clear, defensible record in case any discrepancies arise. This transparency is central to maintaining trust within the employer–employee relationship and is a legal requirement under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). The Minimum Requirements of a Payslip Under the provisions of the BCEA—specifically... read more

May 2, 2025

Enhancing openHR

Enhancing openHR: Your Reliable Payroll and HR Solution At openHR, we are committed to delivering top-notch services that evolve with our users' needs. We're excited to share the latest updates that amplify security, streamline functionality, and elevate your overall experience We set out to bring all outstanding critical feature requests and minor to moderate system bugs ever reported down to zero by no later than the 22nd of April 2025; and so, we did. Here's the complete list of the final items on said list: 1. Strengthened Security Measures Security is paramount. We've enhanced our signup process to... read more

April 22, 2025

#WeUnderstand

#WeUnderstand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhneP3JyPIs&ab_channel=openHR [#WeUnderstand] GET UNLIMITED COMPANIES, EMPLOYEES AND PAYSLIPS NOW FOR FREE read more

April 16, 2025

The natural eventuality of our sincerest efforts which will bring a harmony of human resource precision.

Another week, another milestone for openHR! Over the past two weeks, we set out to resolve at least 20% of all critical feature requests and minor to moderate system bugs ever reported—and not only did we meet that goal, we surpassed it. Bug Fixing & Feature Updates When we kicked off our resolution drive on 2 April 2025, our list contained 84 items. As we dug deeper, we identified 6 additional items, bringing the total to a rounded 90—why not round up for good measure? Here's where things stand now: • At the start of the... read more

April 15, 2025

UIF Rates and Thresholds 2025

Understanding UIF: Rates and Thresholds in South Africa The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is a crucial financial safety net for workers in South Africa. It provides short-term relief to employees who find themselves unemployed or unable to work due to maternity leave, adoption leave, parental leave, or illness. Additionally, it offers financial support to the dependents of a deceased contributor. How UIF Contributions Work UIF contributions are mandatory for both employees and employers. The contribution rate is 2% of an employee’s remuneration, split equally between the employer and the employee. This means: • Employees contribute 1%... read more

April 14, 2025

RoE: Not so fast

Another Year, Another System Offline Moment: The Department of Labour's ROE Delays Continue If there’s one thing South African employers can count on, it’s the annual frustration of navigating the Return of Earnings (ROE) submission process—and this year is no exception. The Department of Employment and Labour has once again announced delays due to system downtime, leaving businesses in limbo and scrambling to meet compliance deadlines. The Latest Shutdown: What Happened? On 31 March 2025, the Department of Labour issued a notice stating that the Compensation Fund (CF) system would remain closed until 10 April 2025, delaying... read more

April 11, 2025

Return of Earnings Submissions

Return of Earnings Submissions Open Soon—Stay Compliant with openHR! The 2025 Return of Earnings (ROE) submission window officially opens on 11 April 2025 via the Department of Labour’s online portal: CFOnline. As businesses prepare to file their annual returns, openHR has you covered with our Return of Earnings report, readily available under the Reports menu to streamline compliance. While filing the Return of Earnings and paying the subsequent assessment might seem like just another business expense, it's actually a vital insurance policy. This annual submission ensures that employers are protected against unexpected medical costs when an employee suffers... read more

April 10, 2025

Collaborator Premium Hub

Unlock Exclusive Benefits with openHR's Collaborator Premium Hub Calling all professional service providers! openHR is excited to introduce the Collaborator Premium Hub, an exclusive initiative designed to help you elevate your services while making openHR even better. 🚀 What is the Collaborator Premium Hub? This premium offering grants professional service providers free access to all openHR+ functions for the current financial year. But that’s not all—we're also removing the footer that states “Generated for free using openHR HR and Payroll”, so all openHR professional documents can be presented as your own. This way, you strengthen the trust... read more

April 10, 2025

Your April Updates Are Ready

Exciting Enhancements in openHR – Designed for a Smoother Experience! At openHR, we’re committed to continuously improving your experience by refining features to make your workflow smoother and more efficient. We’re thrilled to introduce new updates that streamline payroll management, reporting, and data handling. Here's what’s new: 🚀 Enhanced EMP201 Management You can now only delete the latest EMP201 submission, ensuring accuracy and preventing accidental removals of historical data. 🖨️ Print with Ease A new Print button has been added! It allows you to print only the items currently loaded on the page. Need more? Simply click... read more

April 5, 2025

April's Fool

April Fool's in the workplace can be a bit of a mixed bag, can’t it? On one hand, it’s a chance to lighten the mood, break the monotony, and maybe even build some camaraderie with a well-executed, harmless prank—like swapping out the office coffee with decaf and watching everyone yawn through the morning. A little humour can humanise a sterile environment, especially in high-stress jobs. Studies have shown that playful workplaces often see boosts in creativity and morale, so there’s something to be said for a bit of mischief. On the flip side, it’s a minefield if you... read more

March 31, 2025

Preparing for Financial Year-End

As the financial year-end approaches, payroll and HR professionals have a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition and accurate reporting. It's a busy period that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Here are some practical steps to help you better prepare and navigate the financial year-end with confidence. 1. Review and Reconcile Payroll Records Start by conducting a thorough review and reconciliation of all payroll records. This includes checking for any discrepancies in employee data, ensuring that all wages, bonuses, and benefits have been accurately recorded, and confirming that tax withholdings and contributions are correctly calculated.... read more

February 28, 2025

VAT Increase and Employees

The recent announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana of a 2% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) has sent ripples through the South African economy. While there was a small adjustment to personal income tax rates, it falls short of offsetting the inflationary pressures and the impact of the VAT hike. This blog post explores how this change will affect employees and the overall cost of living in South Africa. Impact on Employees The increase in VAT means that the cost of goods and services will rise, directly affecting employees' disposable income. Even with the slight adjustment to... read more

February 19, 2025

Walking is the New Sitting

Traditional meetings held in stuffy conference rooms are so yesterday. Enter the walking meeting: an innovative approach that combines the necessity of work discussions with the benefits of physical activity. Walking meetings are not only a refreshing change of pace but also a powerful tool for boosting creativity, productivity, and team well-being. Here's why you should consider incorporating walking meetings into your work routine. 1. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving Numerous studies have shown that walking can significantly enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The change of scenery and the act of moving can stimulate new ideas and fresh... read more

February 7, 2025

New Minimum Wage

New Minimum Wage in South Africa: Key Details The South African government has recently announced an increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW), effective from March 1, 2025. The new minimum wage has been adjusted from R27.58 to R28.79 per hour, marking a 4.4% increase. This adjustment aims to address the rising cost of living. Key Points of the New Minimum Wage • Increased Rate: The NMW has been increased to R28.79 per hour for all workers, including domestic and farm workers. • Expanded Public Works Programme: Workers on this program will receive a minimum wage... read more

February 5, 2025

Change is Coming

Navigating Smooth Transitions in Management Roles and Major Policy Changes: An HR Perspective In today's dynamic business environment, changes in management roles and company policies are inevitable. While these transitions can create uncertainty, HR departments play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth process. Here are essential steps that HR professionals can take to facilitate seamless transitions in management roles and major policy changes within an organisation: 1. Communication is Key Effective communication is the cornerstone of a smooth transition. HR should develop a comprehensive communication plan to inform employees about upcoming changes. This plan should include... read more

January 20, 2025

Always In-Laws

Why Your Mother-in-Law Might Just Love openHR Managing payroll and HR tasks can be a daunting task, but openHR makes it a breeze with its impressive suite of features. Whether you're a small business owner or an HR professional, openHR offers a fully free and unlimited platform that even your mother-in-law might find herself praising. Easy-to-Use Features One of the standout features of openHR is its user-friendly interface. From creating payslips to managing leave applications, everything is designed to be intuitive and straightforward. The platform supports unlimited users, companies, and employees, making it a versatile tool for... read more

January 10, 2025

Employee Advances

A Guide for Employers and How openHR Can Help in Januworry The holiday season in South Africa brings joy and celebration, but it also brings financial challenges for many employees. With the long gap between payday in December and payday in January, it's no surprise that the demand for employee loans, also known as employee advances, spikes dramatically in January. While these advances can provide crucial support for employees, they also pose risks and administrative burdens for employers. Fortunately, openHR, South Africa's free payroll and HR software, offers a streamlined solution to manage these challenges effectively. The January... read more

January 8, 2025

Best Free Payroll & HR Software

Why openHR is the Best Free Payroll and HR Software in South Africa openHR is proud to be a South African product with humble beginnings. When you use our software with ease, we want you to feel like you are eating your most favourite South African rusks that gives you that warm feeling of being in your ouma's kitchen. We want you to experience that comforting feeling when using our software. You can also use our software on your phone in your ouma's kitchen while eating rusks. GET UNLIMITED COMPANIES, EMPLOYEES AND PAYSLIPS NOW FOR FREE In today's fast-paced... read more

January 2, 2025

Latest Post

🛡️ How to Survive Tariffs Like Trump Survived an Assassination: A Guide for South African Employers