Introducing the New Statutory Calculation Engine

19 Feb 2026
As openHR continues to grow, we’re committed to keeping payroll fast, accurate, and resilient. With the start of the new tax year, we’ve upgraded all users to our new Statutory Calculation Engine.

openHR free payroll and HR
Why the change?

  • Much faster: Calculations now run 50% faster, so payslips generate with less waiting time.
  • Smarter handling of negatives: No more errors when UIF or tax base amounts dip below zero - the engine now handles these cases gracefully.
  • Better tax directive support: The dreaded tax directives are now automatically calculated with improved accuracy, reducing manual intervention.

Tested at scale

This engine has been tested on over 4,000 payslips, covering all known edge‑case scenarios. While payroll is complex and there may still be rare bugs, we’ve built in strong monitoring:

  • Server errors → our development team is notified immediately via email.
  • Critical calculation issues → the system automatically sends WhatsApp alerts to the team for instant response.


What this means for you

For most users, the transition will be seamless - you’ll simply notice faster, smoother payroll runs. Behind the scenes, the new engine ensures that statutory calculations are more robust and future‑proof. Users that joined openHR after the 8th of February 2026 have already been enjoying the new improved engine.

More Posts
openHR free payroll and HR
NBCPSS 2026/2027 Rates

🛡️Summary for the Security Industry The National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector (NBCPSS) operates on a multi‑year agreement, meaning wage structures and benefits are set well in advance. As we enter the 2026/2027 year, the agreed rates and allowances for security officers and related positions continue to apply across South Africa. read more

March 1, 2026

openHR free payroll and HR
When is the PAYE Reconciliation Due in 2026?

Every year, South African employers must complete their PAYE Employer Reconciliation (EMP501) to ensure that employee tax certificates and SARS records align. Missing the deadline can mean penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress. read more

March 9, 2026