Blog - openHR

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 visibility 48

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 visibility 356

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 visibility 140

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 visibility 68

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 visibility 183

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 visibility 5455

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 visibility 266

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 visibility 135

#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 visibility 86

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 visibility 116

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 visibility 4036

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 visibility 838

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 visibility 219

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 visibility 141

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 visibility 166

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 visibility 204

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 visibility 251

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 visibility 236

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 visibility 157

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 visibility 83

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 visibility 176

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 visibility 727

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 visibility 831

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 visibility 914

Free Payroll Software South Africa

Discover the ultimate HR and payroll solution with openHR, the proudly South African web app designed to revolutionise how you manage your business. openHR offers a comprehensive suite of free features that streamline and simplify your HR processes, ensuring you stay compliant and efficient. With unlimited users, you can add as many team members as you need to manage your HR processes, all from a single platform. Create and manage unlimited companies, allowing you to handle multiple business entities effortlessly without any restrictions. Enjoy the flexibility of unlimited employees, ensuring that no matter how large your workforce... read more

December 26, 2024 visibility 967

Demographics Report

Introducing the New Demographics Report in openHR We are excited to announce a powerful new feature available on openHR, our comprehensive HR management web app. Designed exclusively for South African businesses, openHR is now equipped with a dynamic Demographics Report, aimed at providing invaluable insights and aiding compliance with Department of Labour filings. Track Employee Demographics with Ease The new Demographics Report offers a detailed view of employee demographic shifts over time, showcasing changes in race and gender through an easy-to-understand line chart. This year-to-year comparison is an essential tool for larger companies, facilitating accurate and efficient... read more

December 21, 2024 visibility 753

AI is coming

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new feature that will revolutionise the way you manage organisational structures within your company. On December 14, 2024, openHR will be launching AI-assisted organograms, designed to simplify, and enhance the creation of organisational charts with a single click. Effortless Organisation With the power of AI, creating an organogram has never been easier. Our AI-assisted feature allows users to generate comprehensive and accurate organisational charts with just one click. This innovative tool leverages artificial intelligence to automatically design the layout, displaying your company's structure in a clear and visually appealing way. ... read more

December 5, 2024 visibility 783

Employee Information Sheets

Streamlining Employee Onboarding with openHR Efficient onboarding is crucial for setting new employees up for success. At openHR, we understand the importance of a smooth and comprehensive onboarding process, which is why we've introduced standard employee information forms that simplify the process for both HR departments and new hires. Simplified Onboarding Process Our standard employee information forms are designed to gather all the necessary details in one place. These forms are printable for free, allowing new employees to complete them at their convenience. This not only saves time but also ensures that all required information is collected accurately. Unique and... read more

November 26, 2024 visibility 742

Tracking Company Assets

Simplified with openHR In any organisation, keeping track of company assets used by employees is crucial for maintaining accountability, ensuring efficient operations, and preventing losses. Whether it's laptops, smartphones, vehicles, or specialised equipment, knowing who has what, where it is, and its condition can save businesses time and money. Why Asset Tracking Matters 1. Accountability: When employees know that assets are being tracked, they are more likely to take better care of them. This reduces the risk of damage or loss. 2. Efficiency: Quick access to asset information helps in efficient allocation and utilisation. It ensures that... read more

November 21, 2024 visibility 780

Automatic Contract Generator

This year, Christmas came before Black Friday at openHR! We are thrilled to announce our latest feature that promises to revolutionise your HR processes: the Automatic Employee Contract Generator. This innovative tool is designed to streamline the creation of employee contracts, making it easier and faster than ever before. What Makes This Feature Special? Our Automatic Employee Contract Generator is not just any ordinary tool. It includes the automatic replacement of 80 employee and company variables, such as names, appointment dates, job titles, and much more. This means you can generate personalised and accurate contracts in a matter... read more

November 20, 2024 visibility 638

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June 2025 EMP201/PAYE Return Due Date