You got your first job and HR hands you forms for SARS, UIF and an IRP5. You do not know what they mean, or you lost the IRP5 from your last job in Butterworth. Here is what each paper is and what to do.
What is all this first job paperwork?
Your employer must register you with SARS (South African Revenue Service) for tax and UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) for unemployment cover.
They ask for your tax number, deduct UIF on your payslip, and at year-end give you an IRP5 certificate showing earnings and deductions. Same whether you work in Cathcart, East London or near Hogsback.
Do I need a tax number for my first job?
Yes, even if you earn little.
Your tax number is a 10-digit SARS reference. It stays with you for life, even if you move jobs from Komani to Gqeberha.
You need it even below threshold. Your employer needs it to submit your IRP5. Without it you cannot prove income or claim UIF. Sort it early – see jobs with no matric.
You may not pay tax yet, but SARS still wants a record.
How do I get my tax number for free?
SARS gives it free. Never pay anyone.
- eFiling: Go to www.sars.gov.za and register with your ID.
- MobiApp: Download SARS MobiApp and apply on phone.
- Branch: Visit with green ID book or smart card.
It is free. Anyone charging R150 on Facebook or WhatsApp is not SARS. Save the Tax Reference Number letter.
Will I pay tax on my first salary?
Only if you earn above the limit.
For 2026/27, from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, tax-free threshold is R99,000 per year if under 65. That comes from primary rebate R17,820.
Below R99,000 you pay no income tax. Employer must still submit IRP5 and you need a tax number.
Example: National Minimum Wage is R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026, about R5,240 a month for 40-hour week – about R62,880 a year. Below R99,000, so no income tax, but you still pay UIF.
What is an IRP5 or IT3(a) and why do I need it?
Both are tax certificates, proof of income.
IRP5: Issued if employer deducted PAYE (Pay As You Earn) or UIF or paid taxable income. Most formal retail jobs like Shoprite and Pick n Pay YES give IRP5.
IT3(a): Issued if you earned below threshold and no tax deducted. Still shows income.
Who issues: Employer, not SARS. When: Once a year after tax year ends, usually May. If you leave, within 14 days of last day. Why: To file return, prove income, claim UIF.
What is UIF and why does it matter on your first job?
UIF is Unemployment Insurance Fund. Government insurance by Department of Employment and Labour. Pays a few months if you lose job.
Who contributes: If you work more than 24 hours a month for same employer, they must register you. Includes domestic, shop, farm, contract staff. Many first-timers in Mthatha miss this.
How much: You pay 1% of gross, employer pays 1%. Total 2%. Ceiling is R17,712 per month, so max you pay is R177.12 and employer pays R177.12. Earn R6,000, you pay R60.
Can claim: If retrenched, contract ends, employer closes. Not if you resign. For unstable first jobs, this is your safety net.
How do I check if my employer is paying my UIF?
Some deduct but never pay over – unfair but common.
- Payslip: Look for UIF line at 1%.
- eFiling: At www.sars.gov.za check IRP5 under Certificates – shows UIF.
- uFiling: At ufiling.labour.gov.za register and see history.
- Labour Centre: Take ID and payslips to centre in Komani, East London or Makhanda.
If deducting but not registered: Ask HR in writing, keep proof and payslips. Report to Department of Employment and Labour if not fixed. BCEA (Basic Conditions of Employment Act) says they must contribute, LRA (Labour Relations Act) protects you for asking. Ask CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration).
What is auto-assessment and do I still need to file?
Auto-assessment is SARS filing for you.
If tax is simple – one employer, one IRP5, no extra income – SARS may auto-assess July to October. They use your IRP5 and send SMS or eFiling notice saying you are auto-assessed.
If correct and you agree, you may not need to file.
If wrong – wrong dates, missing retirement or medical – dispute it. Log into eFiling or MobiApp within deadline, usually 40 business days, and correct. Do not ignore wrong assessment.
What if I lost my IRP5 or never got one?
You can get it again.
- Previous employer HR: Ask for duplicate IRP5 or IT3(a). If you applied via WhatsApp to a chain, use central HR.
- SARS eFiling: At www.sars.gov.za look under Certificates or correspondence – employers upload IRP5s there.
- SARS call: Call 0800 00 7277 free or visit branch with ID.
Moved from Hogsback to Mthatha and lost number? eFiling is easiest.
What papers must you keep safe from day one?
Keep folder and photos:
- ID copy.
- SARS tax number letter.
- Payslips monthly.
- All IRP5s and IT3(a)s.
- Employment contract with hours and rate.
- Proof of address – municipality letter or bank statement under 3 months.
Email copies to yourself. If room in Cathcart floods, you still have them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an IRP5 if I earned below R99,000?
Yes. You may get IT3(a), but keep it. Shows work and UIF, used for auto-assessment and UIF claim. Keep five years.
My boss says I am a contractor so no UIF, is that true?
Not always. Some say contractor to avoid UIF. Under BCEA and LRA, if you work set hours, use their tools and they control how, you may be employee. If you earn under R269,600.90 per year from 1 May 2026, about R22,466.74 per month, section 198B gives extra protection. Ask Labour Centre to check.
Can I claim UIF after only six months in my first job?
Yes, if over 24 hours a month, employer registered you, you did not resign, and have credits. UIF pays about one day for every four days worked. Apply within six months at ufiling.labour.gov.za or Labour Centre with ID, IRP5 and certificate.
Next step
Find your tax letter today. Log into www.sars.gov.za under Certificates for your IRP5. If you cannot log in, call 0800 00 7277 with ID.