Your IRP5 is an essential document for completing your tax return in South Africa, as it summarises your income, taxes paid, and any benefits received during the year. While many employers submit the IRP5 directly to SARS, there are times when you need to download the document yourself via SARS eFiling. Knowing how to access your IRP5 ensures timely tax filing and proper record keeping.
This article provides a straightforward guide to help you download your IRP5 from SARS eFiling without any hassle.
Step 1: Logging In to Your eFiling Account
Start by navigating to the SARS eFiling website. Enter your username and password to log into your personal taxpayer profile. Be sure you are using your personal profile and not a practitioner profile, unless you manage multiple taxpayer accounts. Once logged in, the eFiling dashboard will display your tax types, profile information, and any outstanding tasks.
Step 2: Navigating to the Returns Section
On the top menu of the dashboard, find the tab labelled “Returns.” Hover over this tab to reveal different tax categories. Select “Returns Issued”, then choose “Personal Income Tax (ITR12)”. This action will bring up a page showing all the tax years available for your profile.
Step 3: Selecting the Correct Tax Year
Your IRP5 is linked to specific tax years. To download the correct IRP5, select the year for which you need the document. If a year does not appear, this could mean that you need to add it to your profile or that your employer has not yet submitted the necessary details. After selecting the desired year, you’ll be shown a summary of all documents SARS has received for that period.
Step 4: Opening Your Tax Return Page
Click on the tax year you need. You’ll then see the option to either request or open your ITR12 tax return. Even if you’re not ready to complete your return, opening it will allow you to view the documents SARS has on record. Select “Open” or “View Return”, and the system will load your tax details.
Step 5: Accessing Your IRP5 Details
Once inside your return, scroll down to the section titled “Employee Tax Certificate Information” or “IRP5/IT3(a) Details.” Here, SARS automatically pulls in your employer’s submission. Click on the certificate number to view the IRP5 details.
Step 6: Downloading or Printing the IRP5
To download your IRP5, locate the print or download icon within the certificate window. SARS often provides an option to generate a PDF version of your IRP5. Select the download option, and the file will save to your device. If your browser opens the file automatically, use the save function to store the file for your records.
What to Do If the IRP5 Is Missing
If you don’t see your IRP5 when you expect it, this could mean your employer hasn’t submitted it to SARS or used incorrect details. In such cases, contact your HR department and ask them to correct the information or resubmit the IRP5. SARS cannot provide an IRP5 that hasn’t been submitted by your employer.
Step 7: Keeping Your Records Updated
After downloading your IRP5, it’s important to store it securely in a designated folder for easy access during tax season. Consider keeping backup copies in case you change devices or lose access to your original file. Properly managing your tax documents will make future filings quicker and save you from unnecessary stress.
