Tag Archive for: MRBM

SARS Notice: Employee Tax Numbers Are Mandatory

SARS has issued an important notice regarding the upcoming Employer Filing Season.

From the February 2026 employer filing season, Income Tax numbers will be strictly enforced as a mandatory requirement when submitting employer reconciliations. Submissions without valid Income Tax numbers will not be accepted, and non-compliance may result in administrative penalties.

We encourage all employers to review their employee records as soon as possible to ensure that Income Tax numbers are obtained and correctly captured in your payroll system. This will help avoid delays, rejected submissions, or penalties during the filing period.

Employers can apply for tax numbers on behalf of employees through the following channels:

  • e@syFile, if you submit your own EMP501 reconciliations

  • eFiling, where your profile includes the required functionality

  • An MRBM Consultant can apply on behalf of the company at a fee of R150 (excl. VAT) per employee

Alternatively, individuals may also register for or retrieve their own tax numbers directly via the SARS website.

Need Help?

Contact your MRBM Consultant:

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Set your accounting and payroll up for success

As we settle into the new year, it’s a good time to pause, take stock, and make sure your accounting and payroll processes are set up to support the year ahead.

While the financial year may still be in progress, the start of a new calendar year is ideal for tightening controls, setting clear goals, and removing any friction that crept in during the past year.

Start 2026 on the right foot
Here are a few practical ways to bring clarity and confidence into your accounting and payroll for the months ahead:

  • Review your processes
    Are payroll approvals, leave tracking, and month-end procedures still working efficiently? Small tweaks now can save hours later.
  • Clean up your data
    Ensure employee records, cost centres, and reporting structures are accurate and up to date before workloads ramp up.
  • Align systems with goals
    If growth, efficiency, or better reporting is on your 2026 agenda, your software and processes should actively support those goals.
  • Plan for compliance early
    With tax year-end approaching in a few months, now is the time to identify risks and avoid last-minute pressure.

How can MRBM help?

From optimising your accounting and payroll setup to Sage support, outsourced payroll, and compliance advice, our team is here to help you get organised, informed, and in control.

Let’s make this a year of clarity and confidence.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

A Look Ahead: How AI Will Shape Your Accounting in 2026

As we wrap up 2025, one thing is clear: this has been a landmark year for AI adoption.

Across the industry, and within our own client base, we’ve seen a massive shift in both the usage and trust of AI-driven tools. The results have been real, measurable, and genuinely exciting — and we’re only getting started.

So, what’s coming in 2026?

The future of accounting and business information systems is being shaped by intelligent automation, rapid data access, and tools that can support better, faster decision-making.

At MRBM, here’s where we’ll be focusing our R&D efforts over the next year:

1. AI agents that handle your repetitive tasks

From analysing invoices to formatting data for seamless import into your accounting software, AI agents will soon take care of the manual admin that slows teams down.

2. Smarter access to your business data

We’re working on deeper integrations with Copilot and your databases — Sage, SharePoint, client information, and other business sources. You’ll be able to ask Copilot “What were my company’s sales figures last month?” or “Turn that data into a graph” and get a usable, accurate response in a minute.

A quick reminder: security comes first

As with any new technology, AI brings massive opportunity — but also responsibility. When used correctly and safely, AI can transform the way you work. When used carelessly, the risks can be significant.

Please continue to keep security front of mind and ensure you’re following best practices as you adopt these tools.

If you’d like to chat about how AI could support your accounting, payroll, or business information systems in 2026, we’re here to help.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Hosting a Year-End Function? Know Your Responsibilities and Risks

Protect Your People and Your Business.

As the festive season approaches, many companies plan year-end functions to reward employees and strengthen team spirit. While these events can boost morale and foster connection, they also come with legal and reputational risks that employers must manage.

Key Risks to Consider:

Employee Conduct:

Misbehaviour, harassment, or discrimination during the event can lead to disciplinary action and reputational damage.

Alcohol Consumption:

Serving alcohol increases the risk of accidents, misconduct, and potential liability for injuries or damages.

Health & Safety Obligations:

Employers remain responsible for creating a safe environment—even offsite.

Transport & After-Parties:

Driving under the influence and unsanctioned after-parties can expose your company to risk.

 

Your Responsibilities:

  • Before the event, make sure to remind staff of company policies and the code of conduct.
  • Provide adequate food, water, and non-alcoholic options.
  • Ensure everyone has access to safe transport or taxi services.
  • During the event, keep an eye on behaviour and step in quickly if any issues occur.

Our HR team can help you draft policies, communicate expectations, and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Introducing Sage 50c Pastel Partner’s New Tiered Packages – Built to Grow with You

Sage has officially launched a new, scalable subscription model for Sage 50c Pastel Partner, designed to evolve with your business from startup to enterprise.

Unlike basic accounting tools, Sage 50c Partner grows seamlessly with your operations — so you’ll never need to “start over” with new software as your business expands.

The new tiered structure is as follows:

Start Tier – For Startups & Small Businesses

Start Tier – For Startups & Small Businesses

2 Users | 2 Companies | From R1,375 / month
Perfect for new businesses ready to move beyond entry-level accounting tools.

Core Tier – For Growing Businesses
Core Tier – For Growing Businesses

4 Users | 4 Companies | Optional Add-ons | From R1,915 / month
Ideal for businesses needing more flexibility and the option to add additional modules.

Plus Tier – For Established, Expanding Operations

Plus Tier – For Established, Expanding Operations

5 Users | 5–Unlimited Companies | Expandable to 20 Users | From R2,715 / month
Designed for medium to large businesses. The Plus Tier allows you to add more users, companies, and modules as you grow — offering maximum flexibility and scalability for complex operations.

Why Businesses Choose Sage 50c Pastel Partner

For over 30 years, Sage has been trusted by more than 100,000 South African businesses for reliable, compliant, and high-performing accounting solutions.

Building on that legacy, Sage 50c Pastel Partner delivers advanced functionality designed specifically for growing South African businesses that need more than just basic bookkeeping.

Beyond standard accounting, it’s built for compliance, scalability, and control — giving your business complete oversight from a single system.

  • Manage multiple delivery addresses per client – ideal for multi-branch operations
  • Automate recurring billing and invoicing – perfect for service contracts and monthly retainers
  • Maintain full oversight of inventory, suppliers, customers, and cash flow
  • Enjoy both desktop and cloud-connected flexibility to work your way

Sage 50c Pastel Partner brings together Sage’s proven reliability with the flexibility and depth your business needs to grow confidently.

Predictable, Scalable Pricing

With the new tiered subscription model, you only pay for what your business needs today — and scale up effortlessly when ready.
Choose monthly or annual plans, enjoy easy tier upgrades, and receive consistent feature updates.

All tiers include Bank Manager, Sage Intelligence Reporting, and the V13 Pervasive Workgroup Database at no additional cost.

FAQs

  • Why does it cost more?
    Partner now includes enhanced features that were previously optional extras — offering far greater value.
  • What if I only need something simple?
    For smaller businesses or those seeking a fully cloud-based solution, Sage Business Cloud Accounting remains available from R435 / month (2 users | 1 company).

Ready to find your perfect fit?

Contact MRBM to discuss which Sage 50c Pastel Partner tier is right for your business — or explore the cloud alternative if you’re just getting started.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Avoid Penalties with Sage Pastel Payroll

Avoid SARS Penalties the Smart Way – with Sage Pastel Payroll Software

Late submissions, missed deadlines, or small errors in payroll can result in unnecessary expenses.

But the good news is, Sage Pastel Payroll allows for easy and efficient processing of your payroll to ensure timeous payments.

Here’s how:

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➡️ Automate calculations
PAYE, UIF, SDL and other deductions are calculated automatically, reducing the risk of human error.

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➡️ Generate accurate reports
Easily create statutory reports (EMP201, EMP501, IRP5/IT3a) to meet SARS requirements.

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➡️ Stay legislation-ready
Sage keeps their products in line with South African legislation so stay up to date with simple updates and legislative releases.

Want help setting this up?

MRBM will support in making sure your payroll is accurate, compliant and stress-free.

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Build a Stronger Business with the Good to Great Framework

At MRBM, we’re always looking for simple, powerful ways to help business owners build companies that last.

One book that consistently delivers is Good to Great by Jim Collins—a classic study on what separates average companies from exceptional ones.

Here’s a quick summary of the 7 key principles great companies follow—and how you can apply them in your own business:

✅ 1. LEADERSHIP
Level 5 Leadership: Humble, determined leaders build enduring success by putting the company first.
→ For SMBs: Lead with purpose. Focus on legacy, not ego.

✅ 2. HIRING
First Who, Then What: Start with the right people, then decide on strategy.
→ Hire for attitude and values—skills can be trained.

✅ 3. TRUTH
Confront the Brutal Facts: Face tough truths head-on, but never lose faith.
→ Use data, not hope, to make decisions.

✅ 4. VISION
The Hedgehog Concept: Great businesses focus on the overlap between:
    ✓ What you do best
    ✓ What drives profit
    ✓ What you’re passionate about
→ Define your niche and double down on it.

✅ 5. DISCIPLINE
Culture of Discipline: People take ownership and stay focused—without micromanagement.
→ Set clear goals. Empower your team. Stick to the plan.

✅ 6. TECHNOLOGY
Technology Accelerators: Technology supports momentum—it doesn’t create it.
→ Only invest in systems (automation, analytics) that scale your strengths—like Sage.

✅ 7. MOMENTUM
The Flywheel Effect: Greatness comes from consistent, compounding effort.
→ Avoid quick fixes. Focus on small wins, repeated daily.

 

“Good to Great is not a business theory. It’s a disciplined way of life.”
— Jim Collins

Want to explore how these principles apply to your business?
Whether it’s aligning your team, improving financial systems, or choosing the right tools—MRBM is here to help you focus, simplify, and scale. Let’s chat about where you are and where you want to go.

 

Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

Easy Checklist for Payroll and HR Compliance

Tips to avoid penalties and stay compliant.

Payroll and HR compliance involves more than just paying salaries. From contracts and tax submissions to leave policies and employee records — it all adds up.

Use this checklist to ensure you’re meeting your obligations and protecting your business.  Or outsource to MRBM and our experts will handle it for you!

✅ 1. Company & Employee Registration 

  • Ensure employment contracts comply with the BCEA
  • Collect and verify employee ID documents, tax numbers, and bank details
  • Submit IRP5/IT3(a) certificates annually
  • Register foreign workers with the Department of Home Affairs, if applicable

✅ 2. Statutory Deductions & Contributions

  • Calculate PAYE correctly and deduct monthly
  • Submit SDL (1% of total payroll) if annual payroll > R500,000
  • Deduct and contribute UIF (1% employer + 1% employee)
  • Process retirement fund contributions (if part of the package)
  • Include medical aid contributions (if applicable)
  • Correctly apply fringe benefits tax (e.g., company car, housing)

✅ 3. Monthly & Annual SARS Submissions

  • Submit EMP201 returns by the 7th of each month
  • Make SARS payments timeously
  • File EMP501 reconciliations in Feb and Aug
  • Issue IRP5s after annual reconciliation
  • Submit COIDA Return of Earnings (ROE) annually

✅ 4. Record Keeping (BCEA Requirement: keep for 3 years)

  • Employee details, contracts, and payslips
  • Payroll reports, attendance, and leave records
  • Bonus structures and salary adjustments
  • Disciplinary actions and termination documents

✅ 5. Labour Law Compliance

  • Align contracts with BCEA, LRA, and EEA
  • Provide written particulars of employment
  • Implement leave and grievance procedures
  • Meet Employment Equity requirements (if applicable)
  • Appoint Health & Safety reps (20+ employees)
  • Display mandatory labour law posters visibly 

✅ 6. Terminations & Retrenchments

  • Provide UI-19 and separation documents
  • Pay outstanding remuneration correctly
  • Submit final EMP201 and update payroll records
  • Follow fair procedures as per LRA
  • Comply with section 189 for retrenchments

✅ 7. Optional but Recommended

  • Use compliant payroll software, like Sage
  • Conduct regular internal audits
  • Stay informed on updates to BCEA, SARS, UIF & COIDA
  • Get advice from an employer organisation or HR expert

 

Need help with Payroll or HR compliance? Get in touch: info@mrbm.co.za  /  031 818 9030.

If you’d prefer hands-on support, our Payroll Bureau and HR Consulting services will take care of everything for you.