If you would like any assistance to register for SDL, please use the following link:

https://www.swiftreg.co.za/Swiftreg/P...

We at SwiftReg look forward to assisting you. We have a dedicated call center 021-595 44 33 (available during business hours) alternative please browser our website on https://www.swiftreg.co.za/index.aspx for more services.

And now for the video script... :)

In this short video I am going to explain everything you need to know about the skills development levy or SDL as it is known. What it is for? How it works? Who should pay and how much?
SDL is a compulsory tax paid by employers whose staff bill exceeds R500 000 per year. It is therefore aimed at established businesses so fortunately start-ups do not have to register for SDL. Only once your staff bill reaches the R0.5 million per year mark does it becomes compulsory to register and pay the SDL levy. The amount is always 1% of the total monthly salary bill paid each month to SARS. The total salary bill includes overtime payments, leave pay, bonuses, commissions and lumpsum payments.
Although SARS collects the more than R17 billion of SDL each year, the money is given to the Department of Higher Education who manages and distributes it. The intention of the funds is to encouraging learning and skills development of employees and job seekers through skills development programs, internships and bursaries. The Department of Higher Education allocates 80% of the money to 21 different Sector Education Training Authorities or (SETA’s) and 20% to the National Skills Fund and it is these institutions which are responsible for the range of skills development programs.

There is some good news for employers who contributed to the levy as you can claim some money back as a reimbursement for the investment you made to train your staff. For more information on this check out the SETA website. www.servicesseta.org.za

The information you require to register for SDL is exactly the same as the PAYE and UIF requirements, having said this we have separated the applications due to the extra requirement of the R0.5mil annual salary bill which is required for SDL, but not for PAYE and UIF registrations.

SARS will require your company name, registration number, income tax number and business description. You will also need to estimate the total amount of your payroll for the next 12 months as well as the estimated number of employees the payroll will be based on. As always SARS will require a letter from your bank confirming the companies banking details. All of this information can be scanned and emailed to us.

Finally, the SDL must be paid together with the PAYE and UIF within seven days after the end of the month. If the last day for payment falls on a public holiday or weekend, the payment must be made on the last business day before the public holiday or weekend.

I hope this has been helpful so as always remember WE ARE HERE TO HELP