Special remuneration covers irregular or unusual payments that do not fit the ordinary salary, allowance or bonus categories and that SARS wants reported under their own source codes. It is a catch-all for amounts needing distinct tax treatment.
What it means
Some payments are neither regular pay nor a standard once-off bonus - they arise from particular circumstances and carry specific tax rules or reporting requirements. Grouping them as special remuneration ensures they are taxed and disclosed correctly rather than being lumped in with normal earnings.
Where it fits in
Special remuneration is an earnings component added when it arises, and its PAYE treatment depends on the specific payment - some are annualised, some may require a directive. Each maps to the IRP5 source code SARS prescribes for that type of payment.
Key rules
- Irregular remuneration outside the standard salary and allowance categories.
- Taxed and reported according to the specific payment type.
- May be annualised or governed by a directive depending on the amount.
- Mapped to the prescribed IRP5 source code for accurate disclosure.
