All GEPF clients (members, pensioners and beneficiaries) have the responsibility to submit their tax returns to SARS every year during the income tax return season. Pensioners and beneficiaries should obtain the IRP5 from GEPF in order to submit their income tax returns in line with requirements. Active members can obtain these from their employers. 

Please note if the source of income is only from GEPF (no other income sources and no other pension from GEPF (e.g. husband or wife pension in addition to the pensioner’s pension) and the pension is R350 000 or below, and the GEPF deducted the correct tax and no deductions or medical tax credit rebate that the pensioner wants to claim, the pensioner is not required to submit an income tax return. 

Take note: 

Receiving income from more than one income source 

If a pensioner or beneficiary is receiving income from more than one source and each pays money to SARS on your behalf for tax, you might be paying less tax than you need to because the combined income may put you into a higher tax bracket. This means you will have to pay in more at the end of the tax year when SARS gives you an assessment after you submit your income tax return. You can however request the GEPF in writing to deduct additional tax to make provision for an extra deduction paid to SARS. This could prevent pensioners from paying higher arrears to SARS upon tax assessment. Additional tax /voluntary tax deductions will be added to the PAYE on the IRP5 certificate at the end of the tax year. 

Garnishee orders (IT88/AA88) from SARS 

SARS legally appoints the employer (GEPF) in terms of Section 179 of the Tax Administration Act ,28 of 2011 to withhold and immediately pay over to SARS monies/tax owed in the form of AA88 and IT88 (garnishee orders) .. These deductions will not be updated or included on the tax certificate issued at the end of the tax year. The request to cancel the garnishee order will only be done upon receipt of a Withdrawal of Third Party Appointment letter from SARS.