What should appear
The Department of Employment and Labour says a payslip should identify the employer and worker, the pay period, total remuneration, deductions and the amount actually paid. Where relevant, it should also show rates and ordinary, overtime, Sunday or public-holiday hours.
Read it from top to bottom
- Earnings: basic salary, overtime, commission, bonus and allowances.
- Taxable benefits: employer-provided benefits that may increase taxable remuneration.
- Statutory deductions: usually PAYE and employee UIF where applicable.
- Agreed deductions: retirement fund, medical scheme, union fees or other authorised items.
- Net pay: the amount expected in your bank account.
What to query
Ask payroll about unfamiliar deductions, missing overtime, an incorrect tax number, the wrong banking amount or benefits that differ from your contract. Keep the payslip and written response.
A simple example
Gross earnings of R25 000 can become lower taxable remuneration after an eligible retirement contribution, while PAYE, UIF and employee-paid benefits reduce the final bank deposit.
Common mistakes
- Looking only at net pay
- Assuming every deduction is compulsory
- Deleting payslips after payment arrives
Quick checklist
- Match your name, ID or tax number and pay period
- Check salary, overtime, bonus and leave information
- Understand every deduction
- Compare net pay with the bank deposit
Frequently asked questions
What is the main takeaway from how to understand your payslip?
Check every payslip; a small repeating error becomes a large problem when left for months.
What should I do first?
Match your name, ID or tax number and pay period
What is a common mistake?
Looking only at net pay
Use the numbers, not a guess
Try a free calculator or continue with a related South African guide.
Related guides
Reviewed on 27 July 2026. Official links below are the source of current legal, tax or regulatory facts; practical guidance is general.