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    Benefits

    13th month

    Another name for a 13th cheque or annual bonus — one month's extra pay, taxable in full.

    Full definition

    '13th month' is a common informal term for an annual bonus equal to one month's salary, paid on top of the 12 monthly salaries. It is fully taxable at source code 3605.

    Automate 13th month in your payroll

    Payroll Africa handles 13th month calculations automatically for South African employers — SARS-aligned for 2026/27. From R90/month.

    Browse the full South African payroll glossary — 55 terms explained.

    Let payroll handle 13th month for you

    Payroll Africa calculates it automatically every month for South African employers — SARS-aligned, with payslips, EMP201 and IRP5 included.

    • No card required
    • 30-day free trial
    • Free migration from Sage, SimplePay, PaySpace or Excel
    • Cancel anytime

    Run Payroll Africa alongside your current system until you're happy to switch.