e@syFile Employer vs Symmetry Tax Engine
e@syFile Employer
sars.gov.zaSymmetry Tax Engine
symmetry.comSide by side
| Figure | e@syFile Employer | Symmetry Tax Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Payroll Tax Software | 7.5 (#19) | 8.0 (#12) |
| Intended users | SARS identifies employers and payroll administrators as users of e@syFile Employer. | Symmetry lists software developers, payroll or HR service providers, large employers, payroll managers, entrepreneurs, and payment companies as potential users. |
| Purpose | SARS says the software helps employers and payroll administrators manage their tax affairs. | Symmetry Tax Engine is a gross-to-net payroll tax calculation engine for building, embedding, and scaling payroll platforms. |
Plans
In their own words
e@syFile Employer
e@syFile Employer is free Windows software from SARS for employers and payroll administrators managing tax affairs. It lets users complete, submit, and revise Monthly Employer Declarations (EMP201) and Employer Reconciliation Declarations (EMP501). The software includes Employer Account management, Third Party Appointment (AA88) tools, and an Income Tax Registration function for registering employees. Tax certificate imports and EMP501 data capture can be performed offline, while submission to SARS requires an internet connection. SARS describes the software as linked to eFiling, with submissions sent through that service. Minimum requirements are Windows 10 (64 bit), 8 GB RAM, and 2 GB of hard-drive space. SARS advises backing up PAYE information before installation because installation may delete current information. Old e@syFile Flex backups cannot be restored in the new e@syFile TC application.
Symmetry Tax Engine
Symmetry Tax Engine calculates gross-to-net payroll taxes for software platforms, payroll providers, employers, and payment companies. It covers federal, state, local, and employer taxes across all 50 U.S. states, U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, and Canada, with calculations for more than 7,000 jurisdictions. Listed tax types include federal withholding, FICA, paid family and medical leave, unemployment and disability taxes, benefits and pre-tax benefit rules, and local taxes such as city, county, school district, and municipality taxes. Deployment is available as a hosted Web API or an on-premise SDK installed in a customer’s environment. The API supports JSON and XML; the SDK supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, with interfaces including C/C++, Java, .NET, .NET Core, and Delphi. The paid product has no free plan, offers a trial by contacting Symmetry, and has pricing on request. Symmetry is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was founded in 1984.