How to Object to a COIDA Assessment: The 30-Day Revision Rule

Valid Grounds for Objection

• Wrong industry classification – you were tariffed as high-risk manufacturing when you are low-risk professional services (check industry classes).
• Wrong earnings base – the Fund used figures that ignore the per-employee earnings cap (R633,168 / R668,000) or include people who left before the period.
• Estimated assessment – issued under section 83(6)(a) because your ROE was not received. File the ROE first, then request revision.
• Duplicate assessment – for example amounts already administered by RMA after a Class XIII transfer.

The Process, Step by Step

1. Act within 30 calendar days of the Notice of Assessment date – late objections are routinely refused.
2. Write to the Compensation Fund (keep proof of submission) stating your CF number, the invoice number, the grounds, and the corrected figures.
3. Attach evidence: payroll summaries, audited or signed financials, the submitted ROE, and any classification correspondence.
4. Follow up in writing every few weeks and keep a reference number for every call (0860 105 350).
5. If the revision is refused, escalate through the Fund’s objection channels – and see the objection and appeal process for the wider framework.

Must You Pay While Objecting?

Assume yes unless the Fund agrees otherwise in writing – unpaid amounts attract interest and block your Letter of Good Standing while the dispute drags on. A common strategy is to pay (or arrange instalments with 20% upfront) and pursue the refund through the revision. If your business is administered by RMA, lodge the objection with RMA instead (RMA guide).

Prevention Beats Objection

Most wrong assessments trace back to a stale classification or a sloppy ROE. Review your classification whenever your business changes, and reconcile payroll to the ROE before submitting (ROE deadlines).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to object to a COIDA assessment?

30 calendar days from the date of the Notice of Assessment. Late applications are routinely refused, so act immediately.

What evidence do I need for a COIDA assessment objection?

Payroll summaries, signed or audited financial statements, your submitted Return of Earnings, and proof of your correct industry classification.

Do I still pay the assessment while my objection is pending?

Yes, unless the Fund agrees otherwise in writing. Interest accrues on unpaid assessments and your Letter of Good Standing is blocked, so paying (or arranging instalments) while disputing is the safer route.

The Fund assessed me but I never filed an ROE. What now?

That is an estimated assessment under section 83(6)(a). Submit the outstanding ROE immediately, then apply for a revision so the assessment is recalculated on real figures.

Where do RMA employers lodge assessment objections?

With Rand Mutual Assurance directly, not the Compensation Fund – the same 30-day discipline applies. RMA is on 0860 222 132.

Related COIDA Guides

• Notice of Assessment Guide
• Assessment Instalment Plan
• Industry Classes and Tariffs
• ROE Penalties
• Legal Support, Disputes and Appeals
• Earnings Cap 2026

Official Resources

• CFOnline – view assessments
• Department of Employment and Labour
• COIDA Act 130 of 1993 (full text, gov.za)
• Rand Mutual Assurance

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 against Department of Employment and Labour and Compensation Fund sources. COIDASA is a division of AdminBoss – South African employer compliance specialists.