Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your South African income tax and take-home pay instantly using the latest SARS tax tables
Income Tax Calculator for South Africa
Use our free South African income tax calculator to instantly calculate your PAYE tax and net salary. Get accurate estimates based on the latest SARS tax tables for 2026/27, including pension benefits and tax rebates.
South African Tax Guide 2026/27
1. Understanding Taxable Income
Key Components:
Gross Income: Your total earnings before any deductions.
Allowable Deductions: Expenses or contributions that are legally subtracted from your income, reducing the taxable portion.
If your gross income is R500,000 per year and you contribute R50,000 to a retirement fund, your taxable income becomes:
R500,000 - R50,000 = R450,000
2. Tax Thresholds
2027 Tax Year Thresholds (1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027):
Under 65 years old: R99,000
65 to 74 years old: R153,250
75 years and older: R171,300
3. Tax Deductions
Retirement Annuity Contributions: Up to 27.5% of your taxable income (capped at R350,000 annually)
Medical Aid Contributions: Qualify for tax credits
Donations: Up to 10% of taxable income to registered PBOs
4. Tax Credits
Medical Tax Credits:
First two beneficiaries: R364 per month each
Additional beneficiaries: R246 per month each
5. Tax Filing and Returns
You must submit a return if:
• Your income exceeds the tax threshold
• You earned income from multiple sources
• You received allowances, taxable benefits, or capital gains
Key Takeaways
• Taxable Income = Gross Income - Deductions
• Tax thresholds determine if you need to pay tax
• South Africa uses a progressive tax system with increasing rates as income rises
• Rebates reduce tax owed, and credits (like medical credits) reduce taxes further
Income Tax Rates for South Africa (2026/27)
The following tax tables are used by SARS to calculate your income tax in South Africa for the 2026/27 tax year. These rates apply to all South African residents for tax purposes.
Income Tax Rates
| Taxable Income | Rate of Tax |
|---|---|
| R0 - R245,100 | 18% of taxable income |
| R245,101 - R383,100 | R44,118 + 26% of taxable income above R245,100 |
| R383,101 - R530,200 | R79,998 + 31% of taxable income above R383,100 |
| R530,201 - R695,800 | R125,599 + 36% of taxable income above R530,200 |
| R695,801 - R887,000 | R185,215 + 39% of taxable income above R695,800 |
| R887,001 - R1,878,600 | R259,783 + 41% of taxable income above R887,000 |
| R1,878,601 and above | R666,339 + 45% of taxable income above R1,878,600 |
Tax Rebates
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Primary Rebate (All Ages) | R17,820 |
| Secondary Rebate (65 years and older) | R9,765 |
| Tertiary Rebate (75 years and older) | R3,249 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?
Our calculator uses the latest SARS tax tables and rates, ensuring accurate calculations for the 2024 tax year.
What is included in gross salary?
Gross salary includes your basic salary, bonuses, overtime, and any other taxable benefits before any deductions.
How are tax rebates calculated?
Tax rebates are based on your age. You get a primary rebate (R17,820), plus additional rebates if you're 65 or older as outlined in the above table. These rebates are deducted from your tax due to SARS
What about medical aid credits?
This calculator focuses on basic income tax. For a complete tax assessment including medical credits, please contact our tax consultants.
How is income tax calculated in South Africa?
Income tax in South Africa is calculated using a progressive tax system set by SARS. Your annual income determines which tax bracket you fall into, and different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. The calculator takes into account your gross salary, pension contributions, and applicable tax rebates to determine your final tax amount and net salary.
What tax rebates are available in South Africa?
SARS offers different tax rebates based on your age. For the 2026/27 tax year, the primary rebate for all taxpayers is R17,820. Additional rebates are available for those 65 and older (secondary rebate of R9,765) and 75 and older (tertiary rebate of R3,249). These rebates directly reduce your tax liability.
How do pension contributions affect my South African income tax?
Pension contributions in South Africa can significantly reduce your taxable income. You can deduct up to 27.5% of your gross remuneration or taxable income (whichever is higher) for contributions to pension, provident, and retirement annuity funds, subject to an annual limit of R350,000. Our calculator shows you exactly how much tax you can save through pension contributions.
What is the two-pot retirement system in South Africa?
The new two-pot retirement system in South Africa splits your pension contributions into two portions: a savings pot (one-third) that you can access during your career, and a retirement pot (two-thirds) that is preserved until retirement. This system aims to balance immediate financial needs with long-term retirement security. Our calculator shows you exactly how your contributions would be split between these pots.