SARS Income Tax Calculator

Calculate your personal income tax using the latest 2025/2026 South African tax rates, rebates, and thresholds.

Latest Tax Updates

The 2025/2026 tax year runs from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Key updates include adjusted tax brackets and increased primary rebate to R17,235.

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Tax Calculation Result

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Annual Tax Liability

Tax Breakdown

Taxable Income (Annual):
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Income Tax (before rebates):
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Primary Rebate:
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Age Rebate:
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Medical Credits:
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Tax Payable (Annual):
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Monthly Tax Payable:
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Your Tax Bracket

Taxable Income Rate of Tax

Optimise Your Tax: Key Strategies

Explore legitimate ways to potentially reduce your tax liability in South Africa.

Maximise Retirement Contributions

Contributions to approved Retirement Annuities (RAs), pension, or provident funds are tax-deductible up to certain limits. Increasing these contributions can lower your taxable income.

Utilise Medical Expense Deductions

Beyond the fixed medical scheme fees tax credit, you may claim additional tax credits for qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses above a certain threshold, especially if you are over 65 or have a disability.

Donate to Approved Charities

Donations made to Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) approved by SARS are tax-deductible, up to a limit of 10% of your taxable income (before the donation deduction). Ensure you receive a Section 18A certificate.

Explore Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)

While contributions are not tax-deductible, growth (interest, dividends, capital gains) within a TFSA is completely tax-free. Withdrawals are also tax-free. This is a powerful tool for long-term savings.

Understand Allowable Business Expenses (if applicable)

If you earn income from a trade (e.g., rental income, freelance work), ensure you claim all legitimate business expenses incurred in the production of that income. Keep accurate records.

Claim Travel Expenses (under specific conditions)

If you receive a travel allowance or use a company car and your duties require you to travel for work, you may be able to claim a deduction for business travel expenses. Detailed logbooks are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about South African personal income tax.

What is the tax year in South Africa?

The South African tax year runs from 1 March to the last day of February the following year. For example, the 2025/2026 tax year runs from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026.

What are tax rebates?

Tax rebates are credits that reduce the amount of tax you need to pay. In South Africa, there are three types of rebates:

  • Primary rebate: Available to all taxpayers
  • Secondary rebate: Additional credit for taxpayers aged 65 and over
  • Tertiary rebate: Additional credit for taxpayers aged 75 and over
How are medical tax credits calculated?

Medical tax credits consist of two components:

  1. Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC): A fixed monthly amount for the taxpayer and their dependents who are members of a medical scheme.
  2. Additional Medical Expenses Tax Credit: A percentage of qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses that weren't reimbursed by your medical aid.

The calculation varies based on your age and whether you or any of your dependents have a disability.

What retirement contributions are tax-deductible?

Contributions to pension funds, provident funds, and retirement annuities are tax-deductible, subject to certain limits. The deduction is limited to the lesser of:

  • R350,000 per year, or
  • 27.5% of the higher of your remuneration or taxable income, or
  • 27.5% of your taxable income
When is the deadline for tax returns in South Africa?

The deadlines for filing tax returns typically fall into these categories:

  • Non-provisional taxpayers filing via eFiling: Usually late November/early December
  • Provisional taxpayers filing via eFiling: Usually end of January the following year
  • Manual/paper submissions: Usually earlier than electronic submissions

SARS announces the exact dates each year, so it's important to check the official SARS website for the current year's filing season dates.