South Africa Income Tax Calculator
Estimate income tax in South Africa across a tax-free allowance and two rate bands, with effective and marginal rates.
About South Africa Income Tax Calculator
Progressive systems tax each slice of income at its own rate rather than applying one rate to the whole amount. That is why the effective rate is always below the marginal rate — only the last slice is taxed at the top rate you reach. Indicative bands for South Africa. Confusing the marginal rate with the effective rate leads people to believe a pay rise leaves them worse off, which progressive banding never does.
Formula
South Africa Income Tax
Tax = (band 1 income × basic rate) + (income above the threshold × higher rate)
- allowance
- Income taxed at zero per cent
- threshold
- Income level where the higher rate begins
Frequently Asked Questions
How is South Africa Income Tax calculated?
Tax = (band 1 income × basic rate) + (income above the threshold × higher rate) Progressive systems tax each slice of income at its own rate rather than applying one rate to the whole amount. That is why the effective rate is always below the marginal rate — only the last slice is taxed at the top rate you reach.
Why does South Africa Income Tax matter?
Indicative bands for South Africa. Confusing the marginal rate with the effective rate leads people to believe a pay rise leaves them worse off, which progressive banding never does.
What values do I need to enter?
This calculator takes 5 inputs: Annual taxable income, Tax-free allowance, Basic rate, Income where the higher rate starts, Higher rate. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.
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South Africa specifics
- Currency
- R ZARSouth African Rand
- Region
- Africa
- Country code
- ZA
- Amounts look like
- R 1 234 567,89
- Dates look like
- 09 Mar 2026
- Units
- metricWeek starts Sunday
In South Africa, a comma marks the decimal and a full stop groups thousands.
Results on this page are expressed in ZAR (South African Rand). Figures are estimates for general planning — confirm current rates and thresholds with the relevant South Africa authority before relying on them.
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