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Taxable Income Estimator — South Africa

Estimate your taxable income for the current SARS tax year. See which deductions apply and get a clear picture of your tax liability before filing.

Last updated: May 2026

SARS income tax: All SA-source income is aggregated into a single taxable amount. Deductions (RA), rebates (age-based), and medical credits reduce your final liability.

Personal Details

Age

yrs

Tax Year

Employment Income

Annual salary / wages (gross)

Freelance / Commission optional

Gross freelance income

Allowable business expenses

Rental Income optional

Annual rental received

Allowable rental expenses

Interest & Capital Gains optional

Annual interest earned

R23 800 exemption (R34 500 if 65+)

Capital gain this year

R40k annual exclusion; 40% inclusion rate applies

Deductions & Credits

Annual RA contributions

Capped at 27.5% of income or R350 000

Medical aid members (incl. yourself)

Additional qualifying dependants optional

Estimates your total taxable income after common SA deductions — RA contributions, medical aid credits, travel allowances — to show what you'll actually be taxed on.

Key inputs explained

Gross salary: Total remuneration before any deductions.
RA / pension contributions: Tax-deductible up to 27.5% of taxable income (max R350 000/year).
Travel allowance: Only 80% of a travel allowance is included in taxable income if your employer is satisfied you use the vehicle for business.

Medical aid contributions don't reduce your taxable income directly — instead, SARS gives you a Medical Tax Credit (MTC) that directly reduces your PAYE bill. The distinction matters when planning.

PAYE Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key deductions include: Retirement Annuity (RA) contributions (up to 27.5% of income, max R350,000/year), pension fund contributions, travel allowance (business km at SARS rate), home office expenses, and wear and tear on income-producing assets. Section 18A donations to approved charities also qualify.

A deduction reduces your taxable income before tax is calculated. A rebate directly reduces the tax payable after it has been calculated. An RA contribution of R10,000 saves you R10,000 × your marginal rate in tax. A medical aid credit of R364/month reduces your actual tax bill by R364 — a rand-for-rand reduction regardless of your tax rate.

If your employer pays a travel allowance, 80% of it is included in your taxable income by default. At year-end, you can claim actual business kilometres at the SARS rate per km using a logbook. If your actual business use is above 80%, you can claim more back; if below 80%, you may owe additional tax. Keeping a logbook is essential.