On a salary of R500,000, a person under 65 keeps about R397,603 a year after income tax and UIF — an effective rate of about 20.5%. Enter your own income below.
2025/2026 tax brackets
| Taxable income | Rate of tax |
|---|---|
| 0 – R237,100 | 18% |
| R237,101 – R370,500 | R42,678 + 26% of excess |
| R370,501 – R512,800 | R77,362 + 31% of excess |
| R512,801 – R673,000 | R121,475 + 36% of excess |
| R673,001 – R857,900 | R179,147 + 39% of excess |
| R857,901 – R1,817,000 | R251,258 + 41% of excess |
| R1,817,001+ | R644,489 + 45% of excess |
Less rebates: primary R17,235; +R9,444 (65–74); +R3,145 (75+). Tax threshold (under 65) ≈ R95,750.
How South African pay works
Your employer deducts PAYE (income tax) and UIF (1%, capped at R177.12/month) from your salary. The income tax is calculated on the brackets above, then reduced by your age-based rebate. Retirement-annuity and pension contributions and medical-aid credits can lower your tax further — these aren't included here.
More South Africa tools & guides
- South Africa hub — all ZA calculators & guides.
- VAT calculator — add or remove 15% VAT.
- Compound Interest — grow your savings & RA.
- Bond / Mortgage Calculator — home loan repayments.
Frequently asked questions
How much income tax do I pay in South Africa in 2025/2026?
From 18% (up to R237,100) to 45% (above R1,817,000), less the R17,235 primary rebate. On R500,000 that's about R100,272 plus UIF, ~R397,600 take-home.
What is the tax threshold?
About R95,750 (under 65), higher for 65–74 and 75+ due to extra rebates.
What is UIF?
1% of pay (employer matches), capped at R177.12/month — about R2,125/year max.
Is this accurate for 2025/2026?
It uses SARS 2025/2026 brackets, rebates and the UIF ceiling. It's a simplified estimate excluding pension/RA deductions and medical-aid credits.
Estimates for guidance only, not tax advice. Confirm with SARS or a registered tax practitioner.