Income tax brackets in South Africa for 2026: An easy guide
Income tax plays a crucial role in sustaining a country's economy by funding government operations, public services, and national obligations. Understanding the Income tax brackets in South Africa for 2026 is essential, as the amount of tax you pay depends on your earnings, with higher incomes attracting higher tax rates.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Tax rates for individuals vary depending on their income.
- Those earning less income pay less in taxes than those involved in higher-paying jobs.
- Tax brackets in South Africa are subject to change yearly, but have not changed from last year to this year.
Income tax brackets in South Africa for 2026
SARS tax brackets determine what you will pay in annual income taxes, with regard to, but not limited to, your income.
What salary is taxable in South Africa?
According to QuickBooks, you are eligible to pay income tax under the following conditions:
- You earn over R95,750 and are younger than 65.
- If you are 65 or older but younger than 75, the tax threshold is R165,689.
How much tax do I pay in 2026 if I earn R6,000?
As mentioned by TaxTim, tax brackets are relevant from an annual earning of R73,650. Salaries of less are not eligible for income tax, including a monthly earning of R6,000.
SARS tax table for 2027
Here are the SARS income tax tables for the 2026 tax season, with information from the SARS tax tables on the SARS website.
Taxable income in rands | Tax rates in rands |
1 – 245 100 | 18% of taxable income |
245 101 – 383 100 | 44 118 + 26% of taxable income above 245 100 |
383 101 – 530 200 | 79 998 + 31% of taxable income above 383 100 |
530 201 – 695 800 | 125 599 + 36% of taxable income above 530 200 |
695 801 – 887 000 | 185 215 + 39% of taxable income above 695 800 |
887 001 – 1 878 600 | 259 783 + 41% of taxable income above 887 000 |
1 878 601 and above | 666 339 + 45% of taxable income above 1 878 600 |
2026 tax year
The 2026 tax year is the same as the 2025 and 2024 ones, with no changes. Here are the values.
Taxable income in rands | Tax rates in rands |
R1 to R237,100 | 18% of taxable income |
R237,101 to R370,500 | R42,678 + 26% of taxable income above R237,100 |
R370,501 to R512,800 | R77,362 + 31% of taxable income above R370,500 |
R512,801 to R673,000 | R121,475 + 36% of taxable income above R512,800 |
R673,001 to R857,900 | R179,147 + 39% of taxable income above R673,000 |
R857,901 to R1,817,000 | R251,258 + 41% of taxable income above R857,900 |
R1,817,001 and above | R644,489 + 45% of taxable income above R1,817,000 |
Source: Getty Images
Tax from previous years
Knowing the country's income tax values from previous years gives you valuable insight into how income tax rates have fluctuated in South Africa, especially when inflation is factored in. How do the last years compare?
Income tax brackets in South Africa for 2023
Certain values remained similar to the 2023 and 2022 tax years, whereas others in the higher income brackets notably increased. Here are the relevant values:
Taxable income in rands | Tax rates in rands |
R1 to R226,000 | 18% of taxable income |
R226,001 to R353,100 | R40,680 + 26% of taxable income above R226,000 |
R353,101 to R488,700 | R73,726 + 31% of taxable income above R353,100 |
R488,701 to R641, 400 | R115,762 + 36% of taxable income above R488,700 |
R641,401 to R817,600 | R170,734 + 39% of taxable income above R641,400 |
R817,601 to R1,731,600 | R239,452 + 41% of taxable income above R817,600 |
R1,731,601 and above | R614,192 + 45% of taxable income above R1,731,600 |
2021 tax year
There are no values to compare the tax year to other years, but the values increase slightly each year. These were the 2021 tax year values:
Taxable income in rands | Tax rates in rands |
R1 to R216,200 | 18% of taxable income |
R216,201 to R337,800 | R38,916 + 26% of taxable income above R216,200 |
R337,801 to R467,500 | R70,532 + 31% of taxable income above R337,800 |
R467,501 to R613,600 | R110,739 + 36% of taxable income above R467,500 |
R613,601 to R782,200 | R163,335 + 39% of taxable income above R613,600 |
R782,201 to R1,656,600 | R229,089 + 41% of taxable income above R782,200 |
R1,656,601 and above | R587,593 + 45% of taxable income above R1,656,600 |
Source: Getty Images
What is a tax rebate?
According to TaxTim, a tax rebate is a value for which SARS reduces the taxes owed, depending on specific circumstances. SARS calculates the amount owed based on your annual income and expenses, and if certain conditions apply, the amount is reduced.
Age is the most common rebate factor, and the amounts are adjusted yearly across three levels based on an individual's age, with a larger reduction in the amount owed to SARS at each level. The three levels for South Africans eligible for income tax include:
- A primary rebate (under 65 years old)
- A secondary rebate (for those between 65 and 75 years old)
- A tertiary rebate (over 75 years old)
Tax Rebates
There are no reported changes from last year regarding the February 21, 2024, tax rebate values. Here are the values for each level:
Tax Rebate | 2027 | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
Primary | R17 820 | R17 235 | R17 235 | R17 235 | R16 425 |
Secondary (65 and older) | R9 765 | R9 444 | R9 444 | R9 444 | R9 000 |
Tertiary (75 and older) | R3 249 | R3 145 | R3 145 | R3 145 | R2 997 |
What are tax thresholds?
Under South Africa's tax system, each individual is entitled to a specific amount of income that is not taxed. The tax threshold is the financial limit regarding the income eligible for deduction, and the threshold is higher as you age. Here is a breakdown of the tax thresholds.
Age group | 2027 | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
Under 65 | R99 000 | R95 750 | R95 750 | R95 750 | R91 250 |
65 and older | R153 250 | R148 217 | R148 217 | R148 217 | R141 250 |
75 and older | R171 300 | R165 689 | R165 689 | R165 689 | R157 900 |
Source: Getty Images
How to calculate tax from salary
Various online platforms provide a digital calculator to establish your tax income, including details about the other aspects of your income, like pension and provident funds, that impact it. The SARS tax calculator for the income tax brackets in South Africa for 2026 includes:
- The year you wish to calculate income tax for.
- Your total salary before deductions.
- The frequency at which you are paid (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and yearly).
- Whether your salary includes contributions to a pension, provident fund or RAF.
- Whether your salary includes a travel allowance.
- Your age (for tax rebate purposes).
What is the tax bracket for 2026 in South Africa?
The tax brackets for 2026 in South Africa are progressive, starting at 18% for income up to R245,100 and increasing to a maximum of 45% for income above R1,878,600. As your income rises, the tax rate applied to each portion of your earnings increases accordingly.
What is the new tax table for 2026?
The new tax table for 2026 in South Africa (applicable from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027) remains progressive, with rates ranging from 18% to 45%. It starts at 18% for income up to R245,100 and increases across seven brackets, reaching 45% for income above R1,878,600.
What is the new tax regime in 2026?
The new tax regime in 2026 in South Africa mainly refers to updated tax policies introduced in the 2026 Budget, where personal income tax brackets and rebates were adjusted for inflation after two years of no changes. This means taxpayers get slight relief, as income thresholds increased while the progressive tax system (18% to 45%) remains the same.
The tax process may seem daunting and complicated, but the Income tax brackets in South Africa that SARS uses to determine your tax liability make it easier to understand and help you calculate the tax you owe. Consulting an accountant can also help avoid any confusion.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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