"SARS Is Just Doing Its Own Thing": CA (SA) Payslip's Take-Home Pay After 2 Years Sparks Big Debate

• A South African CA (SA) shared their payslip on TikTok, revealing a R79,000 total package after just 2 years in finance
• The payslip showed a basic salary of R72,300, with deductions of over R23,000, leaving a net pay of just under R49,000
• Accountants and graduates flooded the comments, questioning their own career paths and SARS's impact

A chartered accountant in South Africa shared their payslip on TikTok on 29 August 2026, and the numbers got people talking fast. The video, posted by @Life Reset With Boni, was a reply to a question from @shaun.naidoo57 about what a CA (SA) earns working in finance with two years of experience.

The payslip showed a basic salary of R72,300, with a medical aid contribution of R2,750 and a pension of just over R4,116, bringing the total package to approximately R79,167. After tax, UIF and pension deductions totalling R23,304, the net pay came to R48,995.

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The PAYE deduction alone came to R18,377, a figure that drew sharp reactions from viewers who felt SARS was taking too large a slice. The pension contribution on the deductions side of the payslip was listed separately at R4,750, which some viewers flagged as inconsistent with the pensionable salary shown. For many young accounting graduates watching, the payslip @liferesetwithboni shared was a rare, honest look at what the CA route actually pays in the early years, and it prompted some to reconsider their own career decisions. Watch the payslip breakdown that started the conversation:

SA accountants dicusses payslip

South Africans in the comments had plenty to say:

@lesediteffo8 said:

"This is good I have an accounting degree but work in procurement I think I must go back to CA route"

@Mandisa said:

"Wow, it's really good hey! Mina, I have 3 years post-qualifying and I'm not making that much"

@Andiswa🌻 wrote:

"If no-one hates SARS then I am dead 😩"

@V✍️ noted:

"Pensionable salary 72k but only contributing 4k on the retirement plan 😏 SARS is just doing its own thing, my Lord."

Other Briefly News stories of payslips

• Boni Xaba's viral breakdown of an underground miner’s monthly payslip revealed gross earnings of R95,060, which sparked intense discussions across South Africa.
• A hydro power driller from Stilfontein sparked widespread conversation by revealing his impressive earnings in a viral post.
• People were fascinated by a Facebook video revealing the startling payslip of an unnamed chartered accountant, igniting intense discussions about salary transparency within the finance sector.

Source: Briefly News