What This Calculator Estimates
South Africa's PAYE is administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and applies progressive tax brackets to employment income, so higher income slices are taxed at higher marginal rates. Employers deduct PAYE monthly through the payroll system and remit it to SARS. Because SARS updates tax brackets and rebates in the annual Budget Speech, this calculator uses an editable rate so your estimate can track the current bracket that applies to your income rather than a fixed figure that goes stale after the next budget.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter monthly salary.
- Enter the PAYE rate you want to use.
- Click Estimate PAYE.
- Review the monthly and annual estimate.
- Verify official payroll rules before relying on the result.
Related Calculators
Tax Calculator South Africa · Salary Calculator South Africa · Payroll Calculator
Tips for a More Accurate Estimate
- Compare this estimate to your IRP5 or payslip, since SARS's exact brackets are applied automatically by payroll software.
- Remember that primary, secondary, and tertiary rebates (based on age) reduce your actual tax owed — this estimate doesn't apply them automatically.
- UIF and other statutory contributions are calculated separately from PAYE.
- SARS typically updates brackets each year after the Budget Speech in February — refresh your assumptions accordingly.
- For annual reconciliation, your official tax return (via eFiling) determines your final liability, not this estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sets PAYE rates in South Africa?
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) administers PAYE, with tax brackets typically updated annually following the national Budget Speech.
Does this include UIF contributions?
No, this estimates PAYE only. Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) contributions are a separate statutory deduction on South African payslips.
Are primary, secondary, and tertiary rebates factored in?
Not automatically. SARS applies age-based rebates that reduce tax owed; if you want to account for them, subtract the applicable rebate from the estimated PAYE figure.
Is PAYE the same as annual income tax in South Africa?
PAYE is the monthly withholding mechanism for income tax. Your final annual tax liability is reconciled when you file your annual return with SARS, which may result in a refund or additional amount owed.
Where can I check the current official tax brackets?
SARS publishes updated tax tables each year on its official website following the Budget Speech — that's the best source for exact current figures.
Last updated: May 11, 2026