What This Calculator Estimates
South African salaries are subject to PAYE income tax administered by SARS on a progressive 7-bracket system (18% to 45%), plus UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) contributions. This calculator computes your exact PAYE using the current 2026/27 brackets and rebates, plus UIF, automatically from your gross salary and age bracket — no manual rate entry required.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your annual gross salary.
- Select your age bracket (affects your rebate).
- Click Calculate PAYE & Take-Home Pay.
- Review your exact PAYE, UIF, and net take-home pay.
2026/27 SARS Tax Brackets & UIF
South Africa uses 7 progressive PAYE brackets for the tax year 1 March 2026 – 28 February 2027: 18% up to R245,100, 26% up to R383,100, 31% up to R530,200, 36% up to R695,800, 39% up to R887,000, 41% up to R1,878,600, and 45% above that. A primary rebate of R17,820/year is subtracted directly from the computed tax (not from income) for everyone, plus a secondary rebate of R9,765 if you are 65 or older, and a tertiary rebate of R3,249 if you are 75 or older (stacking with the secondary rebate). This creates tax-free thresholds of R99,000/year (under 65), R153,250/year (65–74), and R171,300/year (75+). UIF is 1% of remuneration, capped at R177.12/month (earnings ceiling R17,712/month) — your employer matches this 1% but only your portion reduces take-home pay. This calculator applies all of the above automatically.
Worked Example
On an annual salary of R300,000: the first R245,100 is taxed at 18% (R44,118), and the remaining R54,900 at 26% (R14,274), for R58,392 total before the rebate. Subtracting the R17,820 primary rebate gives R40,572/year in PAYE. UIF adds R177.12/month (R2,125.44/year, since this salary exceeds the UIF earnings ceiling). Net take-home is roughly R257,300/year before any other deductions.
Official Sources
SARS — South African Revenue Service (official tax tables, rebates, and UIF guidance)
Related Calculators
Tax Calculator South Africa · PAYE Calculator South Africa · Salary Calculator Kenya
Tips for a More Accurate Estimate
- This calculator already applies the exact current SARS brackets, rebates, and UIF cap automatically.
- Select your correct age bracket, since the secondary and tertiary rebates only apply at 65 and 75.
- Factor in medical aid and retirement fund contributions if your employer offers them.
- Treat annual bonuses separately, since they can affect your marginal tax rate for that portion.
- Confirm your tax directive status if you have unusual income sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What deductions typically apply to a South African salary?
PAYE income tax (progressive brackets via SARS) and UIF contributions are the main statutory deductions, with medical aid or retirement fund contributions sometimes also affecting the payslip depending on employer benefits.
Does this calculator compute exact PAYE automatically?
Yes. It applies the current 2026/27 SARS progressive brackets, your age-based rebate, and UIF automatically from your gross salary — no manual rate entry needed.
What is UIF and how much is typically deducted?
UIF is a mandatory unemployment insurance contribution, with both employee and employer contributing a percentage of salary up to a monthly ceiling set by the Department of Employment and Labour.
Are bonuses taxed the same way as regular salary?
Bonuses are generally added to annual taxable income and can push you into a higher effective tax bracket for that portion, so treat bonus taxation separately from a simple salary estimate.
How can I estimate my true take-home pay?
Combine this salary calculator with the PAYE Calculator South Africa and account for UIF and any additional employer-specific deductions for the most complete estimate.
Last updated: May 11, 2026