South Africa tax rates
Africa · headline statutory rates, 2025 · Above average
In South Africa, the top statutory personal income tax rate is 45% (ranked #19 of 96 countries), the headline corporate income tax rate is 27%, and the standard VAT/GST rate is 15%. Capital gains for individuals are treated as: Effective up to 18% (40% inclusion at PIT rate). Overall it reads as a above average jurisdiction on headline rates — headline rates above the global middle. These are statutory top rates, not the effective tax most people pay, and not tax advice — verify with South Africa's official tax authority.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. Data as of June 2026.
South Africa tax rates at a glance
| Tax | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Top personal income tax rate | 45% |
| Corporate income tax rate | 27% |
| Standard VAT / GST | 15% |
| Capital gains (individuals) | Effective up to 18% (40% inclusion at PIT rate) |
| Employee social security | Employee UIF 1% |
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. Data as of June 2026.
Headline statutory rates (2025), compiled from PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries and cross-checked against OECD / Tax Foundation data. Rates change — confirm with the official tax authority before relying on them. This is not tax advice.
What these South Africa rates mean
The figures above are headline statutory rates: the top marginal personal income tax rate, the standard (not reduced) VAT/GST rate, and the main corporate rate. The top 45% income tax rate only bites on income above the highest bracket — the effective rate an average earner pays is lower. Consumption is taxed through VAT/GST at 15%, usually with reduced rates on essentials. Always layer in social security (Employee UIF 1%) and any local taxes for a full picture.
How South Africa ranks
| Measure | South Africa | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Top personal income tax | 45% | #19 of 96 |
| Corporate income tax | 27% | #17 of 96 |
| Standard VAT/GST | 15% | #58 of 87 |
Countries with a similar tax level to South Africa
The five countries closest to South Africa on overall headline tax level:
| Country | Top income tax | Corporate tax | VAT/GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa (this country) | 45% | 27% | 15% |
| Norway | 39.7% | 22% | 25% |
| Malta | 35% | 35% | 18% |
| Chile | 40% | 27% | 19% |
| India | 42.744% | 25% | 18% |
| Italy | 43% | 24% | 22% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the income tax rate in South Africa?
The top statutory personal income tax rate in South Africa is 45%. This is the highest marginal rate, which only applies above the top income threshold — most taxpayers pay less. It ranks #19 of 96 countries in our dataset by top rate. Headline rate as of 2025; verify with the official tax authority.
What is the corporate tax rate in South Africa?
South Africa's headline corporate income tax rate is 27%, ranking #17 of 96 by headline corporate rate. Effective rates can differ with incentives, surcharges and local taxes. Verify with the official authority.
Does South Africa have VAT or sales tax?
Yes — the standard VAT/GST rate in South Africa is 15%. Reduced rates often apply to food, medicine and other essentials.
Is South Africa a high-tax or low-tax country?
On headline statutory rates, South Africa looks like a above average jurisdiction — headline rates above the global middle. This is a rough signal from top rates only, not the effective tax an average person or company pays. Tax residency, deductions and treaties change the real picture. Not tax advice.
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Sources & accuracy
Headline rates for South Africa from PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, cross-checked with the OECD and Tax Foundation. Data as of June 2026; reflects roughly the 2025 tax year. These are statutory headline rates, not effective rates, and this page is general information, not tax advice — verify with South Africa's official tax authority and a qualified adviser before acting. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-20