South African tax education
South African Tax Calculator: Estimate PAYE, Salary Tax, and Take-Home Pay
Estimate your South African tax, PAYE, and take-home pay with a clear calculator. Includes current tax-year assumptions, examples, and related guides.
Last updated: 17 May 2026
What this page helps with
This guide explains the topic in plain English, highlights the records or decisions that usually matter, and points you toward related SARS-focused resources. It avoids fixed current-year figures unless those details are verified from an official source.
Choose a calculator
Income tax calculator
PAYE calculator
Take-home pay calculator
Salary vs contractor calculator
How the calculator works
Tax year used
Income assumptions
PAYE, UIF, and rebates
What the calculator does not include
How to read your result
Gross salary vs net salary
Monthly vs annual estimate
Why your payslip may differ
Tax rates and tables
Current tax year
Thresholds and rebates
Marginal tax rates explained
Examples
Employee example
Contractor example
Salary comparison example
FAQ
Is this calculator accurate?
Does it include UIF?
Why is my payslip different?
Which tax year does it use?
Key points
- Explain the calculator’s assumptions
- State clearly that results are estimates
- Clarify which deductions are included
- Mention current tax-year data
- Link the calculator to explanatory guides
Practical examples
- Monthly salary estimate
- Annual salary estimate
- Contractor vs employee comparison
- Take-home pay from gross salary
FAQ
How accurate is the tax calculator?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the current rule or process with SARS. The answer can depend on the tax year, income type, and taxpayer category.
Does it include UIF?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the current rule or process with SARS. The answer can depend on the tax year, income type, and taxpayer category.
Does it include tax rebates?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the current rule or process with SARS. The answer can depend on the tax year, income type, and taxpayer category.
Why is my result different from my payslip?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the current rule or process with SARS. The answer can depend on the tax year, income type, and taxpayer category.
Is this calculator for employees or freelancers?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the current rule or process with SARS. The answer can depend on the tax year, income type, and taxpayer category.
Which tax year does it use?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm the current rule or process with SARS. The answer can depend on the tax year, income type, and taxpayer category.
Source and disclaimer
This site provides general educational information for South African taxpayers. It is not tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Tax rules and SARS processes can change, so verify current requirements with SARS or a qualified professional before acting.