SARS & Tax
How to register for tax, use SARS eFiling, submit your annual return, and handle first-time employee tax basics.
Quick PAYE estimator
Enter your gross salary to estimate your income tax using the 2027 tax-year brackets and rebates. This is an estimate only — medical credits and retirement deductions are not included.
How this estimate is worked out
Gross salary: R30 000 per month · Age group: Under 65 · 2027 tax year
| Bracket | Rate | Income taxed here | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 – R245 100 | 18% | R245 100 | R44 118 |
| R245 101 – R383 100Your bracket | 26% | R114 900 | R29 874 |
| Annual taxable income | R360 000 | ||
| Tax before rebates | R73 992 | ||
| Rebate applied (primary) | − R17 820 | ||
| Total PAYE for the year | R56 172 | ||
| PAYE per month | R4 681 | ||
Estimate based on the official SARS 2027 tax tables. Excludes medical scheme credits, retirement contributions and UIF. Source: sars.gov.za
Figures use the official SARS 2027 tax tables. Always confirm on sars.gov.za.
Key SARS dates
Tax Season deadlines, provisional tax, monthly PAYE/VAT dates and SARS holiday closures — with a printable PDF.
Open the SARS compliance calendarShowing 1–7 of 7 guides
Tax Benefits in South African Sport, Explained
Which tax benefits exist for sport in South Africa: section 10(1)(cO) exemptions for amateur clubs, section 18A deductible donations, sponsorship deductions, B-BBEE and athlete tax.
How to Register for SARS eFiling
Sign up for SARS eFiling to submit your tax return online. Step-by-step registration for individuals.
Why Are South Africans So Highly Taxed?
Plain-English explainer on South Africa's tax burden: tax-to-GDP ratio, the narrow taxpayer base, VAT, PAYE, and why Treasury avoids raising rates further.
How South Africans Can Get Better Tax Benefits
Plain-English guide to the legal SARS tax benefits most South Africans miss: retirement annuity deductions, TFSA limits, medical tax credits, interest exemptions, SBC rates and Section 18A donations for 2026/27.
VAT in South Africa Explained
Plain-English guide to VAT in South Africa: the 15% standard rate, zero-rated vs exempt supplies, the new R2.3 million registration threshold from 1 April 2026, input and output tax, tax invoice rules, and frequently asked questions.
Tax Evasion vs Tax Avoidance
Understand the difference between legal tax avoidance and criminal tax evasion in South Africa, including SARS GAAR rules and penalties under the Tax Administration Act.
How to Get a SARS Tax Number for the First Time
First-time SARS tax number registration for new employees. Do it online via eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, or at a SARS branch.