Tax guides
Plain-language answers to the questions South Africans actually ask at filing time, every figure cited to SARS and tied to a free calculator that shows the working.
Do I need to submit a tax return in South Africa?
Earning under R500,000 from one employer doesn't always mean you're off the hook. Here's exactly who must file a SARS return for the 2026 tax year.
Foreign Employment Income Exemption South Africa: Is Your Overseas Salary Taxed by SARS?
Working abroad? The R1.25m foreign employment income exemption can shield your salary from SARS if you pass the 183/60-day tests. Here's how.
Freelancer and side income tax in South Africa: how SARS taxes what you earn on the side
How freelance and side income is taxed in South Africa: marginal rates, provisional tax, and the business expenses (and home office) you can deduct from SARS.
How is my bonus taxed in South Africa?
There is no special bonus tax rate in South Africa. Your bonus is taxed at your marginal rate – here's why so much PAYE comes off, with a worked example.
How to read your IRP5
What every code on your IRP5 means – 3601 income, 3701 travel, 3810 medical, 4102 PAYE, 4116 medical credit – and how to check it for the 2026 tax year.
Lump Sum Tax in South Africa: Retirement vs Withdrawal Explained
How lump sum tax in South Africa works: retirement gives R550,000 tax-free vs just R27,500 on withdrawal. See both SARS tables and a worked example.
Medical Tax Credits in South Africa, Explained
Medical tax credits South Africa explained for 2026 – see the exact monthly SARS amounts, who qualifies, and how to claim more on eFiling.
Retirement Annuity Tax Deduction in South Africa: The Section 11F Rule
How the retirement annuity tax deduction works in South Africa: the section 11F 27.5% rule, R350,000 cap, and carry-forwards explained.
Tax on Rental Income in South Africa: How It Works (2026 Tax Year)
How rental income is taxed in South Africa for the 2026 tax year – which expenses you can deduct, when it makes you a provisional taxpayer, and the workings.
Tax on Selling Property or Shares in South Africa
How capital gains tax works when you sell a house, a second property or shares in SA – the R2m and R40k exclusions, the 40% inclusion rate and your marginal rate.
Travel allowance tax in South Africa: how SARS treats it
How is travel allowance taxed in South Africa? The 80/20 PAYE rule, the logbook you must keep, and how to claim your deduction from SARS.