Salary Calculator (South Africa)
Work out your real take-home pay after South African income tax and UIF contributions.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Your R35,000 breakdown
Annual Take-Home
R32,900
Monthly Take-Home
R2,742
Weekly Take-Home
R633
Income Tax
R0
UIF
R350
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Salary Breakdown Chart
Calculator Methodology
Based on 2026/27 SARS tax brackets (18%-45%), the primary rebate of R17,820 (plus age rebates of R9,765 at 65+ and R3,249 at 75+), and UIF at 1% of earnings capped at R212,544 annually. Results are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Tax laws and rates may change. Last verified: October 2026.
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How UK Salary Tax Works
Click through to understand each deduction step-by-step
Gross Salary
This is your total annual salary before any deductions.
Example:
£35,000
💡 Tip: This is the figure you negotiate with your employer.
Step 1 of 6
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How South African take-home pay works
Worked example: a R450,000 salary
On a gross salary of R450,000 with a 5% contribution, you would take home about R349,433 a year, or R29,119 a month. Tax and mandatory contributions take roughly 17% of gross pay.
| Gross salary | R450,000 |
| Income Tax | -R75,942 |
| UIF | -R2,125 |
| Retirement Fund (5%) | -R22,500 |
| Take-home pay | R349,433 |
The tax year and rebates
The SARS tax year runs from 1 March to the end of February. Income tax is progressive and rises to 45% at the top. Rebates come off the tax bill directly: a primary rebate of R17,820 for everyone, with extra rebates at 65 and 75. Your employer withholds PAYE every month.
UIF and the skills levy
UIF is 1% of pay up to an annual ceiling of R212,544, and your employer pays another 1%. The skills development levy is paid by employers only, so it does not appear on your payslip.
Retirement funding and medical credits
Contributions to a pension, provident or retirement annuity fund are deductible up to 27.5% of income, capped at R430,000 a year. The calculator applies that cap. Medical scheme fees also earn a monthly tax credit, which is not included here.
Common questions from South African employees
Why does my payslip show a different PAYE amount?
Payroll spreads your annual tax over the year and applies medical tax credits and fringe benefits. The calculator gives a standard annual estimate.
Do I need to file a tax return?
SARS auto-assesses many salaried employees now, but you should check your assessment on eFiling and correct it if deductions are missing.
Does age affect my tax?
Yes. People aged 65 and over get a secondary rebate and those 75 and over a tertiary rebate. Use the age option above to apply them.
Related: Pension calculator, Budget planner
Frequently Asked Questions
How is South African take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay is your gross salary minus income tax (after the primary rebate) and UIF contributions, after any retirement fund contribution.
What are the SARS income tax bands?
For 2026/27: 18% up to R245,100, rising progressively to 45% above R1,878,600.
What is the primary rebate?
A fixed amount (R17,820 for 2026/27) subtracted directly from your tax bill. People aged 65+ also get a secondary rebate of R9,765, and 75+ a tertiary rebate of R3,249. Use the age toggle to apply them.
What is UIF?
The Unemployment Insurance Fund, 1% of your pay, capped at a monthly earnings ceiling, matched by your employer.
Key Terms Explained
Plain-English definitions of the financial terms used in this calculator.
- Gross vs Net Income
- Gross income is your pay before deductions; net (take-home) pay is what lands in your bank after income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions and student loan repayments.
- Personal Allowance
- The amount of income you can earn each tax year before paying income tax, £12,570 for most people in the UK. It is reduced by £1 for every £2 earned above £100,000.
- National Insurance (NI)
- A UK payroll contribution that funds the State Pension and some benefits. Employees pay Class 1 NI on earnings above the primary threshold, deducted automatically through PAYE.
- Tax Band
- The income ranges taxed at different rates. In England, Wales and NI: basic rate 20%, higher rate 40% (above £50,270) and additional rate 45% (above £125,140). Scotland uses its own bands.
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Not Financial Advice: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and do not constitute financial advice, recommendations, or regulated advice. We are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always consult a qualified financial adviser for personalised advice. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Tax laws and rates may change. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
