Ethiopia vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
π° Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β side by side.
πͺπΉ Ethiopia β Regional State Taxes
Ethiopia's 11 regional states and 2 chartered cities (Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa) have their own revenue authorities. Regional states collect income tax on employees of regional civil servants and businesses registered in their regions. Agricultural income tax is exclusively regional, though poorly collected in rural areas. The Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) administers federal taxes. Addis Ababa has the most developed tax administration. Turnover tax (TOT) of 2% applies to businesses below VAT threshold.
πΏπ¦ South Africa β Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax β this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%β2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.
Ethiopia vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
π° Income Tax: πΏπ¦ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (0β35% vs 18β45%). πͺπΉ Ethiopia is more favourable for high earners.
π VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (15% vs 16%).
π’ Corporate Tax: πΏπ¦ South Africa offers a lower corporate rate (27% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
π Capital Gains: πͺπΉ Ethiopia taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 18%), benefiting investors.