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South Africa vs Malaysia
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
vs
πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ Malaysia
Tax Year:

πŸ’° Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison β†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
0–30%
30% top rate; Pillar Two compliance measures
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
16%
VAT raised to 16% from 1 April 2026 (Budget 2025)
β–² +0.5pp vs 2025
10%
Service tax 8% maintained; GST return unlikely
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
24%
24% stable; potential reduction discussed for competitiveness
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
10–30%
CGT on unlisted shares fully embedded in system
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
~23%
EPF reviewing contribution rates and fund adequacy
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ 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%–2.5% 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.

πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ Malaysia β€” State & Local Authority Taxes

Malaysia's 13 states and 3 federal territories have limited independent taxing powers. States levy quit rent (cukai tanah) on land, assessment rates (cukai pintu/taksiran) on property through local councils, and royalties on natural resources. Petroleum royalties are a major state revenue in Sabah, Sarawak, and Terengganu. Local councils (majlis perbandaran) levy property assessment at 6%–12% of estimated annual rental value. No state income taxes exist β€” this is federal.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

South Africa vs Malaysia: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (18–45% vs 0–30%). πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ Malaysia is more favourable for high earners.

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 10%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ύ Malaysia offers a lower corporate rate (24% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.

πŸ“ˆ Capital Gains: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 30%), benefiting investors.

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