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South Africa vs United Kingdom
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‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom
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
0–45%
Thresholds remain frozen; fiscal drag continuing
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
0–20%
Standard 20% maintained
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
19–25%
25% main rate; possible future reform discussions
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
18–24%
Post-Oct 2024 rates in full effect
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
~28.3%
15% employer NI; lower secondary threshold remains
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‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom β€” Devolved, Council & Business Rates

Scotland sets its own income tax bands (six bands; top rate 48%). Wales has limited income tax-varying powers. Northern Ireland follows UK rates. All residents pay Council Tax to local authorities (typically Β£1,200–£4,000+/year). Business rates are set nationally but collected locally. SDLT applies to property purchases (LBTT in Scotland, LTT in Wales).

⚠️ 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 United Kingdom: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: South Africa and United Kingdom have similar top income tax rates (18–45% vs 0–45%).

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: United Kingdom has a higher consumption tax (16% vs 0–20%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom offers a lower corporate rate (25% 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 24%), benefiting investors.

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