Switzerland vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
๐ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ side by side.
๐จ๐ญ Switzerland โ Cantonal & Communal Taxes
Switzerland's 26 cantons and ~2,200 communes independently set income and corporate tax rates. Zug (~12% combined top) and Nidwalden are among the lowest globally; Geneva and Vaud reach ~45% combined. Wealth tax is levied by cantons. Pillar Two supplementary tax is active for large MNCs. Inheritance and gift taxes are cantonal.
๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa โ Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax โ this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%โ2.5% 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.
Switzerland vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (0โ11.5% vs 18โ45%). ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (2.6โ8.1% vs 16%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland offers a lower corporate rate (26% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.
๐ Capital Gains: ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 18%), benefiting investors.