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United States vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison

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

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
vs
πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
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
10–37%
TCJA provisions extended; no sunset
No change
18–45%
Top rate maintained; NHI funding discussions
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
0–11%
No federal sales tax; state avg ~6–9%
No change
16%
VAT raised to 16% from 1 April 2026 (Budget 2025)
β–² +0.5pp vs 2025
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
21%
Federal flat; proposals to raise to 28% stalled
No change
27%
Stable; National Health Insurance funding debate
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
0–20%
+ 3.8% NIIT; thresholds inflation-adjusted
No change
~18%
Possible review of inclusion rate
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~15.3%
SS wage base ~$180,000 est. 2026
No change
~2%
NHI contribution framework being developed
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States β€” State & Local Taxes

The U.S. has 50 states each setting their own income tax (0%–13.3%). California tops at 13.3%, while Texas, Florida, and Nevada levy no state income tax. NYC adds its own income tax (up to 3.876%). Sales taxes vary from 0% (Oregon) to over 11% combined. Property taxes are primarily local. Some states like Washington have introduced capital gains levies.

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.

⚠️ 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.

United States vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (10–37% vs 18–45%). πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States is more favourable for high earners.

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (0–11% vs 16%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States offers a lower corporate rate (21% 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 20%), benefiting investors.

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